Tension Headache Treatment in Westminster Denver Colorado
Overview
●
A tension-type headache (TTH) is generally a mild to moderate
pain that’s often described as feeling like a tight band around the head.
●
A tension-type headache is the most common type of headache, yet
its causes aren’t well understood.
● Treatments for tension-type headaches are
available. Managing a tension-type headache is often a balance between
practicing healthy habits, finding effective nondrug treatments and using
medications appropriately.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of a tension-type headache include:
● Dull, aching head pain
● Sensation of tightness or pressure across the
forehead or on the sides and back of the head
● Tenderness in the scalp, neck and shoulder
muscles
Tension-type headaches are divided into two main categories —
episodic and chronic.
1)
Episodic
tension-type headaches
–
Episodic tension-type headaches can last from 30 minutes to a
week. Frequent episodic tension-type headaches occur less than 15 days a month
for at least three months. Frequent episodic tension-type headaches may become
chronic.
2)
Chronic
tension-type headaches
–
This type of tension-type headache lasts hours and may be
continuous. If your headaches occur 15 or more days a month for at least three
months, they’re considered chronic.
Tension-type headaches versus
migraines
●
Tension-type headaches can be difficult to distinguish from
migraines. Plus, if you have frequent episodic tension-type headaches, you can
also have migraines.
● Unlike some forms of migraine, tension-type
headaches usually aren’t associated with visual disturbances, nausea or
vomiting. Although physical activity typically aggravates migraine pain, it
doesn’t make tension-type headache pain worse. An increased sensitivity to
either light or sound can occur with a tension-type headache, but this symptom
isn’t common.
When to see a doctor
●
Make
an appointment with your doctor
●
If tension-type headaches disrupt your life or you need to take
medication for your headaches more than twice a week, see your doctor.
●
Even if you have a history of headaches, see your doctor if the
pattern changes or your headaches suddenly feel different. Occasionally,
headaches may indicate a serious medical condition, such as a brain tumor or
rupture of a weakened blood vessel (aneurysm).
When to seek emergency help
If you have any of these signs or symptoms, seek emergency care:
● Abrupt, severe headache
● Headache with a fever, stiff neck, mental
confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness or speaking difficulties
● Headache after a head injury, especially if
the headache gets worse
Causes
●
The cause of tension-type headaches is not known. Experts used
to think tension-type headaches stemmed from muscle contractions in the face,
neck and scalp, perhaps as a result of heightened emotions, tension or stress.
But research suggests that muscle contraction isn’t the cause.
●
The most common theory supports a heightened sensitivity to pain
in people who have tension-type headaches. Increased muscle tenderness, a
common symptom of tension-type headaches, may result from a sensitized pain
system.
● Stress is the most commonly reported trigger
for tension-type headaches.
Complications
● Because tension-type headaches are so common,
their effect on job productivity and overall quality of life is considerable,
particularly if they’re chronic. The frequent pain may render you unable to
attend activities. You might need to stay home from work, or if you do go to
your job, your ability to function may be impaired.
Prevention
In addition to regular exercise, techniques such as biofeedback
training and relaxation therapy can help reduce stress.
● Biofeedback training. This technique teaches
you to control certain body responses that help reduce pain. During a
biofeedback session, you’re connected to devices that monitor and give you
feedback on body functions such as muscle tension, heart rate and blood
pressure. You then learn how to reduce muscle tension and slow your heart rate
and breathing yourself.
● Cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of
talk therapy may help you learn to manage stress and may help reduce the
frequency and severity of your headaches.
● Other relaxation techniques. Anything that
helps you relax, including deep breathing, yoga, meditation and progressive
muscle relaxation, may help your headaches. You can learn relaxation techniques
in classes or at home using books, videos or apps.
Additionally, living a healthy lifestyle may help prevent
headaches:
● Get enough, but not too much, sleep.
● Don’t smoke.
● Exercise regularly.
● Eat regular, balanced meals.
● Drink plenty of water.
● Limit alcohol, caffeine and sugar.
Diagnosis
● If you have chronic or recurrent headaches,
your doctor may conduct physical and neurological exams, then try to pinpoint
the type and cause of your headaches using these approaches:
Your
pain description
Your doctor can learn a lot about your
headaches from a description of your pain. Be sure to include these details:
● Pain characteristics. Does your pain pulsate?
Or is it constant and dull or sharp or stabbing?
● Pain intensity. A good indicator of the severity
of your headache is how much you’re able to function while you have it. Are you
able to work? Do your headaches wake you or prevent you from sleeping?
● Pain location. Do you feel pain all over your
head, on only one side of your head, or just on your forehead or behind your
eyes?
Imaging
tests
If you have unusual or complicated headaches, your doctor may
order tests to rule out serious causes of head pain, such as a tumor. Two
common tests that can be used to image your brain include:
● Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI scan
combines a magnetic field, radio waves and computer technology to produce clear
images.
● Computerized tomography (CT). A CT scan is a
diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a series of computer-directed X-rays to
provide a comprehensive view of your brain.
Our expert providers are experienced and skilled
at treating tension headaches and are your source for expert treatment of tension
headaches in Westminster and Denver Colorado. Not only are we the premier
treatment for spine injuries and chiropractic in Westminster and Denver
Colorado, but we also specialize in many other advanced treatment techniques
such as shockwave, cold laser, graston technique, KT Taping, activator,
instrument aided spinal alignments, drop table, toggle, in house rehab
services, and on site digital xrays. We are your Premier destination for
tension headache treatment in Westminster Colorado and Denver Colorado
Chiropractor.