What Is A Tension Headache?
Most people have at one point in time heard someone say the phrase "tension headache". This is one of the most common types of headaches and is referred to by doctors as "muscle-contraction headache". Most people will experience a few tension headaches at some point in their life.
Many people tend to experience tension headaches when they are experiencing high levels of stress. However, this is not where the term "tension headache" comes from. In fact, doctors think that the term "tension headache" has been misleading in allowing people to believe that stress is he only factor for a tension headache. Therefore, they have changed the name of the headache to "tension-type headache" so people stop believing that stress is the only factor that can contribute to this type of headache.
Tension-type headaches can be caused by many different factors. Of course stress and tension are the two main factors that contribute to this type of headache. However, lack of sleep is also a major contributor as are poor posture and neck problems. On occasion jaw or dental problems as well as other oral and facial pain can also cause tension-type headaches.
There have been many studies that have shown that women experience more tension-type headaches than men. In fact on study that was done in 1998 showed that women experience 15% more tension-type headaches than men do. There was no clear reason as to why this was the case although many have speculated that it is the increase of hormones in women during their menstrual cycle that is causing this increase.
The most common age group for experiencing tension headaches is the 30 to 39 year old age group. However, after the age of 39 the prevalence of tension-type headaches decreases.
Some people think that tension-type headaches are similar to a migraine. However, there are some distinct differences. A migraine usually causes pulsating or throbbing pain while a tension headache produces a pressure pain that usually feels like your head is being squeezed. Tension headaches also tend to affect both sides of the head, and a migraine headache usually only affects one side.
Tension headaches are not usually severe. They will cause mild to moderate pain. They are also not made worse by physical exertion. In addition they do cause nausea or vomiting and they are not worsened by bright lights or loud sounds.
It has also been shown that people who suffer from migraines can also experience tension-type headaches. Many doctors believe that they are very similar to each other and are caused by the same biochemical abnormalities. Most people who get tension-type headaches to not see a doctor. In fact less than 20% seek out medical treatment. However, if you suffer from tension-type headaches you should be aware that there are medications and treatments available that can help eliminate them. If you suffer from tension-type headaches be sure to seek out medical attention so you can help prevent them from coming back.
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