Tension headache

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. Stress and muscle tension are often factors in these headaches. Tension headaches typically don’t cause nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. They do cause a steady ache, rather than a throbbing one, and tend to affect both sides of the head. Tension headaches may be chronic, occurring often, or every day.

Causes a tension headache

The exact mechanism that causes a tension headache is not known. Several factors, such as genetics and environment, are thought to be involved. Muscle contractions in the head and neck are considered a major factor in the development of a tension headache. Some people get tension headaches in response to stressful events or hectic days.

Symptoms of a tension headache

These are common symptoms of a tension headache:

  • Slow onset of the headache
  • Head usually hurts on both sides
  • Pain is dull or feels like a band or vice around the head
  • Pain may involve the back part of the head or neck
  • Pain is usually mild to moderate, but not severe

The symptoms of tension headaches may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Treatment tension headaches

The goal of treatment is to stop headaches from occurring. Good headache management depends on reducing stress and tension. Some suggestions include:

  • Going to sleep and waking at the same time each day
  • Exercising regularly each day for at least 30 minutes
  • Eating regular meals without skipping any, especially breakfast
  • Avoiding headache triggers, such as certain foods and lack of sleep
  • Resting in a quiet, dark environment as needed
  • Stress management (yoga, massage, or other relaxation exercises)
  • Medicine, as recommended by your healthcare provider

At Alimran Medical Center, we may recommend any of the following treatments

Pulsed radiofrequency

Botox® injections

Acupuncture

Regenerative medicine treatment (Prolotherapy)

Ozone injection

Sigma

Neurons stimulation

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, rTMS

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)

Steroid injection

  • Trigger point injections

Physiotherapy

 

Alimran Medical center