Tension Headaches
‘’Are your headaches becoming a pain in the neck?’’
A tension headache is the most common type of headache. It can cause mild, moderate or intense pain in your head, neck and behind your eyes. Some people say that tension headaches feels like a tight band around their forehead.
Causes
Tension headaches occur when your upper back, neck and scalp muscles become tense, or contract. These muscle contractions can be a response to stress, depression, anxiety and poor posture. They can occur at any age but are most common in adults and older teens.
Any activity that causes the head to be held in one position for a long time without moving can cause a headache. For example:
Computer work – especially with an incorrect set up.
Fine work with the hands
Staring at the T.V
Sleeping in a cold room or with neck in abnormal position
Symptoms
The headache pain may be described as:
Dull, pressure-like (not throbbing)
A tight band or vice on the head
All over headache
Worse in Scalp, temples or back of the neck
Areas usually affected by a tension headache.
Management
Some quick management tips to deal with a tension headache are:
Apply a cold flannel to your forehead
Use a hot water bottle, hot shower / hot bath with the heat focussed on the upper back and neck
Stretching / yoga
If you are still struggling, then why not book in for an assessment. Here at Physio Focus Swinton we will undergo a detailed subjective and objective assessment to determine what muscles are causing your headaches but also what day to day factor may be having any influence.
You will be provided with hands-on treatment to reduce your symptoms, a detailed home exercise programme with easy to follow instructions as well as lifestyle advice and postural information that may help to reduces the stress / strain on your muscles.
If you have any of the above symptoms and feel you may require treatment, or you would just like some more information. Please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0161 222 0680 or physiofocusswinton@gmail.com
