Tension Headache

Symptoms Checklist:

You have a dull, pressure like pain in your head
It came on gradually
It feels like a tight band or vice on you head
It is not restricted to one side
It gets worse when you’re tired or under stress
They generally do not interfere with sleep
The pain can last from hours to years

Tension Headache

90% of all headaches are tension headaches. They are called “tension” because they come from tightness in the muscles of the body, particularly those of the neck and scalp. Usually the headache builds gradually during the day. You may notice it after hard work, anxiety or stress. Any activity that causes you to hold your head in a fixed position for a long time triggers it, like working with computers, typing, or sleeping awkwardly. Most people suffer from tension headaches from time to time and they can last from a few hours to years.

Physical Therapy/Osteopathy and Headaches

Headaches are caused by muscle tightness which may happen as a result of poor posture in work, or stress related to your job or life. If your job involves a lot of sitting, typing, or close-up work, this often places more stress on the neck and back muscles than they can cope with. It may cause some of them to tighten, or shorten and the build-up of pressure can cause headaches. Stretching and balancing the involved muscles can help ease headaches and reduce the likelihood of their recurrence.