Tension Headaches

Everyone for the most part has an idea of what a headache is, whether they have had one or not. What many do not know is that there are different kinds of headaches, thirteen to be exact. The most common type of headaches, previously called a Muscle Contraction Headache, are Tension Headaches. They are best described as pressure across the front, sides, and back of the head, like a headband that is too tight. Sometimes it may only be tenderness of the scalp, neck and shoulder muscles.

One of the most important parts of dealing with headaches is identifying what is triggering it; the cause. The most obvious reason being its name, indicating the role of stress or tension as a trigger. When we feel overwhelmed, we tend to become like turtles and try to tuck our heads and necks into our shoulders. This unfortunately overly contracts the muscles in that area causing them to send pain signals. Stress tends to have us clenching the muscles in our face, scalp, and jaw as well. In today's society we are constantly stressing ourselves out. But Tension Headaches are not just caused by stress! They can be brought on by:

• Staring at a screens for too long

• Missing a meal

• Drinking too much caffeine: alcohol/coffee/soda

• Drinking too little water

• Depression/Anxiety

• The weather

• Over-medicating due to pain from a previous headache and/or migraine

  • this causes you to be at risk of getting Medication Overuse Headaches

• Not enough sleep

According to the Massage Therapist’s Guide to Pathology, 90-92% of these headaches are triggered by muscular tension, bony misalignment, postural patterns, eyestrain, temporomandibular joint disorders, myofascial pain syndrome, ligament irritation, or other musculoskeletal imbalances.

It is typical to see the headache subside once the issue is addressed and handled.

Just living a healthy lifestyle reduces the risk of setting off tension type headaches. Making sure to stay hydrated, exercise regularly, get a good amount of rest, and not too much alcohol or sugar can make the BIGGEST difference. But, especially in today's society, it is more common to stresses over the things that are supposed to help us unwind. How are we supposed to exercise, eat healthy, be successful at work, have meaningful relationships, lasting friendships, and get enough sleep every night ALL WHILE ALSO HAVING A SOCIAL LIFE?! There is just so much to balance! Not to mention everyone's personal agendas like having kids, and you know, RELAXING! (that is where LMT's come in).

Professional Massage Therapists, working within their scope of practice, have the ability to provide relief to those suffering from Tension Headache pain. Research has shown that massage:

• Reduce depression and/or anxiety

• Decrease tension

• Increase range of cervical motion

• Reduce frequency, intensity, & duration

• Decrease medication usage

Sources:

AMTA Massage- Helping Clients Manage Migraines

AMTA Massage- Massage Can Be Affective For Tension Headaches

Brain & Life- Appropriate Treatment for Migraine Can Be a Life-Changer

Mayo Clinic- Tension Headache