Muscle contraction headaches are usually the result of muscle spasms at the back of the head and upper neck. Muscles from below the ear to the collar bone can also be involved. Pain typically radiates to the top of the head. Often called a tension headache due to muscle tightness, there is usually an underlying cause. "Whiplash" injuries, arthritis, poor posture and concussions can lead to tension headaches. Tension headaches are often long-lasting and some patients say that they never go away.
Types of Headaches
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke identifies four types of headache: vascular, muscle contraction or "tension," traction and inflammatory. Migraine headaches are vascular. Muscle tension headaches involve tightening muscles. Traction and inflammatory headaches are symptoms of other disorders such as a stroke or sinus infection. It is important to identify the underlying cause through a medical history, type of symptoms experienced and frequency so a treatment plan can be developed.
Muscle Tension Headaches are Common
The Cleveland Clinic reports that about 30 to 80 percent of the adult U.S. population suffer from occasional tension headaches. Chronic daily tension headaches affect approximately 3 percent of the population. Women are twice as likely to suffer from tension-type headaches as men. An individual's personality often dictates who develops tension headaches. People who are anxious, exhibit emotional over-expression and who are rigid with self-control are vulnerable to developing tension headaches. Stress is also a factor.
Posture and Tension Headaches
Poor posture can lead to muscle tension headaches. Sitting with the head leaning forward looking at a computer monitor can lead to tension headaches. The muscles in the back of the neck are placed under more demand to support the head, leading to stress on the joints and ligaments of the spine. When these structures become irritated they send signals through nerves to the neck muscles, creating muscle spasms and the onset of a headache.
Factors That Trigger Tension Headaches
Many types of factors can trigger headaches: stress, noise, bright lights, pain elsewhere, alcohol intake, fatigue, fasting, oversleeping, contraceptive and other types of medication. Hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause are also factors. Foods containing nitrates, serotonin and tyramine also influence headaches. Rigid postures that involve clenching teeth, gripping a steering wheel until the arms ache or holding the shoulders in a prolonged shrug are habits that can lead to headaches.
Prevention/Solution
People who suffer from chronic tension headaches should consult with a health care professional. Some treatments involve massage, hot packs, electrical stimulation, postural exercises, trigger point injections and relaxation techniques. Biofeedback is also very effective. This consists of electrodes attached to muscles that are over active. A computer helps the patient to monitor when the muscles are activated. The therapist teaches relaxation techniques or discusses stressful problems that activate or relax the muscles.
