Tension headache is a common condition , even though we usually play it down when it occurs, unless it is too intense and persistent pain it is unusual for people to take measures to avoid this type of ailment.

As for headaches, tension headache is the most common type that exists. In this article we will see what this condition consists of, what its main characteristics and causes are, the differences with other types of headaches , as well as its diagnosis and specific treatments.

What is tension headache?

Tension headache is a continuous pain around the head , as if the subject had a very tight elastic band around his skull. The intensity and frequency of this type of headache is variable.

The symptoms often depend on the subject’s stress levels, and when they do occur it usually lasts from thirty minutes to two hours.

Characteristics of this type of headache

Tension headache is mainly characterized by a pattern of tension in specific areas of the body that triggers the headache. The areas of the body where pressure generates this type of headache are the following .

  • Scalp.
  • Head.
  • Heads.
  • Neck.
  • Shoulders.

When it happens that the muscles in these areas contract as a result of tension , tension headache is generated. The prevalence of this condition occurs mostly in adults, especially women. The following is a review of its main causes.

Main causes

Stress, anxiety, depression, or head trauma are the most commonly recorded causes of tension headaches. Some of these causes may be of a hereditary nature , which would generate a predisposition.

Over time, certain specific jobs can produce tension headaches in people. Especially those jobs where it is necessary to stay in front of a computer for a long time.

Laboratory work, where it is necessary to use the microscope for a long time, can also cause this type of headache, as well as other work where the person has to perform a considerable visual effort for a long time .

The position of the neck has a direct influence on headaches. Maintaining an atypical position while sitting or sleeping will cause our neck to be loaded with muscle tension, which will inevitably trigger headache.

Risky habits

The biological habits associated with this type of headache are as follows: frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages, excess caffeine during the day (or no caffeine at all), and exaggerated consumption of cigarettes.

The habit of constant tooth grinding can also cause the subject to have tension headache, due to the tension generated in the muscles of the neck and face.

Differences with other similar discomforts

As we have seen above, there are different types of headaches, and each one has its own characteristics. The most significant difference is the area where the greatest amount of tension is felt in the head .

In migraines, acute pain usually appears on one side of the front of the head, while in tension headache the discomfort is less intense and appears around the head . On the other hand, in headache caused by problems in the neck, the pain appears in the back of the skull, behind the crown.

Other less frequent types of headaches are stress, sexual and cryostimulus headaches. In these types of headaches the cause does not respond to emotional or organic origins, but rather to specific situations that cause the discomfort.

Diagnosis

In a semi-structured interview, the patient is asked to describe his or her headache, ranking the levels on a scale according to the intensity and frequency at which it occurs. In addition, normally an electroencephalogram is required to rule out any very specific organic cause .

Treatments

Once the diagnosis is made, the best treatment to control or eliminate the headaches is determined, which is adapted in each case taking into account the characteristics of the person and his or her habits. On many occasions, cognitive behavioural therapy is used to identify and modify the negative thoughts that generate stress and anxiety in the subject .

When the headache is acute and intense, the best thing to do is to take some medicine to calm it down; ibuprofen is one of the most common drugs in these circumstances, and its use must be prescribed by the doctor.
Under no circumstances should we self-medicate, as the consequences can be worse, from nosebleeds to kidney problems.

Some things we can do to prevent headaches in our lives are the following:

  • Getting away from stressors .
  • Maintain a balanced diet.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Avoid the use of electronic devices before sleeping.

Bibliographic references:

  • Greenberg D, Aminoff M, Simon R (2012). Clinical Neurology 8/E:Chapter 6. McGraw Hill Professional.
  • Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (2008). Diagnosis and management of headache in adults. Edinburgh: NHS Quality Improvement Scotland.