What are "tension-type" headaches?
"Tension-type" headaches are the most
common type of headaches among adults. They are commonly referred to as muscle
contraction headaches or stress headaches.
A tension-type headache may appear periodically (episodic, less than 15 days
per month) or daily (chronic, more than 15 days per month). An episodic tension
headache may be described as a mild-to-moderate, constant band-like pain or
pressure. These headaches may last from 30 minutes to several days. Episodic
tension headaches usually begin gradually, and often occur in the middle of the
day.
The "severity" of a tension headache increases significantly with
its frequency. This daily or almost daily pain is usually throbbing and affects
the front, top, or sides of the head. Although the pain may vary in intensity
throughout the day, the pain is almost always present. Chronic tension headaches
come and go over a prolonged period of time, but it is important to realize that
they do not cause neurological symptoms or affect vision, balance, or strength.
Who is affected by tension headaches?
About 30 to 80 percent of the adult U.S. population suffer from
occasional tension headaches. Chronic daily tension headaches
affect approximately 3 percent of the population. Women are twice as likely to suffer from tension-type headaches as
men.
Most people with episodic tension headaches have them no more than once or
twice a month, but the headaches can occur more frequently.
Chronic tension headaches tend to be more common in females. Many patients
with chronic tension headaches have usually had the headaches for more than 60
to 90 days. For many headache sufferers, these headaches impair their
daily activities.
Chronic tension headaches may co-exist in adults who already have a medical
history of migraines. These are called mixed headaches.
What causes tension-type headaches?
There is no single cause for tension-type headaches. This type of headache
syndrome is not a trait that runs in families. In some people,
tension-type headaches are thought to be caused by tightened muscles in the back
of the neck and scalp. This muscle tension may be caused by:
- Inadequate rest
- Poor posture
- Emotional or mental stress, including depression
In others, tightened muscles are not part of tension headaches, and the cause
is unknown.
Tension-type headaches are usually triggered by some type of environmental or
internal stress. This stress may be known (overt) or unknown (covert) to the
patient and their family. The most common sources of stress include family,
social relationships, friends, work, and school. Examples of stressors include: