Chronic Tension Headaches Condition

What are Chronic Tension Headaches?

Chronic tension headaches are defined as tension-type headaches that occur on fifteen or more days a month over a period lasting at least three months. Tension headaches usually involve pain in the head that can range from mild to moderate in severity, and a feeling of constant pressure against the front, back, and sides of the head. Chronic headache pain differs from episodic headache pain only in the frequency with which they occur.

Chronic headaches of this type can be extremely debilitating. They affect roughly 3 percent of people in the U.S. and seem to affect women at twice the rate of men. Fortunately, most instances of chronic head pain are not serious and can be treated. Osteopathic care can be an important part of that treatment effort, and can reduce tension, minimize pain, and help patients enjoy an improved quality of life.

What Causes this Condition?

While medical science is not sure of the exact cause of tension headaches, there are a variety of factors that contribute to their occurrence. For example:

• Stress is recognized as a commonly-reported trigger for tension head pain
• Some patients appear to have a hypersensitivity to head pain
• Poor posture may contribute to this condition
• Eye strain and fatigue
• Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy
• Excessive alcohol or tobacco use
• Sleep deprivation
• Dehydration
• Sinus infections, colds, and flu

What Are the Symptoms of Chronic Tension Headaches?

There are a number of symptoms common in tension headaches. Any or all of those symptoms may be present in patients experiencing chronic head pain:

• Dull aches in the forehead, the back of the head, and the sides
• Tenderness along the scalp, as well as the shoulder muscles and neck
• Increased pressure around the top third of the head
• Head pain lasting for hours, often continuously
• Head pain occurring at least 15 days each month, for at least three consecutive months

In some rare instances, patients may also be more sensitive to light and sound, though those symptoms are more commonly seen with migraines. Of course, some chronic headache patients may also experience migraines, which are often confused with tension headaches. Patients who experience chronic head pain may also be more prone to migraines, which share many of the same symptoms but also include visual disturbances as well as feelings of nausea.

How We Can Help

The good news is that osteopathic care can be a vital component in any chronic headache treatment regimen. Leonid Tafler, D.O. has extensive experience successfully treating chronic head pain sufferers, using safe, non-invasive osteopathic techniques like manual manipulation that can often reduce pain intensity and frequency.