Tension-Type Headache: More Than Just 'Stress Pain'
That constant band-like pressure around your head—is it 'just a tension headache' or something more? Understanding your headache is the first step to treating it.
If you have headaches occurring more than twice a week, you deserve evaluation to rule out more serious causes and get effective treatment.
What is this condition?
Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common primary headache disorder, affecting up to 80% of the population. It's characterized by bilateral, pressing/tightening quality pain of mild to moderate intensity, without the nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia that characterize migraine. While stress is a common trigger, tension-type headache involves actual physiological changes including pericranial muscle tenderness, altered pain perception, and dysregulated central pain processing. The International Classification of Headache Disorders categorizes TTH as infrequent (<10 days/month), frequent (10-14 days/month), or chronic (15+ days/month).
Common Misconception
"Tension headaches are caused by stress alone and don't need medical treatment."
Biological Reality
Tension-type headache involves measurable changes: pericranial muscle tenderness and spasm, trigger points in neck and shoulder muscles, central pain processing changes similar to migraine, decreased pain thresholds, and dysregulated serotonin and endorphin systems. While stress triggers attacks, the underlying vulnerability involves muscle dysfunction and pain system sensitization.
Symptoms That Often Occur Together
Frequent tension headaches affect your quality of life. Schedule evaluation for proper diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.
Get EvaluatedWhy Does This Happen?
Tension-type headache has identifiable contributing factors.
How It Works
Tension-type headache involves multiple interconnected mechanisms: (1) Pericranial muscle dysfunction - sustained muscle contraction in forehead, temples, neck, and shoulders leads to ischemia, release of inflammatory mediators, and sensitized muscle nociceptors; (2) Trigger point involvement - active myofascial trigger points in sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, suboccipital muscles refer pain to the head; (3) Central sensitization - chronic TTH involves lowered pain thresholds and increased sensitivity, similar to but less intense than migraine; (4) Dysregulated pain modulation - reduced activity in pain inhibitory pathways (serotonin, norepinephrine, endogenous opioids); (5) Cervical spine dysfunction - facet joint arthritis, disc degeneration, and muscular dysfunction refer pain to the head; (6) Stress response - chronic stress maintains elevated muscle tension and disrupts pain modulation.
Common Underlying Causes
How We Identify the Cause
Testing helps rule out other causes and guide treatment.
Our Diagnostic Philosophy
At Healers Clinic, we recognize that tension-type headache is a real neurological condition, not 'just stress.' Our approach addresses both the immediate symptoms and the underlying causes. We use physical therapy to address muscle dysfunction and posture, stress management techniques, medication when needed, and Botox for chronic cases. Comprehensive treatment can significantly reduce or eliminate tension headaches.
Assess posture, muscle tenderness, trigger points
Rule out structural causes
Assess for disc/joint problems
Rule out systemic causes
Pathways to Relief
Our Approach vs. Conventional Care
Common Questions Answered
Ready to Get Relief?
Schedule a consultation with our specialists to identify the causes of your tension headaches and receive personalized treatment.
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