TENSION HEADACHES

Causes of tension headaches

Currently, there is no one particular cause for tension headache. A combination of factors has been implicated. Tension headache is not hereditary. Most commonly, tension headache is caused by tense muscle of the back of the neck and scalp. This muscle tension is brought about by;

• Lack of adequate rest
• Poor posture
• Overexertion
• Mental and emotional stress like in depression, anxiety, fatigue, hunger and even food intolerance.

For the purpose of this article, we will be focusing on the tension headache that is caused by poor posture and tension in the neck.

Poor posture results in pressure in the upper part of the back, neck and shoulders that cause tension headache. The throbbing pain often radiates to the base of the skull, and most times extends into the face and forehead. The factors that contribute to a poor posture-causing tension headache are;

• Overly tight muscle tone
• Stress
• High-heeled shoes changing posture
• Poor posture such as “hunching” over
• Poor posture sitting at a desk
• Environmental factors, like food intolerances

Symptoms of tension headache

• Dull head pain
• Pressure around the forehead
• Tenderness around the forehead and scalp

Diagnosis of tension headache

All our osteopaths are able to diagnose tension headache from case history taking and also importantly palpating the tension in your shoulders and neck. Many patients have already visited their doctor first (you don’t have to) and osteopaths are trained to know whether to advise you do visit your GP if you haven’t done so already. A GP may advise neck X-rays or MRI scans.

Treatment of tension headache

Treatment of tension headache can be pharmacological (pain killers) and non-pharmacological treatment which is what we specialise in as osteopaths.

Pharmacological treatment

Analgesics, muscle relaxants and antidepressants are groups of drugs prescribed by the doctor to relieve tension headache.

Non-pharmacological treatment:

Your osteopath at The Perrymount will be able to examine you to discover the muskulo-skeletal issue that are to blame for your tension headaches. Osteopathy can treat the muscles, ligaments and joints of the spine, particularly the neck, when it comes to tension headaches, but the issue could equally be between your shoulders blades, in your low back or from your feet or jaw!

Very often tight shoulder muscles are pulling on the head causing the pain. These can easily be released with osteopathic techniques, which can include massage and “clicking” or manipulation. Osteopaths are very flexible with their treatment techniques and if you prefer gentle treatment with no clicking or deeper release with clicking that is totally fine, we will cater for everyone.

Cranial osteopathy is an extremely gentle branch of osteopathy that can also be used to great effect.

All our osteopath’s will advise on how the PREVENT tension headaches reoccurring.

Advice may include:

• Appropriate daily exercise that is suitable and correct for you
• Getting enough sleep
• Reducing your stress and tension levels
• The correct use of hot or cold compresses to the muscles of your neck, shoulder and your back to relax them. We will tell you which is best for you.
• Stretching exercises prescribed for you personally