A World of Hurt: The Tension Is Building

Thu, Nov 12, 2009

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So as we continue on in the “World of Hurt” series, we’ll be talking about tension headaches this week. It’s one of the more common headaches out there for adults. So let’s discuss this particular type of headache.

A tension headache appears in episodes, occurring less than 15 days/month, or they can be chronic if they’re experienced for over 15 days in a month. A tension headache is classically described as a constant, band-like pain/tightness/pressure around the forehead or back of the head and neck. Basically, they feel like you’re wearing a tight headband that’s trying to crush your head.

About 30% – 80% of the adult U.S. population suffers from occasional tension headaches; approximately 3% suffer from chronic daily tension headaches. Women are twice as likely to suffer from tension-type headaches as men. Most people with episodic tension headaches have them no more than once or twice a month, but the headaches can occur more frequently. It’s also important to note that those that suffer from tension headaches, especially chronic ones, are more likely to suffer from depression (most likely from the constant pain).

So classically, that “tightness” is usually felt in the back of the head and progresses to the forehead. If it’s felt around the temples mostly, then you may want to have your temporomandibular joint checked out to see if it’s the cause (see my podcast on this subject). Tension headaches also tend to get worse as the day goes on. With no single cause for tension headaches, they do tend to be from tight neck muscles due to lack of sleep, poor posture, stress, anxiety, fatigue, etc. What can be scary about these types of headaches is that they can last for years. However, unlike migraines, tension headaches have neither the neurological symptoms, like auras, nor other symptoms like sensitivity to light or noise, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Tension headaches are as common as dirt, so there are treatments. Over-the-counter drugs, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, are usually given with some success. Sometimes muscle relaxants and antidepressants are given. I wouldn’t recommend this treatment if the headache is chronic since there are bad side effects to taking drugs in the long-term. A few safer treatments include therapeutic massage (shiatsu is my personal favorite, but most help relieve stress and tension), exercise as a distraction may also work, and chiropractic helps to inhibit pain from the head and ease muscle tightness.

So if you’re suffering from tension headaches, and aren’t getting that prolonged relief, I’d suggest looking into those alternative treatments starting with chiropractic and see if their treatment can help. You don’t have to live in a world of hurt, so do see your physician for help!

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