Muscular Contraction and Tension Headaches

What is a muscular contraction headache?

Muscular contraction headache pain is often described as a tight, vise-like band around the head. The pain is steady, usually felt on both sides of the head, and can cause the scalp to become sore. A problem with muscular contraction headaches can last years.

What are the symptoms of a muscular contraction headache?

In addition to headache pain, the following are the other most common symptoms of muscular contraction headaches. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Muscular contraction headaches may be accompanied by:

• nausea
• vomiting
• blurred vision (however, there is no pre-headache syndrome such as with migraine)

The symptoms of muscular contraction headaches may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

What triggers a muscular contraction headache?

Some healthcare professionals believe that the primary cause of the pain of muscular contraction headaches are sustained muscle tension, while others suggest that restricted blood flow causes or contributes to the pain. Specific suggested triggers may include the following:

• depression or anxiety in anticipation of a conflict
• physical postures (such as holding the chin up or down when reading, or holding the telephone between the shoulder and ear)
• degenerative arthritis of the neck
• temporomandibular disorder (TMD)

Muscular contraction headaches, however, are generally not linked to hormones or foods, and there is no strong hereditary connection.

What is a tension headache?

Tension headache is a form of muscular contraction headache. The name refers to both the stress that triggers the pain, as well as the contraction or tensing of neck, face, and scalp muscles.

A tension headache is severe, but it is temporary, with mild to moderate pain that causes pressure to the head or neck.

Facts about tension headaches:

The following information is from the American Council for Headache Education regarding tension headaches:

• Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, affecting approximately 75 percent of all headache sufferers.
• As many as 90 percent of adults have had tension headaches.
• Tension headaches are typically a steady ache, rather than a throbbing one, and affect both sides of the head.
• Some people get tension headaches in response to stressful events or hectic days.
• Tension headaches may be chronic, occurring frequently or every day.
• Psychological factors have been overemphasized as causes of tension headaches.

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