Definition
Tension headache is the most common form of headache. It can be roughly distinguished from cluster headache, migraine headache and drug-induced headache. In about 90% of people, tension headache occurs during the course of life – women are slightly more frequently affected.
It is predominantly a dull, oppressive pain in the forehead (often in the temporal region) or neck. It typically occurs on both sides. A fundamental distinction is made between a frequently occurring episodic form (maximum 14 days per month over a period of 3 months) and a rarely occurring chronic form. A transition between the individual forms is possible.
Causes for tension headaches
The origin of tension headaches is not fully understood. There are numerous factors that can trigger or aggravate the headache. These factors can also intensify each other in their effect and in sum lead to the development of headaches.
The most common cause of headaches is considered to be tension in the head, neck and shoulder muscles. These often develop through long static postures. Particularly during computer work and long car journeys, poor posture can contribute to tense muscles and consequently to the development of headaches.
The development of headaches can be intensified by other factors. These include above all psychosomatic causes, where psychological problems manifest themselves in physical complaints. Besides permanent stress or conflict situations, disturbed sleep can also contribute to the development of headaches.
Last but not least, the influence of feverish infections on the development of headaches is also discussed. As already mentioned, muscle tension is the most common cause of tension headaches. Many different muscle groups in the area of the head, neck or shoulders can be affected.
The cause is often a tense neck musculature. This is due to incorrect posture, such as that which occurs, for example, during constant work at the computer. In rare cases, distant, tense muscles can also contribute to the development of headaches.
This is because the muscles of the back are interconnected and the tension of one muscle triggers a pull on the other muscles. Pain receptors are activated by the permanently tense muscles. These lead to headaches in the patient.
At the same time, the threshold at which the patient feels pain is lowered (central sensitization) – as a result, the headache is intensified while the muscles remain tense. This often leads to a vicious circle, as the headaches further aggravate the bad posture. Besides tense muscles, muscle weakness can also lead to these symptoms.
Another cause for the development of tension headaches is orthodontic problems in the area of the temporomandibular joint. Nocturnal teeth grinding can lead to tension in the chewing muscles. At the same time, damage to the temporomandibular joints can occur.
The pain can spread to neighboring regions of the body – among other things, irritation of the meninges with the development of headaches is possible. These disorders in the temporomandibular joint can have various causes. In addition to the nightly grinding of teeth, which is associated with psychological risk factors, incorrectly placed fillings, crowns, bridges or a defective denture can also lead to these symptoms. The symptoms often appear very late after orthodontic surgery, as they can be compensated for a long time by the muscles and ligaments.