What is tension headache pain

What is tension headache?Tension headache, also known as muscle contraction headache, is experienced as a tight band around the head. It is diffuse, mild to moderate in nature. A tension-type headache is one of the commonest headaches suffered by people all over the world. However, the cause for it is not clear. Treatment comprises of medications, following a healthy lifestyle and relaxation techniques.

2 Types of Tension Headaches

Tension Headache is of 2 Types

• 1-Episodic Tension Headaches: These headaches can last anywhere from half an hour to one week. Repetitive episodic tension headaches can become chronic in nature.
• 2-Chronic Tension Headaches: This is an unrelenting type of tension headache and can last for hours. If a patient is having tension headaches for more than 15 days in a month and for three months, then they are considered as chronic tension headaches.

3 Causes of Tension Headaches

• The exact cause of tension headache is not clear. Experts believe that tension headaches occur as a result of muscle contractions in the scalp, face and neck or due to increased emotions such as stress or sadness.
• Another theory is an increased sensitivity to pain and stress makes a person more prone to tension headaches. A sensitized pain system gives rise to increased muscle tenderness, which is a symptom of tension headache.
• One of most common triggers for tension headaches is stress.

Risk Factors for Tension Headaches

• Women are more prone to suffer from tension headaches than men.
• The risk of suffering from tension headaches increases after the age 40.

3 Signs and Symptoms of Tension Headaches

• It is experienced as a dull and aching pain.
• Patient experiences pressure or tightness across the forehead, back of the head and on the sides of the head.
• Tenderness is felt in the scalp, shoulder and neck muscles.

Serious Symptoms Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

• Sudden and severe headache.
• Headache accompanied by fever, neck stiffness, alterations in the mental status, seizures, vision changes, difficulty with speech, weakness and numbness.
• Headache occurring after head injury.

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