Tension headaches are one of the most common types of headaches. Tension headaches are often accompanied by muscular tension, for example in the throat or neck area. The pain usually occurs for the first time in adulthood from the age of 20.
Further information and selected specialists for tension headaches can be found below.
Headaches are one of the most common complaints today.
A distinction can be made between secondary and primary headaches:
Tension headaches are primary headaches. Statistically, every second adult is affected at least once a year.
A distinction can also be made between episodic and chronic tension headaches. With episodic tension headaches, the symptoms occur on one to 15 days per month. If there are more than 15 headache days, it is referred to as a chronic tension headache.
Tension headaches can reduce quality of life © vectorfusionart / Fotolia
A dull pain on both sides is the main symptom of tension headaches. Patients often experience the pain as "like being in a vice" or a "ring around the head". However, the sensation of pain differs from person to person. This applies to both the intensity and duration of the pain.
Tension headaches can be differentiated from migraines on the basis of a number of factors. With a migraine, the pain occurs more often on one side and behind the eyes and at the temples. Tension headaches, on the other hand, are characterized by the "tightness" described above. Furthermore, the accompanying symptoms typical of a migraine, such as an aura, tend not to occur with tension headaches.
Like migraines, tension headaches can also cause a slight sensitivity to light or sound. However, visual disturbances, nausea or vomiting do not normally occur with tension headaches.
It is not possible to pinpoint the exact causes of tension headaches. However, tension in the shoulder and neck muscles is suspected to be a contributing factor. Trigger points in particular are often considered by experts to be the cause.
Trigger points are hardenings of the skeletal muscles. They are not only sensitive to pressure, but can also cause pain in other parts of the body. Trigger points in the shoulder and neck muscles in particular - for example in the trapezius muscle - can lead to tension headaches. If these trigger points are resolved, the headaches often disappear too.
See the principle of trigger point treatment in the video:
There are also other sources of danger that can at least contribute to tension headaches. One of these is permanent strain on the muscles. This in turn can lead to the formation of trigger points and further tension.
The stress factor should also not be underestimated. Mental illness often also plays a role in the development of tension headaches.
Genetic predisposition is also often discussed.
In summary, the following causes can lead to tension headaches:
The diagnosis is made by ruling out other illnesses. The doctor not only subjects the patient to a number of examinations, but also asks specific questions. These questions may relate to the patient's general life situation, for example. The doctor also wants to find out whether an injury could have caused the headache.
In addition, the doctor will ask how the pain feels and when it occurs. If it only occurs during physical activity, for example, there is probably no tension headache. Tension headaches do not usually get worse with physical activity.
In addition, the attending physician can also
to rule out other illnesses.
There is no generally applicable form of therapy. The doctor always discusses possible therapies with the patient on an individual basis. The symptoms of the affected person and the triggers, if these can be localized, are decisive for the therapy to be used.
As a first aid measure, headache patients can try out whether
provides relief. Peppermint oil (also available as Japanese medicinal plant oil) has also often proved effective as a home remedy. A small drop of the essential oil is dabbed onto the painful area, for example on the back of the neck or on the forehead. Do not apply the peppermint oil to the eyes or mucous membranes and only use small amounts.
The cooling effect of menthol has a positive effect on headaches and can make a headache tablet superfluous.
Mint oil has a cooling effect © unpict / Fotolia
If, for example, muscle tension or trigger points in the muscles are suspected triggers, targeted physiotherapy can help. However, the removal of trigger points can be painful for the patient. However, this pain does not usually last long, so that relief soon sets in.
In the case of muscular problems, the patient can also take prophylactic measures. A correct sitting posture - for example when working in an office - can help to reduce muscle cramps. Varied movements in everyday life and targeted exercises strengthen the neck and shoulder muscles and make them more resistant.
Incorrect loads, such as shopping bags or luggage carried on one side, should be avoided.
The correct sitting posture can reduce muscle tension and thus also tension headaches © inegvin / Fotolia
In the case of stress or mental illness, special breathing techniques or relaxation exercises can alleviate the symptoms of stress. If the tension headache is caused by psychological problems, referral to a specialist is another option.
Another form of therapy is the administration of medication. It should be noted that although the symptoms are alleviated, the causes are not eliminated. However, if the tension headache reaches an intolerable level, medication can at least provide short-term relief. However, they are not a permanent option.
If the cause is muscular tension, the doctor may also prescribe muscle relaxant medication. However, there must be no contraindications (factors that preclude the administration of medication).
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