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Tension headaches, also known as muscle contraction headaches, are the most common type of primary headache. They are usually caused by stress and chronically tense muscles in the neck and scalp. They can be triggered by any activity that causes the head to be held in one position for a long time, such as typing, computer work, or sleeping in an abnormal position. Tension headaches can also be caused by muscle strains, tears, or whiplash injuries. They are characterized by steady and constant pain on both sides of the head and often respond well to treatment. However, if left untreated, they can interfere with daily life and work.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Tension headache, Muscle contraction headache, Stress headache, Psychomyogenic headache |
| Causes | Stress, Muscle strain, Whiplash, Overextension of neck muscles, Head injury, Anxiety, Depression, Sleep position, Cold room, Genetics, Environment, Poor posture, Grinding teeth, Bright lights, Glare, Pressure changes, Food, Sex |
| Symptoms | Constant or daily pain, Mild or moderate intensity, No nausea or vomiting, No light sensitivity, No aggravation due to physical activity, Pain in neck and shoulder areas, Sleep disturbances, Speech, vision or movement problems, Repeated vomiting, High fever, Stiff neck |
| Treatment | Massaging sore muscles, Keeping warm, Changing pillow or sleeping position, Improving posture, Exercising neck and shoulders, Getting adequate sleep, Avoiding triggers, Keeping a headache diary, Prescription medicines, Mouth guard or splint, Painkillers |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, MRI of the head, neck or spine, CT scan of the head and neck |
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What You'll Learn
Muscle strain and stress
Tension headaches are usually caused by stress and chronically tense muscles. They can be sore, but they do not cause nausea, vomiting, or light sensitivity. Tension headaches typically present as a steady and constant pain that occurs on both sides of the head. They can happen daily when one is undergoing periods of intense stress. They can occur as a direct result of injury, whiplash, or muscle strain, or occasionally out of the blue for no apparent reason.
The exact cause of tension headaches is still unknown, but doctors think that your surrounding environment or genetics could play a role in developing tension-type headaches. Muscular contractions in the neck or head can also contribute to this kind of headache. Overextension of the neck muscles in the gym, during sports, or in the case of whiplash injuries can also trigger them. Some people are predisposed to suffer from tension headaches when they experience stressful events or have an extremely hectic day. However, the underlying root cause that brings on the headache is probably tense, overused, or strained muscles that one is not consciously aware of.
Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common type of primary headache and is often linked to stress, poor posture, and muscle tension. TTH occurs repetitively and may be categorized into episodic TTH, with frequent and infrequent subtypes, and chronic TTH. TTH causes greater disability and accounts for more missed workdays than migraines. The pathogenesis is thought to involve heightened sensitivity of the central nervous system, particularly in the trigeminal system, and muscle contraction in the head and neck region.
Tension headaches can be treated at home with ice, heat, and anti-inflammatory medications. Severe strains or tears may require medical treatment. It is recommended to consult a physician or physical therapist to determine the actual cause of the symptoms.
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Whiplash injuries
Tension headaches are a common type of headache that can be caused by muscle strains, tears, or whiplash injuries. Whiplash is an injury to the neck, caused when the neck bends forcibly forward and then backward, or vice versa. This often affects the muscles, disks, nerves, and tendons in the neck.
Tension headaches can be a direct result of whiplash, as the injury can cause the muscles in the neck and head to contract and become tense. These headaches are often described as a dull, pressing, or band-like tightening, and they can last from 30 minutes to 7 days. They are usually mild or moderate in intensity and are often worse in the evening.
The symptoms of tension headaches caused by whiplash can include neck and shoulder muscle tightness, as well as sleep disturbances. They may also be accompanied by stress, fatigue, noise, or glare, which can trigger or worsen the pain. People with tension headaches often try to relieve the pain by massaging their scalp, temples, or the bottom of their necks.
If you suspect you have whiplash, it is important to see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis and specific treatment recommendations. They may recommend tests such as X-rays or CT scans to evaluate the extent of the injury and rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.
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Overextension of neck muscles
Overextension of the neck muscles, also known as whiplash, can occur during sports, gym exercises, or car accidents. It is caused by a sudden, forceful motion of the neck, which damages the soft tissues and joints in the neck. This can result in trauma to the cervical muscles, intervertebral ligaments, discs, and joints.
The first symptom of whiplash is often neck pain, which may appear immediately after the injury or a few days later. Other symptoms include stiffness, muscle spasms, headaches, tingling, and tenderness in the neck. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to determine the severity of the injury and receive appropriate treatment.
Whiplash can be diagnosed through a series of exams, including X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. Treatment options may include muscle relaxants, prescription medications, numbing injections, or a soft cervical collar to limit neck movement and prevent further damage. Physical therapy may also be recommended to improve range of motion and reduce neck pain.
Tension headaches, which can be caused by whiplash or muscle strain, are characterized by steady and constant pain on both sides of the head. They are typically not associated with nausea, vomiting, or light sensitivity. These headaches can be triggered by stress, poor posture, or muscle tension, and may occur daily during periods of intense stress.
To manage tension headaches, it is recommended to keep a headache diary to identify triggers and make necessary lifestyle changes. Maintaining good posture, exercising the neck and shoulders, and getting adequate sleep and rest can also help prevent and manage tension headaches.
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Muscle contractions
TTH occurs repetitively and can be categorised into episodic TTH, with frequent and infrequent subtypes, and chronic TTH. The exact cause of TTH is still unknown, but doctors believe that environmental factors or genetics may play a role in its development. Overextension of neck muscles during physical activities, whiplash injuries, and stressful events can trigger TTH.
Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are specific areas located in skeletal muscles that are implicated in the pathogenesis of TTH. Excessive contractions of the pericranial musculature, a presumed trigger point for TTH, can lead to ischemia and the release of noxious substances, resulting in further pain. Over time, these trigger points can become latent or active, causing constant pain.
Physical examinations of patients with TTH have revealed decreased muscle strength in the neck extensor muscles, resulting in a reduced cervical extension/flexion ratio compared to healthy individuals. TTH patients may also experience shoulder or neck muscle tightness and sleep disturbances.
To manage TTH, it is recommended to keep a headache diary to identify triggers and make necessary lifestyle changes. Reducing stress and tension, maintaining good posture, exercising the neck and shoulders, and getting adequate sleep and rest can also help prevent and manage TTH.
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Treatment and prevention
Tension headaches, the most common type of headache, are often linked to stress, poor posture, and muscle tension. They are typically treated through a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy.
If you are experiencing tension headaches, it is recommended that you keep a headache diary to help identify your triggers. This can include recording the duration, severity, and factors that aggravate or relieve the pain. Common triggers include stress, fatigue, noise, glare, and sleep issues.
To prevent tension headaches, it is important to address these triggers and make necessary lifestyle changes. This can include improving your posture, especially when reading, working, or engaging in other activities that require close attention. Additionally, exercising your neck and shoulders while working on computers or doing other close-up work can help. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, getting enough rest, and eating regular meals are also recommended.
For immediate relief from tension headaches, massaging sore muscles and applying warmth to the affected areas can be helpful. In some cases, over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen may be effective. However, it is important to use these medicines carefully, as overuse can lead to more headaches.
If lifestyle changes and home treatments are ineffective, healthcare providers can recommend prescription medications or therapies such as physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation therapy, or biofeedback to address tension headaches.
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Frequently asked questions
Tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache. They are usually caused by stress and chronically tense muscles. They can be a result of muscle strains, tears, or whiplash injuries.
Tension headaches are characterised by a steady and constant pain that occurs on both sides of the head. They are usually mild or moderate in intensity and are not aggravated by routine physical activity. They can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 7 days.
Tension headaches are often caused by stress, poor posture, and muscle tension. Any activity that causes the head to be held in one position for a long time without moving can cause a tension headache. This includes activities such as typing, computer work, fine work with the hands, and using a microscope. Sleeping in a cold room or with the neck in an abnormal position may also trigger a tension headache.
If you have a mild to moderate tension headache without other symptoms, you may be able to treat it at home without medical attention. Massaging the scalp, temples, or the bottom of the neck may help. Keeping a headache diary can help you identify your headache triggers so that you can make changes to your lifestyle to reduce the number of headaches you get.
To prevent tension headaches, it is important to reduce stress and tension as much as possible. Practising good posture when reading, working, or doing other activities can help. It is also important to exercise the neck and shoulders frequently when working on computers or doing other close work.
