Symptoms
The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ibuprofen in doses of 200-400mg, naproxen sodium 375-550mg, ketoprofen 25-50mg and diclofenac potassium 50-100mg have all been demonstrated to be more effective than placebo in acute TTH [Mathew and Ashina, 2005; Ashina and Ashina, 2003].
Causes
Nov 07, 2021 · Pharmacological Treatment: The goal of chronic TTH therapy is to reduce the frequency of headaches through the use of preventive medications. Among pharmacologic agents, amitriptyline (a tricyclic antidepressant [TCA]), is the most efficacious and well-studied drug in the management of chronic TTH.
Prevention
Tension-type headache is the most frequent form of headache. The local topical treatment with peppermint oil (oleum menthae piperitae) has proven to be significantly more effective than placebo in controlled studies. Peppermint oil targets headache pathophysiology in multiple ways. The efficacy is c …
Complications
The modern classifications of headaches include primary headaches, e.g., migraines and headaches of tension (HAT), and secondary psychogenic headaches of tension (PHT). Forty-one patients with chronic variants of HAT and PHT were studied. In the first step, 12 patients with HAT and 11 patients with PHT were compared by clinical and psychometric ...
What are the treatment goals for chronic tension-type headache?
The activation of myofascial trigger points has also been implicated as a cause of headache.17 Trigger-point treatment via electrical stimulation has been effectively used to increase pain threshold in patients with tension headache.18 Manual treatment of trigger points has also been suggested for reducing trigger-point pain.19 Massage therapy techniques, which act in part to …
What medications are used to treat tension headaches?
May 09, 2016 · Breathing Exercises or Deep breathing techniques for tension headache relief; Breathing exercises are most useful way for tension headache relief.It is easy and quick way to get rid from tension.Breathing exercises have no side effects on your body,and it is effective for both elders or youngers .
Is there a role for no-mediated mechanisms in chronic tension-type headaches?
Sep 01, 2002 · Analgesics combined with butalbital or opiates are often useful for tension-type pain but have an increased risk of causing chronic daily headache. Amitriptyline is the most widely researched...
What are the causes of chronic tension headaches?
Many chronic tension headache sufferers take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen in an effort to lessen their headaches. These medicines seem to work well when the headaches first start, but when tension headaches become daily, they can contribute to worsening of the headache syndrome (see Medication Overuse Headache).
What antidepressants are used for headaches?
Anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants. Other medications that may prevent tension headaches include anticonvulsants, such as topiramate (Topamax). More study is needed.
What are some ways to relieve headache pain?
For some people, it may also provide relief from headache pain. Deep breathing, biofeedback and behavior therapies. A variety of relaxation therapies are useful in coping with tension headaches, including deep breathing and biofeedback.
How to relieve headaches without medicine?
Rest, ice packs or a long, hot shower may be all you need to relieve a tension headache. A variety of strategies can help reduce the severity and frequency of chronic tension headaches without using medicine. Try some of the following: Manage your stress level.
How to get rid of a headache from a hot shower?
For heat, use a heating pad set on low, a hot-water bottle, a warm compress or a hot towel. A hot bath or shower also may help. For cold, wrap ice, an ice pack or frozen vegetables in a cloth to protect your skin.
Why do doctors prescribe pain medication?
Your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks, especially if you have frequent or chronic headaches that aren't relieved by pain medication and other therapies.
What is the best way to relieve tension?
The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture website provides referrals to medical doctors who use acupuncture in their practices. Massage. Massage can help reduce stress and relieve tension.
How to keep muscles from tensing?
Good posture can help keep your muscles from tensing. When standing, hold your shoulders back and your head level. Pull in your abdomen and buttocks. When sitting, make sure your thighs are parallel to the ground and your head isn't slumped forward.
What is the best medication for tension headache?
Tension-type headache is most commonly self-treated with OTC non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen. A telephone survey 16 found that 98 percent of responders with tension-type headache reported using analgesics.
What is tension headache?
Tension-type headache typically causes pain that radiates in a band-like fashion bilaterally from the forehead to the occiput. Pain often radiates to the neck muscles and is described as tightness, pressure, or dull ache. Migraine-type features (unilateral, throbbing pain, nausea, photophobia) are not present.
How long does a headache last?
Tension-type headaches can last from 30 minutes to several days and can be continuous in severe cases. The pain is mild or moderately intense and is described as tightness, pressure, or a dull ache. The pain is usually experienced as a band extending bilaterally back from the forehead across the sides of the head to the occiput. 10 Patients often report that this tension radiates from the occiput to the posterior neck muscles. In its most extensive form, the pain distribution is “cape like,” radiating along the medial and lateral trapezius muscles covering the shoulders, scapular, and interscapular areas. 10
How many days a month does a headache last?
Chronic tension-type headache. Same as tension-type headache, except number of days with such headaches: at least 15 days per month, for at least six months. Chronic daily headache.
Is tension headache muscular?
Current knowledge of the nociceptive (pain receptor) system suggests that the deriva tive pain of tension-type headaches has a muscular origin. Muscular or myofascial pain tends to be dull and achy, poorly localized, and radiating, whereas pain originating from cutaneous structures is sharp, localized, and nonradiating. The supposition that the pain is muscular in origin and related to increased resting muscle tension corresponds with the current clinical understanding of tension-type headache and derived treatment approaches.
Is headache a primary or secondary disease?
Primary headaches (including migraine, tension-type, and cluster headaches) have no apparent underlying organic disease process. Secondary headaches are caused by an underlying organic disease and are a symptom of a recognized disease process.
Can antiemetics be used for headaches?
Sedating antihistamines or antiemetics can potentiate the pain-relieving effects of standard analgesics. Analgesics combined with butalbital or opiates are often useful for tension-type pain but have an increased risk of causing chronic daily headache.
What is tension headache?
Chronic tension headache is a syndrome of headaches that are mild to moderate in intensity, involve "tightness" or "pressure" on both sides of the head, and are not aggravated by routine physical activity. Nausea, vomiting, and light/sound sensitivity are usually not present and, if so, are mild and infrequent.
How to manage headaches?
Other approaches to headache management that you can try include reduction of stress, relaxation training, and biofeedback. Massage can also be effective. Avoiding poor posture, practicing proper computer use, and limiting eye strain are all also important.
How to help migraines?
Daily exercise. Cognitive-behavioral therapy – This is talk therapy with a trained counselor, designed to identify stressors and develop coping strategies to minimize their effect on behavior. Counseling and treatment for depression and/or anxiety. Many medications that are effective for migraine are utilized to provide relief for chronic tension ...
How long does a headache last?
A chronic tension headache is present for 15 or more days of a month for at least 3 months.
What is the best medication for migraines?
The ordinary migraine-preventative medicines like beta-blockers (propranolol, atenolol) and calcium channel blockers (verapamil) might be used as a third choice. Selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine) have been used but make the headache worse for some people.
What are the factors that contribute to chronic tension headaches?
In chronic tension headache, a variety of contributing factors must be addressed: Anxiety and depression. Frustration. Physical and emotional dependence.
Can a headache last for a long time?
Your headache lasts an unusually long time. Headache awakens you from sleep. Fever and neck pain or stiffness are present. In the case chronic tension headache, you should call your doctor if: The headache worsens or the quality of it changes significantly as you try to use the treatments that your doctor recommends.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Alternative Medicine
Coping and Support