Almost every human being has had a headache at some point in their lives. They stem from a range of causes and can have varying levels of frequency and severity. Approximately 40% of the world population, or more than three billion people, is affected by some type of headache disorder.
Tension headaches are the most common type. These have distinct characteristics as well as different triggers and causes. For this reason, effective treatments are also unique and varied.
If you are wondering, "What is a tension headache?" keep reading. This article explains the causes and symptoms, as well as some effective treatments and preventive measures. It will help you determine if tension headaches impact you and what to do about it.
What Is a Tension Headache?
While they can have different symptoms and causes, tension headaches are extremely common. In fact, about 80% of all Americans experienced them on occasion.
What is a tension headache? They are feelings of pressure or tightness around the head, accompanied by a dull pain.
This is often in the form of a band around the skull, or specifically across the forehead, sides, or back of the head. However, tension headaches can cause pain all over the scalp and not just at one or several points.
The pain of tension headaches is usually mild to moderate, though it can be severe in rare cases. They usually last for a few hours at most, but some can persist for many days (up to a week), in some instances.
There are three types of tension headaches. Infrequent episodic ones happen one day a month or fewer. Frequent episodic tension headaches occur less than 15 days a month for at least three months.
Chronic tension headaches are more prevalent. These occur 15 times or more every month for three months, regardless of severity. They are less common than both types of episodic tension headaches, affecting only about 3 percent of headache sufferers.
Are There Risk Factors for Tension Headaches?
People of all ages can get tension headaches. However, they are most common in adults and older teens. One study showed that people in their 40s were more likely to be affected by episodic tension headaches.
Tension headaches are also more common in women than in men. In fact, about 50% more people who experience tension headaches are women.
What Are the Symptoms of Tension Headaches?
Besides head pain itself, people with tension headaches can experience other symptoms. They may feel the need to massage their scalp, temples, or neck, in an effort to relieve the pain. Insomnia is another common side effect.
People with tension headaches may experience nausea and vomiting. Sensitivity to glare and light is another symptom, although these are more common with migraines (see below) and other types of headaches.
Finally, tension headaches can diminish a person's overall quality of life. This can manifest in many different ways. These include trouble focusing, crankiness, or feeling exceedingly tired.
People who get tension headaches may find it difficult to focus at work or on personal projects. Tension headaches can negatively impact social interactions. They can make sufferers less willing to participate in activities with family or friends.
What Are the Causes and Triggers of Tension Headaches?
There are many and varied causes of tension headaches. The name "tension" headache in part comes from a theory that the pain is caused by muscle contractions. These are usually in the face, neck, and scalp, as a result of stress or tension.
This direct link is still being studied and debated in the scientific community. However, there is broad consensus that stress is a major (if not the main) cause of tension headaches.
This includes both physical and emotional stress. Eye strain, chronic fatigue, and overexertion are common causes. Issues with poor posture can also be a contributing factor.
For instance, someone who must hold their head in the same position--such as typing or using a computer--for long spans is more likely to experience tension headaches. Likewise, sleeping with one's neck in an awkward position can cause them.
There are other possible triggers of tension headaches. Smoking and alcohol use are two of them. Fatigue and low iron levels also are possible causes as well.
Dehydration in general is another underlying cause. Excessive caffeine and caffeine withdrawal have also proven to contribute to the onset of tension headaches.
Dental problems, including jaw clenching and teeth grinding, are other potential triggers. Having a cold, flu, or sinus infection can bring on episodic tension headaches as well. Another suspicion is that people who experience tension headaches are more sensitive to pain.
Finally, hormonal changes--especially in women--have been linked to a greater prevalence of tension headaches. Other medical conditions, like depression and anxiety, also can be contributing issues.
How Are Tension Headaches Different From Migraines?
Tension headaches can be difficult to differentiate from migraines. One big contrast is that, unlike migraines, most tension headaches do not cause visual disturbances. These include seeing flashes or bright spots.
Nausea and vomiting stemming from head pain usually do not accompany tension headaches. While these symptoms do not always occur with migraines, they can be a distinguishing sign.
Finally, physical activity almost always makes the pain from migraines worse. This is not necessarily the case with tension headaches.
Note that people can get both tension headaches and migraines. Also, since they are two separate occurrences, an individual can have a tension headache at the same time as a migraine.
Should You Seek Medical Attention for Tension Headaches?
If a tension headache is mild or moderate, and there are no other symptoms, you likely do not need to see a doctor. If the headache does not resolve in a few hours, or for recurring tension headaches, further examination and testing may be warranted.
If there are accompanying symptoms, medical attention may be necessary. These include impacts on speech or vision. Vomiting or high fever are also of concern.
If you experience confused thoughts, drowsiness, or confusion, seek medical attention right away. In rare cases, severe headaches can cause shortness of breath, which is also a reason to seek emergency medical care.
This is also true if symptoms are new, meaning you have had tension headaches in the past but have never experienced them. Also, if the patterns of your headache change, seeking medical attention is a good idea. This includes things like headaches starting suddenly or quickly intensifying.
Finally, seek medical attention if treatments that once worked to alleviate tension headaches are no longer helpful--though emergency medical care may not be necessary. This could be a sign that the underlying causes of the headaches are worsening. It could also be a sign that current tension headache treatment is not combatting symptoms or triggers.
How to Treat Tension Headaches
Since the causes of tension headaches can be difficult to pinpoint, the right treatment regimen can also be elusive. However, there are some proven tension headache remedies to consider.
Over-the-counter pain medications are a good place to start, especially for infrequent episodic tension headaches. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen. Muscle relaxers can help relieve tension headaches in some individuals.
Sometimes, the use of antidepressants and anti-seizure medications can be effective tension headache relief methods. However, these are usually only prescribed if other treatments have proven ineffective. Patients should weigh negative side effects, including the potential to become habit-forming, against any benefits.
Even over-the-counter medications may not be a long-term fix for chronic tension headaches. Taking too much acetaminophen can damage the liver and too much ibuprofen or aspirin can irritate the stomach and damage the kidneys.
Another negative complication of medical treatment is the potential for rebound headaches, also referred to as "medication overuse headaches." They occur as a result of taking medication that helps the headache at first but fails to eliminate it completely. Then, the tension headache comes back, often with more intense pain or discomfort.
There are other, less invasive approaches to treating tension headaches, which people can try independently or in combination with medications. These include massage and the application of hot or ice packs. There also have been promising results with acupuncture and biofeedback treatments.
Preventing Tension Headaches
While treatment may be sporadic in its effectiveness, prevention of tension headaches is more promising. First, keeping a record of headaches can be a helpful way to hone in on potential triggers. This can allow you to avoid causes or make lifestyle changes to help limit them.
In general, a healthy diet--including drinking plenty of water--is an easy yet effective tactic. Not smoking and limiting alcohol, caffeine, and sugar, can also help prevent tension headaches.
Regular exercise and sleep can help prevent tension headaches, since these help manage stress. Relaxation techniques can do the same. These include practices like yoga, deep breathing, and meditation.
Therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy, is another proven method of managing stress. Studies show that doing so can prevent or lessen the severity of tension headaches.
Can Supplements Help?
Yes, supplements can aid in preventing tension headaches in three major ways. These are:
- Improving overall health;
- Adding specific vitamins and nutrients that can combat headaches; and
- Reducing certain substances in the body related to inflammation and oxidation
Note that a major benefit of supplements is that they can provide relief without the side effects associated with many medications (see above). In addition, they can be taken in combination with medications or other treatments.
General Health
As the name suggests, supplements can fill in gaps in vitamins and nutrients that are lacking in your diet. This also applies to individuals who may have certain conditions that limit the absorption of vitamins and nutrients in their bodies. While getting these from natural foods is preferable, supplements can be a valuable and convenient alternative.
Adding Specific Vitamins and Nutrients
In addition to improving overall health, supplements can provide specific vitamins and nutrients that help prevent tension headaches. For instance, magnesium can play a role in muscle relaxation and the relief of tension throughout the body.
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) and coenzyme Q10 play an essential role in energy production in the body. This can improve metabolism in general but also in brain cells. They also aid in red blood cell production and improve blood flow, which both can help prevent tension headaches.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
The final way certain supplements can help prevent tension headaches is through their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Specifically, certain supplements can eliminate, reduce the amount, or prevent the production of substances linked to inflammation and oxidation.
For instance, riboflavin and coenzyme Q10 have antioxidant properties. This means they can prevent the release of neuropeptides that play a role in the transmission of pain signals and can be related to headaches. Examples include calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and Substance P.
Some supplements also can help prevent excess glutamate, an amino acid that is a key neurotransmitter in the brain. It plays an important role in synaptic transmission, which relates to memory and learning.
However, too much glutamate is linked to neurotoxicity. This can be related to conditions like epilepsy and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as headaches.
Finally, supplements with herbs like feverfew and butterbur have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. They both contain high levels of parthenolide and other compounds that reduce inflammation. They are so effective at doing so that these herbs are often prescribed to arthritis patients.
Feverfew and butterbur also can relax blood vessels, improve blood flow, and stabilize serotonin levels. All these results can help reduce the onset of tension headaches.
Find Tension Headache Prevention and Treatment Today
We hope you found an answer to "What is a tension headache?" along with suggestions for treatment and prevention. Understanding the main causes and symptoms can help you better address or avoid them altogether.
MiGuard is an all-natural migraine and headache relief supplement, designed to stop headaches before they start. It uses six core vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts to keep the body's nutrients satiated and reduce migraine triggers. Shop online, and feel free to reach out to us with any questions you might have.