The Bottom Line

Does it ever feel like there is a rubber band around your head that just keeps getting tighter and tighter? Your neck might feel like it’s in knots and your fingers are sore from trying to massage the pain away. There is a good chance that if you have experienced something like this before you may have been suffering from a tension-type headache. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache with nearly 50% or more of the population having experienced one before. While chiropractors successfully treat these types of headaches every day, here are some self-management techniques for quick relief.

Why should you care?

Tension headaches are one of the top ten debilitating conditions that our population suffers from. Although you may not have experienced one before, a friend or loved one most likely has and now you can share your knowledge with them!

You may ask, “how do I know if I’m having a tension headache?” While pain may differ from person to person the most common pain patterns one would experience if suffering from a tension headache are seen here. A dull, tight sensation around the forehead and base of the skull are classic signs of this type of headache. Many also experience tension and pain in the neck and shoulders.

Some may confuse a tension headache with a migraine. These are two different types of headaches with varying symptoms and causes. A distinguishing factor between a tension headache and a migraine is that the tension headache will usually affect both sides of the head. A migraine on the other hand, typically only affects one side or the other. It’s best that if you are experiencing any symptoms of a headache to see your healthcare provider for an in-depth evaluation.

What causes a tension headache?

There can be many reasons why you may be suffering from tension headaches. Here we’re going to focus on how muscular imbalances could be a cause of them. Typically with a tension headache, we see a pattern of hypertonic (tight) muscles and weak (inhibited) muscles. We call this pattern of muscular imbalance upper cross syndrome. The muscles of the chest and upper back (pectoral groups, upper trapezius, levator scapula) become tight and can begin to cause pain. The muscles in the front of the neck and mid-back (deep neck flexors, rhomboids and serratus anterior) in turn, become weak. This battle of muscles results in a forward, rounded posture that begins to put more strain on the upper back and neck causing pain. Over time this continuous strain can begin to cause symptoms of a tension headache and may develop into a chronic issue. People who sit at a desk for long periods of time are particularly susceptible to this type of condition. Our goal is to reverse this imbalance through rehabilitative exercise and stretching. In other words, strengthen the weak muscle groups and lengthen the tight ones. Correcting these muscular imbalances will help to get rid of your headaches! In the following videos, we have some easy examples of exercises/ stretches to do this!

We’re here for you!

We understand that dealing with headaches can be frustrating. Figuring out the exact cause of your headache is important for long-lasting relief. Fortunately for you, we successfully diagnose treat patients who have been suffering from headaches on a regular basis at Michigan Complete Chiropractic & Rehab. We firmly believe no one should have to live headaches and pain. If you’re ready to win the battle against tension headaches or if you have any other questions we’re more than happy to help! Please reach out to us today!

Science Sources:

Complete Guide to Headaches, Pain Science, April 6 2020

Tension-type headache. (2020, March 8). Physiopedia, . Retrieved 13:12, April 13, 2020 from https://www.physio-pedia.com/index.php?title=Tension-type_headache&oldid=232454.

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