TENSION TYPE HEADACHES.
Tension type headaches are associate with a feeling of tightness occurring on both sides of the head and/or on the front side. It can also be felt on the neck. Mostly associated with shoulder/neck soreness. The pain can be mild to moderate mostly, sometimes intense. Strenuous activities have been linked to this kind of headaches like watching or using computer for long, driving for long among others.
There are no known specific causes of tension headaches, however they have been linked to;
- Brain neurotransmitters
- Myofascial tenderness &
- Genetics
Females are more likely to experience it compared to males, however no specific reason behind the allegations.
This is the most common type of primary headaches, it’s characterized by;
- dull and aching pain
- forehead/bilateral head tightness or feeling of pressure
- neck and shoulder muscle tenderness
They can be classified into infrequent, frequent episodic tension headache and chronic tension headaches.
Chronic tension headaches are difficult to distinguish from migraines, however unlike migraines, chronic tension headaches are not worsened by light or sound, and neither does physical activity worsen chronic tension headaches.
Your physician may prescribe pain killers, or advice on stress management classes, biofeedback, acupuncture, CBT, spinal manipulation-cervical and massage.
Lifestyle modification in management of tension headaches include;
- Avoid smoking.
- Get enough sleep but not too much.
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat balanced diet.
- Drink more water/fluids.
- Limit use of sugar and caffeine.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Avoid straining yourself.
It’s always advisable that you avoid over the counter medications, this helps prevent dependence on pain killers and missed diagnosis during your visit to the physician.
