What is a Tension Headache?
Tension headaches are painful headaches that usually occur on the front and rear parts of the head and occur most frequently among adults. When people suffer from such headaches, they often describe them like they are tight headbands that hurt.
Although these headaches are painful, they usually don’t occur with the same intensity as a migraine. A migraine is more towards the side of the head, whereas a tension headache can occur in the forehead and the back of the head. Migraine headaches often worsen with movement.
The Cause of Tension Headaches
Stress is one possible cause that can bring on a tension headache. Tensing your muscles from stress can start a tension headache. Car accidents are another cause of tension headaches, since many people can suffer from whiplash-related tension headaches after the car accident. Boxers, football players, and other people in certain professions who are exposed to a great deal of pressure or get hit on the head with blunt force are also highly susceptible to tension headaches. Other causes of tension headaches might come from sitting or standing with poor posture, arthritis, and sleep deprivation.
Symptoms of a Tension Headache
The most common symptom of a tension headache is the pain in the previously mentioned areas. The person may describe the pain as throbbing, stabbing or shooting pain. Pain may also exist behind the eyes or in the shoulders or neck. Neck injuries usually yield shooting pains that worsen when the victim moves. The person who is suffering from a tension headache may experience irritability and a lot of pressure on the forehead and back of the head. Additionally, fatigue can play a role, so if a person’s muscles are physically tired, it could lead to a tension headache.
Treatment for a Tension Headache
The treatment that one receives for tension headaches depends greatly upon their cause. For example, a person who has a temporomandibular joint issue is going to have to get that taken care of to stop the consistency of the headaches. Someone who is not getting enough sleep may be able to remedy the recurrence by changing his or her sleeping habits. An accident victim will need a specialist to take a different approach.
Schedule an Appointment Today with Biomotion PT Today
Biomotion Physical Therapy has a team of specialists who can help with a variety of problems that may cause a tension headache. We offer many tiers of treatment and develop personalized plans for every person who is affected by these headaches. If you are suffering from tension headaches, contact us today to set up an appointment. We’ll work with you to find a solution to your issue immediately.