Tension headaches
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
Electrical stimulation
Short and long wave
Laser therapy
Ultrasonic therapy
Magnatic therapy
Exercises
Chiropractic