Tension headache is a common pathology in the population, which, in many cases, arises as a consequence of emotional stress. This pathology can be disabling for the patient, which is why it is especially important to go to a specialist to make a correct diagnosis.
What is a tension headache?
Tension headaches occur especially among adolescents and adults between the ages of 30 and 50. It is known as headache common headache that occurs especially in the head, neck, or scalp.
Causes of tension headaches
The causes of tension headache are very varied depending on the reason that causes its appearance. It is very common that it appears as a consequence of muscle contractions or injuries of the neck or cervical spine. In addition, it may be related to increased eye strain or TMJ pathologiesFor example, bruxism.
It is common to appear in chronic sinusitis patients, which is inflammation of the paranasal sinuses.
Besides, Tension headache is a pathology linked to physical and emotional stress. It is common for patients with psychological disorders to present a medical condition of tension headache.
Types of tension headache
Depending on the symptoms presented by the patient and the location of the pain, different types of headaches are distinguished. First of all, they differentiate primary headaches, which are headaches, usually caused by tension.
On the other hand, there are the secondary headaches, which arise as a consequence of another pathology. For example, headaches that arise as a result of sinusitis.
The Migraines are a type of headache, which are characterized by constant headaches, which worsen with physical exertion and periods of stress.
Also, there is a difference thunderclap headache, which usually appears in patients with cranial hypertension or as a consequence of infectious diseases. Rebound headaches arise as a side effect of medications to treat other pathologies.
The cluster headache, usually occurs in the form of outbreaks of different duration, and is usually related to stress and alcohol and tobacco consumption.
Symptoms of headaches
The most characteristic symptom of headaches is intense pain that spreads through the head and face.. Patients often experience pain in the eye sockets as well as the temples. Pain is water and can be very disabling for the patient.
The pain caused by headaches can be constant or appear in outbreaks. Normally, it usually appears after overexertion and is relieved during periods of rest.
Diagnosis of headaches
Once the patient comes showing symptoms, different diagnostic tests will be carried out to make a diagnosis and apply the most appropriate treatment. First of all, a blood test will be performed, which will provide information about the patient's general condition.
In most cases, it is usually necessary to perform more complementary tests, such as x-rays or MRIs. Some patients undergo a CT or brain scan, with the aim of ruling out more serious pathologies, such as brain tumors, that may be causing the pain.
Treatment for tension headaches
Once a correct diagnosis has been made, the medical specialist will develop the most appropriate treatment for the patient. Firstly, immediate-effect medications will be prescribed, such as analgesics, triptans and narcotics, with the aim of relieving the pain that the patient experiences in outbreaks or crises.
Furthermore, in the case of headaches, preventive treatment is especially important, that is, treatment that helps avoid and stop pain outbreaks. In this case, a treatment based on anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants will be provided.
There are different treatments that can help treat headaches. For example, acupuncture or hypnosis. In recent years, cognitive-behavioral therapy is being introduced to treat this pathology, through which the patient takes control of their thoughts and emotions, learning to manage pain through them.
Prevention of tension headaches
In some cases, tension headaches are inevitable and appear untimely. However, there are certain guidelines that can help patients manage and prevent the onset of pain flares. First of all, it becomes especially important to acquire routines and schedules.
Food plays an important role. Therefore, it is recommended that the patient follow a balanced diet and avoid the consumption of certain foods, such as cheese, chocolate and exciting drinks.
It is also recommended to perform low-impact exercise on a constant basis, which helps release tension. Besides, It may be useful to practice relaxation techniques or disciplines such as Pilates or yoga.
Home remedies to relieve tension headaches
There are certain remedies that, at times when the patient is going through an outbreak of pain, can help control and relieve it. First of all, it is recommended cold application on the forehead.
In addition, the application of essential oils and the consumption of infusions, such as chamomile, that help muscle relaxation, may be beneficial. Including anti-inflammatory foods, such as ginger, in your diet can significantly relieve pain.
As has been explained, the Tension headaches can significantly affect the patient's quality of life.. Therefore, it is especially important to follow preventive treatment and respect certain guidelines that help control it.
10 thoughts on “Cefalea tensional: tipos y causas”
Hello, it is very useful and good information. I would like to know which doctor to consult. I suffer from head, neck and shoulder pain.
Good afternoon, Doris.
Thank you for visiting our blog.
According to the pain you tell us, a neurologist can treat headache pain, while orthopedic doctors are in charge of neck and shoulder pain. At Elgeadi Traumatology we have a trauma team specialized in these areas.
All the best.
I suffer from a constant headache all day and at night my head hurts. I can't stand any type of noise, such as music, the clock, or the dripping of a faucet. Nothing, everything bothers me, all types of noise.
Hello Claudia, please, we recommend that you contact a neurologist so that they can analyze you in detail. All the best.
Hello, I’ve been having tremendous headaches for 3 years now… they did a CT scan and told me I had emotional headaches, the doctor told me there was no cure and he prescribed me hemocranial for the pain, but not to overuse the pills… it’s true that the pain goes away, but it happens to me more and more often and the pain lasts longer, it only hits the left side of my head almost up to my eye. I massage the bones on that side of my head with my hands and it hurts and I put cold cloths on it and it relieves me… but I have no life because as I have said before, it happens to me more and more often and it lasts longer days… and I try hard not to take hemogranial but I can’t always hold back and I have to take it… what advice can you give me please because this is no life… lately it comes on every afternoon and sometimes I can’t sleep well because of the pain I have… what else can I do? Are there treatments? Because they only prescribed me hemogranial and it is for the pain but the headache comes back the next day…please help me, what can I do? Thank you and best regards
Hello Marie Carmen,
We are so sorry to hear that you are going through this difficult time. Headaches can be very debilitating, and we understand how frustrating it is to deal with recurring headaches that affect your quality of life. While painkillers can temporarily relieve pain, it is critical to address the underlying cause of your headaches to find a more lasting solution.
In addition to medication, there are treatments such as physiotherapy, relaxation techniques and even preventative treatments that could help you reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. We recommend that you consult a specialist so that they can assess your situation in more detail and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Don't hesitate to ask for a second opinion if you feel that the current treatment is not working as you expected.
Good afternoon, unfortunately, my 8-year-old daughter suffers from headaches almost daily. Sometimes in the left parietal region, other times in the occipital region. They usually last from 20 to 60 minutes. In the worst cases, they've lasted all day. They're often accompanied by stomach/intestinal pain. What strikes me is that she says her headaches aren't felt in her skull, but rather in her brain. I would greatly appreciate your valuable opinion. Thank you in advance.
Good afternoon,
We are very sorry that your daughter is experiencing these frequent and bothersome episodes. Recurrent headaches in children, especially if accompanied by digestive symptoms and an internal sensation like the one you describe, should be carefully evaluated. Although in many cases these are childhood migraines or other benign causes, a complete medical evaluation is essential to rule out other possible causes and determine the most appropriate treatment.
It would be advisable to consult with a specialist, who will be able to order the necessary tests and provide more precise guidance. If you wish, you can contact our center at 91 005 39 00 to schedule an appointment so our specialists can evaluate your case individually.
Greetings.
Hello, I've been suffering from burning or scalding headaches for four months now. They usually occur in different areas of my head. I also have pain in the socket of my eye, but only if I touch it. Sometimes it swells, and sometimes I feel numbness on the right side of my face, where my eye is usually affected. The pains I get in my head are different from a typical headache. I also have a lot of tension in my shoulders and neck. I've had several tests done, including a CT scan, and they haven't found anything. Some doctors say it's a tension headache, others say it's trigeminal neuralgia. In short, I don't know what I have. Can you help me with a diagnosis? Thank you very much.
Hello Yolanda, with burning in the head, pain around the eye, swelling to the touch, and numbness on one side of the face, it's important to have a neurological evaluation to differentiate between headache and neuralgia and adjust the treatment accordingly. If weakness, blurred vision, or a sudden worsening of symptoms occurs, go to the emergency room.