Tension headache:
Causes, symptoms and management modalities
What is tension headache ?
Definition
Tension headache (TTH) is the most common type of headache, affecting a large proportion of the world's population at some point in their lives. It is often described as a diffuse, bilateral pain, generally of a moderate nature. Unlike migraine, tension headache is not accompanied by neurological symptoms or nausea.
Causes of tension headache
​​Tension headaches can be caused by a variety of factors, including :
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Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress is one of the most common triggers of tension headaches. Anxiety causes neck and head muscles to contract, which can lead to pain. Anxiety also induces changes in pain perception by lowering the threshold.
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Posture: Poor posture, often related to professional activities (such as office work), can create tension in the muscles of the neck, shoulders and scalp.
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Muscle fatigue: Overuse or fatigue of the cervical muscles can contribute to the onset of these headaches.
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Physiological factors: Sleep disorders, dehydration or a lack of essential nutrients can also play a role.
Symptôms
​Typical symptoms of tension headache include:
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Bilateral pain, often described as a feeling of pressure or tension.
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Moderate intensity that does not worsen with normal physical activity.
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Mild sensitivity to light or noise, but not as severe as in migraines.
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Duration varies from 30 minutes to several days.
Myofascial approach to the treatment of tension headaches
Contribution of osteopathy and manual therapy in the management of tension headache
Treatment of tension-type headaches can include several approaches:
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Medication: Over-the-counter analgesics such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be effective. However, excessive use can lead to rebound headaches.
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Lifestyle modifications: Adopting stress management techniques, staying well hydrated, eating a balanced diet and getting regular sleep can help reduce the frequency of episodes.
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Osteopathy, addresses tension headaches by treating musculoskeletal imbalances. Osteopaths use gentle manipulation techniques to :
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Release muscular tension in the neck, jaw, shoulders and back.
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Readjust posture to reduce pressure on muscles.
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Studies show that osteopathy can reduce the frequency and intensity of tension headaches, as well as the use of painkillers. In addition, treating body imbalances can improve general well-being and resilience in the face of stress.
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Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy can include stretching and strengthening exercises to correct muscle imbalances.
