Headaches
Diagnosis & Understanding
1. Migraine
2:04
2. Tension Headache
1:50
3. Cluster Headache
1:53
4. Occipital Neuralgia
2:02
5. Trigeminal Neuralgia
1:35
6. Neck Pain
1:55
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
4. Acupuncture
2:13
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Botox (Migraines/Dystonia)
2:07
3. Sphenopalatine Block
1:47
6. Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
1:41
Alternative & Emerging Therapies
1. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
2. PRP Injection
1:42
3. Shockwave Therapy (MSK)
2:03
4. Laser Therapy
2:05
5. Ozone Therapy
1:37
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Tension Headache
1746876096
Chronic tension-type headaches are a common type of headache that often feel like a tight band squeezing around the head. Unlike migraines, these headaches aren't usually disabling, but they can be persistent, occurring frequently or even daily, leading to fatigue and frustration.
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but common triggers include stress, poor posture, and muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. Other factors, such as lack of sleep, dehydration, or skipping meals, can also contribute to these headaches.
Common symptoms include: ✔️ Dull, aching pain around the head. ✔️ A feeling of tightness or pressure, often across the forehead, sides, or back of the head. ✔️ Tenderness in the scalp, neck, and shoulders.
Managing tension headaches involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments and targeted treatments: ✔️ Staying hydrated, practicing good posture, and taking breaks during tasks can help prevent tension buildup. ✔️ Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, stretching, or regular exercise, may reduce headache frequency. ✔️ Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide relief but should be used carefully to avoid overuse headaches. ✔️ If headaches persist, a provider may recommend physical therapy, stress management strategies, or prescription medications.
For chronic cases, nerve blocks or trigger point injections may be helpful. In addition to standard treatments, regenerative medicine options, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or biologic therapies using fat or bone marrow-derived cells, may help reduce inflammation and support nerve health.
If you’re experiencing frequent or long-lasting headaches, early treatment can help prevent worsening symptoms and improve daily comfort. Talk to our team to find the best treatment plan for you.
FAQs
How can tension headaches be managed?
Management of tension headaches involves lifestyle adjustments and targeted treatments. Simple strategies include staying hydrated, practicing good posture, taking breaks during tasks, and using relaxation techniques like deep breathing and stretching. Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide relief but should be used cautiously to avoid medication overuse headaches. Persistent headaches might require physical therapy, stress management strategies, or prescription medications.
What are tension headaches and how do they differ from migraines?
Tension headaches are a common type of headache characterized by a sensation of a tight band squeezing around the head. Unlike migraines, tension headaches typically cause dull, aching pain rather than throbbing pain and are not usually accompanied by other symptoms like nausea or visual disturbances. They are less disabling than migraines but can occur frequently and persistently.
What are the risks if tension headaches are left untreated?
If tension headaches are left untreated, there is a risk that they may progress from episodic to chronic. This can significantly impact quality of life, causing persistent discomfort and disruption of daily activities. Additionally, frequently using painkillers without addressing the root causes can lead to medication overuse headaches, further complicating the condition.
What are the treatment options for chronic tension headaches?
For chronic tension headaches, options may include both non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments. Non-pharmacological approaches involve lifestyle changes, stress management, and possibly physical therapy. Pharmacological treatments may include over-the-counter pain relievers and potentially muscle relaxants or antidepressants for prevention. In some cases, nerve blocks or trigger point injections, as well as regenerative medicine options like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, may be considered.
What triggers tension headaches?
Common triggers for tension headaches include stress, poor posture, and muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. Other contributing factors may include lack of sleep, dehydration, and skipping meals. It's important to identify and manage these triggers to help reduce headache frequency.