Headache Blog Part II: Tension Type Headaches

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Headache Blog Part II: Tension Type Headaches

This week we’ll focus on “Tension Type” headaches and the symptoms and treatments associated with them. About 38% of adults have had a tension type headache. They are usually mild to moderate in intensity, and typically tend to get worse as the day goes on. Tension type headaches are not always a direct result of muscular tension, but can also be caused by “trigger points” or knots in your muscles that refers pain from your neck and upper back muscles.

Characteristics of Tension Type Headaches:

• Mild to Moderate Intensity
• Pain is usually felt up the back of the neck or across your forehead from temple to temple
• Neck stiffness may accompany
• Usually gets worse as the day goes on

Treatment options:

• Chiropractic Care
• Massage Therapy/Trigger Point Therapy
• Postural /Ergonomic Changes
• Behavioral Changes (sleeping habits, decreasing stress, stretching exercises)
• Proper Hydration

Signs It’s Not a Tension Headache:

• You are experiencing visual disturbances (commonly known as Auras)
• Associated nausea and or vomiting
• Extremely Intense - worst headache you have ever had
• Pain is mostly located behind your eye
  
  
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Headache Blog Part 1

Headache Blog Part 1: General Info

We all get them, headache's. It can range from mild to severe, short or long lasting. The bottom line is, they’re annoying and painful, and may not always easy to get rid of.

There are many different types of headaches: Tension Headaches, Migraine Headaches, and Cluster Headaches. All have different causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Our Headache blog will be broken down into 4 parts, with today's focusing mostly on general headache information. The following blogs will focus on the above mentioned types of headaches.

Causes of Headaches:

• Musculoskeletal issues: tight muscles/spasms/trigger points, stiff neck, restricted joints in the upper back/neck region, poor posture
• Dehydration
• Injury (i.e.: whiplash)
• Family History
• Age
• Triggers such as food, smells, noises, lighting etc.

Headache Red Flags:

Sometimes Headaches can be a sign of a much more serious problem. Here are some common Red Flags, which should be taken very seriously.

• Sudden Severe Headache (“worst headache you have ever had”) - associated with Strokes
• Headache sustained from head trauma – possible indication of a Concussion
• Headaches that cause confusion, drowsiness, or giddiness – associated with Strokes
• Headaches that cause Neurological changes – associated with Strokes or possible Tumor
• Headaches that cause vomiting without the presence of nausea – associated with Strokes
• Headaches that cause neck stiffness, with or without the presence of a fever – often associated with Meningitis

In these cases, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

Options for Care:

• Chiropractic Care
• Acupuncture
• Staying properly hydrated
• Stretching
• Modifying Behavior such as sleep, diet, exercise when necessary
• Supplements
• Avoiding know triggers (in the cases of those who suffer from Migraine Headaches)

Read us next time for some important information on “Tension Type” Headaches. 

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