Do You Suffer From Tension Type Headaches? Solutions Are Easy and Available

What they are

What are tension type headaches?

Tension headaches are characterized by a dull, aching pain and a sensation of pressure or tightness around the head. Most patients describe tightness and discomfort at the base of the skull, with pain in the forehead and the sides of the head.

Common causes

What causes tension headaches?

Several factors may contribute. Here are the most common:

1. Muscle tension. Stiffness and spasms of the neck muscles cause neck pain and can also refer pain to the head. Many knots, or trigger points, can cause tension headaches.
2. Poor posture. Holding poor posture for long periods, such as working on a computer or reading, strains the muscles of the neck and head.
3. Trauma. Sport injuries, car accidents and neck strain overstretch and tear muscle fibers, causing pain and inflammation. The brain then signals the muscles to contract and protect the injured area, leaving you with painful, stiff muscles.

Relieving muscle spasms

How are tension headaches relieved?

In most cases, the first step is to relieve muscle spasms through therapeutic massage, stretching and trigger point dry needling. This lets your neck loosen and your spine move properly. If lost function and mobility are causing your headaches, treatment is designed to reverse that.

How nice would it be if you had 50, 75 or 90% fewer headaches and they were less intense?

Medications only provide temporary relief, and they can cause side effects you don't want.

Restoring spinal motion

Why do the spinal joints matter too?

Muscles and joints work together to give your neck normal motion, so muscle spasms are only one part of healing. Your spinal joints and mobility can be compromised by the lack of flexibility, and they need attention too.

Combining muscle tension treatment with chiropractic manipulation is a winning combination against tension headaches.