TENSION-TYPE HEADACHES

TENSION-TYPE HEADACHES

Tension-type headaches are the most common type of headaches, affecting upto 50% of headache sufferers, this is followed by cervicogenic headaches which affect up to 30% of the population.

Both types of headaches are usually associated with an accompanying musculoskeletal issue. 

Tension-type headaches are classified as primary headaches, meaning they are not caused by another medical condition. They are typically bilateral in nature, affecting both sides of the head.

CAUSES OF TENSION-TYPE HEADACHES

The cause of tension-type headaches is still uncertain, researcher’s think sufferers may have increased sensitivity within their central nervous system, heightening their susceptibility to pain. Studies have also shown a link between tension-type headaches and myofascial trigger points in the neck and shoulder muscles. Trigger points are taut bands within a muscle that cause pain both locally and referred to surrounding muscles.

Infrequent (episodic) tension-type headaches are normally triggered by environmental factors including stress, musculoskeletal causes, and posture; whereas chronic tension-type headaches (more than 15 headaches a month) are more likely caused by genetic factors. 

PRESENTATION OF TENSION-TYPE HEADACHES

The brain is insensitive to pain meaning the pain from a headache does not stem from the brain itself. The pain typically occurs within the tissues and structures surrounding the brain as well as soft tissue of the neck, shoulders, scalp and face. Myotherapy can be very effective in treating tension-type headaches as myotherapists have a thorough understanding of the musculature and relevant trigger points often involved in tension-type headaches.

TENSION-TYPE HEADACHE SYMPTOMS

  • The pain is often described as a tightness or pressing of the head which is mild to moderate in intensity.

  • Pain is often felt in the forehead and the back of the head and neck

  • Pain can last anywhere from 30min to a week

  • The pain is not made worse by activity

  • The pain is not accompanied by nausea

  • Patients may experience sensitivity to noise or light but not both

  • Does not typically affect neck movement

DO YOU SUFFER FROM CHRONIC HEADACHES?

Chronic headaches are classified as experiencing 15 or more headaches a month and lasting for more than 4 hours.

TREATING TENSION TYPE HEADACHES

Myotherapy can be very beneficial in the treatment of tension type headaches. A combination of techniques used below often provide good results for headache sufferers.

  • Joint mobilisation

  • Massage of the surrounding neck, shoulder and facial muscles

  • Heat

  • Cervical mobility exercises


HOW DO TENSION-TYPE HEADACHES DIFFER FROM CERVICOGENIC HEADACHES?

Cervicogenic headaches originate from a dysfunction of vertebral joints, discs, and nerves within the neck. Cervicogenic headaches tend to affect the mobility of the neck, whereas tension-type headaches do not. The typical Cervicogenic headache symptoms are show below.

  • Primarily arises from the upper c2-c3 area of the neck (near base of the skull)

  • Ram’s head presentation, and primarily unilateral affecting just one side of the head

  • Up to 44% of sufferers have TMJ issues or symptoms

  • Can be accompanied with shoulder or radicular pain

  • Can be provoked by sustained or awkward neck positions

  • Pain is moderate to severe and can last an hour to weeks

  • Often affects your neck range of movement


More information on Cervicogenic headaches can be found here.