Mayo Clinic experts state that a tension headache, which is also referred to as a stress headache, is the most common type of headache that afflicts patients. A study published in the "Journal of Neurology" in 2009 found that about 40 percent of adults suffer from tension headaches. Though the exact causes of tension headaches are not fully understood, they clearly are related to contractions, or spasms, of muscles in the head and neck regions. Such muscle contractions can be a common response to psychological stress disorders.
Diffuse and Dull Head Pain
According to MayoClinic.com, a dull, aching head pain is the most common reported symptom. The headache is diffuse, meaning it is felt all over, rather than localized to one spot. A patient might describe the feeling of a tight band around the head. MayoClinic.com goes on to state that psychological stress is a key trigger for such tension headaches. Depression and anxiety are also cited as triggers.
Tightness of Muscles
The tension headache patient will often complain of pressure or tightness across the forehead, temples, or back of the head and neck. He will sometimes add that the muscles in his neck, shoulders, and upper back areas feel tight, as if in spasm. During times of high psychological stress, many individuals unknowingly tense up their muscles, especially in the scalp, neck and upper back areas. Treatments such as massage therapy and muscle relaxer medications will help to clear these symptoms.
Tender Points
Tenderness means unusual sensitivity to touch or pressure. The tension headache sufferer is likely to have several tender points along her scalp, neck, or shoulder muscle areas. An examining physician will press firms through these muscle groups, trying to elicit signs of tenderness. These signs include wincing or pulling back from the examiner. Psychological stress-induced headaches, such as tension headaches, often result in tender points on the scalp and neck.
General Symptoms
Loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping and emotional lability have all been reported by patients experiencing tension headaches. Clearly, if a patient is suffering from acute psychological stress or anxiety, she is more likely to have each of these symptoms.
