Tension Headaches
Wednesday, July 9th, 2008Here is what I learned today about Tension Headaches.
Description
- Usually a constant dull pressure, described like a “rubber Band” around the head or the head being put in a vice.
- Presents Bilaterally, usually around the Parietal area
- Occurs less than 15 days a month
- Typically lasts 4-6 hours
Causes of Tension Headaches
- Stress
- Muscle Spasm in Neck
- Eyestrain
- Caffeine Widthdrawl
- Sleep deprivation
- Hunger (missing a scheduled meal)
Treatment of Tension Headaches
- First Line: Over the counter analgesics like tylenol, ibuprofen and aspirin. Taking the aforementioned with caffeine may provide a positive synergistic effect in relieving the headache.
- Second Line: Amitriptyline, Mirtazapine, or Toradol.
- Can also use Osteopathic Manipulation to the cervical region to relieve cervical tension.
- Biofeedback, sleep, and having the proper prescription glasses can also remedy the problem.