Could You Be Suffering From Tension Headaches?
We can all agree that no one likes headaches, especially when they’re accompanied by pressure or tightness around the head. Adding scalp tenderness and/or light sensitivity to the mix can further throw off your entire day. So, if you’re struggling with these symptoms, what might they be? And better yet, what can you do about it?
If you’re struggling with the symptoms above, you may be experiencing tension headaches. However, Dr. Bobby Bilitsis at Prestige Health and Wellness advises that seeing a professional is the only way to be sure. Several patients have visited our Manhattan offices complaining of tension-type headaches, and we’ve been able to put them on a treatment plan that improves their quality of life.
Tension headaches may feel like:
- Pressure on the forehead or temples
- A tight band around the head
- Mild light sensitivity
Read below if you’re curious to learn more about tension headaches, their causes, and possible treatments.
What are Tension Headaches?
Sometimes referred to as muscle contraction headaches, psychomyogenic headaches, or stress headaches, tension headaches are often divided into episodic or chronic forms. These headaches can last from minutes to weeks for each episode, significantly disrupting one’s daily life.
Symptoms of Tension Headaches
Tension headaches have a higher prevalence in women compared to men. Many people who start presenting symptoms of tension headaches do not immediately seek appropriate medical treatment.
With one-fifth of the world population suffering from these headaches, it helps to be mindful of the symptoms when they arise. By being prepared with knowledge of the signs of a tension headache, individuals can quickly seek the right treatment. Tension headaches can manifest through symptoms of:
- Pain around the head (often described as the band around the head)
- Tightness or pressure across the forehead, sides, or back of the head
- Tenderness in the scalp
- Sensitivity to light
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping
The pain of tension headaches doesn’t worsen with increased physical activity. This sets this type of headache apart from a migraine, which it’s commonly mistaken for.
Tension Headaches: Common Causes and Risk Factors
While the cause of tension headaches is still being researched, there seems to be a correlation between certain factors and the appearance of these headaches.
For instance, sometimes, they’re triggered by a stressful event, which is why the episodic type of tension headache is much more common than chronic tension headaches. However, chronic tension headaches still affect about 3% of the population.
In addition, the average age range affected by tension headaches is 25 to 30, and they seem to be more common in women.
Other causes and risk factors for tension headaches include:
- Sleep loss
- Stress
- Weak neck extension muscles
- Poor posture
- Jaw clenching
- Eye strain
Non-Surgical Tension Headache Treatment in Manhattan
If you’re dealing with tension headaches in NYC, you have options. At Prestige Health and Wellness, we offer holistic treatments to relieve symptoms and restore your quality of life. Some of those treatments include:
Physical Therapy for Tension-like Headaches
Exercises to improve posture and relax the muscles and other physical therapy techniques have shown great promise in treating episodic and chronic tension headaches. Physical therapy may also be beneficial in reducing strain on the neck extension muscles, which have been connected to the progression of tension headaches.
NYC Occupational Therapy
Our experienced occupational therapists can evaluate if and how tension headaches impact your ability to complete daily tasks. For example, are these headaches making it challenging to work or prepare? Based on your individual assessment, our OT team will suggest various adjustments to mitigate your symptoms.
Manhattan Chiropractic Care
There is evidence that chiropractic treatment, including spinal manipulation, can be effective in improving headache symptoms. Something as simple as postural correction may offer you a world of relief. Therefore, allow our team to determine if chiropractic care is a good treatment for you.
NYC Acupuncture for Tension Headaches
One study found that acupuncture sessions about 2 to 3 times a week could help with the frequency of headaches. Acupuncture has been shown to help fight inflammation, which can be helpful when dealing with the pain and tenderness of tension headaches.
Massage Therapy in NYC
Research suggests that massage therapy may decrease the frequency of chronic tension headaches. This nonpharmacologic intervention not only promotes relaxation but also aids with pain reduction, improves circulation, and might even promote a better sleep quality.
Relieve Tension Headaches in Manhattan
Ready to find a solution to this aggravating problem? We understand that navigating tension headaches can be overwhelming, but it’s not something you have to do alone. The compassionate and knowledgeable team at Prestige Health and Wellness is here to support you.
Book an appointment for tension headache treatment in New York City
We look forward to seeing you at one of our locations in Manhattan NYC:
