Tension headache is one of the most common pains that affect the head. In fact, statistics indicate that around 90% of women suffer from this ailment at some point in their lives, although only 3% of them suffer from it chronically. It is a dull, oppressive and strong pain that manifests itself first in areas such as the neck or the forehead area to later spread to the rest of the head, the scalp and even the neck.
Common causes of the generation of tension headaches
Tension headaches primarily develop when the muscles that make up both the neck and scalp contract in response to a stressful situation, anxiety, head trauma, or an episode of depression. Activities that force us to stay with the head in the same position for a long period of time can cause this type of problem. Other risk factors that are capable of unleashing this type of headache are caffeine, suffering from the flu or a cold, muscle problems in the jaw, fatigue, excessive tobacco consumption, eye strain and caffeine.
Tension headaches manifest in an isolated way or in a much more constant way, and their impact can last up to seven consecutive days. The symptoms of this headache can be described as a dull, pressure-like ache, with much greater intensity in areas such as the shoulders, temples, back of the neck, or scalp. It tends to be generalized, that is, it does not manifest in just one point of the affected area.
Treatment may vary depending on the severity of the impact of the tension headache. Likewise, it is prudent as well as pertinent to visit the doctor as long as it is repeated over time constantly. It is possible that to solve this ailment the specialist recommends the intake of drugs such as muscle relaxants or over-the-counter pain relievers.