People who've experienced a tension headache may describe their symptoms slightly differently. However, for the most part, a tension headache causes pain on both sides of the head. The pain can range from mild to severe, or be constant but not throbbing.
There are many potential causes of tension headaches, and learning more about why these headaches occur can help you prevent them in the future.
Muscle contractions in the neck and head regions are the primary instigators of tension headaches. These contractions can be caused by a variety of stressors, activities or even foods.
Other triggers of tension headaches include:
There is no definitive test to diagnose tension headaches. Besides evaluating your symptoms and reviewing your medical history, a health care provider may ask you a series of questions to learn more about your symptoms. These could include:
Reducing your response to stress and implementing some lifestyle changes are the best ways to prevent tension headaches. You may want to try:
It may be time to seek medical care if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms:
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms related to tension headaches, it may be time to seek the help of a spine specialist. At Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics, our doctors in Nashville, Tennessee, are fellowship-trained and will work to help you find relief.
To take advantage of the superior services available at Elite Sports Medicine, book an appointment online or call the location nearest you today.
