Tension-type headache is one of the headache types accompanied with compressing, unpleasant sensations. “Head in the clutches” is the most precise characteristic of the condition. The main causes of the episodic tension-type headache are stress and mental strain. The disease is quite common and is diagnosed in more than 60 % of the population. Tension-type headache is much more common for women. It is important to know how to treat the tension-type headache.
Strong wind, weather change, night work, stay in a suffocating premise, mental overstrain, sedentary job may cause an increase in headache.
Causes of muscular tension-type headaches in children are long stay in sedentary position, inconformity of the desk height to the child’s height, poor nutrition, mental strain, stuffiness, weather change, endocrine changes.
Tension-type headache can be episodic and chronic.
- Symptoms of the headache of physical tension of the muscles. The main manifestations of the tension-type headache are compressing, constricting pains, weakness, rapid fatigability, irritability. A patient may complain of insomnia, absence of appetite and difficulty focusing. Pain intensifiers are loud sounds, bright light, hair combing and wearing of a headgear.
- Headache in case of nerve strain. Predisposing factors are conflict situations, psychological overstrain, depression. Headaches in this case are undulating, weakening (disappearing) when the person is distracted from the traumatic situation. For example, patients notice a significant improvement in their general condition in nature, among friends, when watching a comedy, on a trip.
How to relieve tension-type headache symptoms? Psychotherapy sessions, relaxing massage, physical therapy, yoga, autotraining help.
- The main manifestations of muscle tension headache are dull pain in the back of the head, tension of the neck and shoulder muscles, pressing pain in the temples. Hot shower, exercise therapy and relaxing massage of the collar area help to reduce pain manifestations.
- Muscle tension headaches in children. Tension-type headaches are often diagnosed in adolescents. The manifestations of the disease are very similar: dull pressing pain, distraction, irritability, tension of the neck muscles, general weakness. Besides, patients often complain of heartache, tachycardia and decreased appetite.
In addition to examination and study of the medical history, a doctor will prescribe additional examinations, such as computer diagnostics and MRI, X-ray of the cervical spine and skull with special functional tests, rheoencephalography and ultrasound examination of the head vessels.
Muscle soreness is determined by palpation, and the state of the pericranial muscles is determined using a pressor algometer.
More information on on our website. If you need an additional examination, book an appointment at a time convenient to you. A doctor will answer your questions and tell you about the diagnostic criteria of tension-type headache. You can book an appointment on the website or by phone.
Therapy depends on the form of the tension-type headache.
Treatment of the episodic tension-type headache includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Meloxicam), muscle relaxants (Mydocalm, Tizanidine), sedatives, B vitamins, nootropics. Massage, physiotherapy and acupuncture will be an effective addition. Exercises and massage in case of the tension-type headache will have a positive effect only if they are performed regularly. An exercise therapy doctor will help you to choose the exercise therapy complex.
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Prozac, Paxil);
- tricyclic antidepressants;
- sedatives;
- physical therapy (electrophoresis, electrosleep);
- massage of neck and collar area;
- acupuncture.
The course of pharmacological therapy for the tension-type headache lasts not less than two months. The result of such therapy will be the normalization of psychovegetative activity: a decrease in the level of anxiety, emotional stress, improvement of sleep and normalization of mood.
How to get rid of a severe headache in case of nervous tension: folk medicine will help. Massage of pain points with lemon oil, ingestion of a decoction of thyme (having a sedative effect), applying basketplant leaves to the temples are effective additions to the main treatment.
Listen to the recommendations of experts to avoid such a common condition as tension-type headache. These are simple and easily performed. Remember that prevention is always better than any treatment.
Concentrate on positive moments, no matter what happens.
If you still have questions and need help from a specialist, book an appointment. A doctor will answer all your questions and tell you about the incipient characters of the headache of physical tension of the muscles. Book an appointment on the website or by phone.
Article author - Valentina Dzhumik, M.D.
Publication date: 08.01.2021
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