Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Johanne Prosper
Published on 2024-03-14 16:00:13
Feeling pressure in the head, headaches, pulsating neck pain, stress… What if it’s tension headaches? Many people suffer from headaches known as “tension headaches”. Ranging from mild to moderate intensity, those who suffer from them describe a feeling of pressure around the head that starts at the front of the head or around the eyes and then spreads throughout the head. Often ignored, these tension headaches can impose a heavy burden on daily life, turning each day into a battle against pain. While their cause is not clear and many factors can explain these tension headaches, it is important to recognize the symptoms and treat them to avoid long-term complications. From symptoms to treatment, a look at tension headaches.
The WHO estimates that in industrialized countries, tension headaches alone affect two-thirds of adult men and over 80% of women. However, for the vast majority of them, the discomfort is occasional, occurring in episodes. A very small percentage (less than 3%) would suffer from almost daily chronic headaches, which are very disabling.
Tension headaches are characterized by a sensation of tightness or pressure around the head. The headache is felt as a pressure or tension, somewhat like a band or helmet squeezing the head, sometimes radiating to the neck. Unlike migraines, they are generally not accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. They often start at the front of the head or around the eyes before spreading throughout the head. The symptoms can vary in intensity from mild to moderate, but their constant presence can make daily tasks difficult.
Many factors can trigger tension headaches. Stress and anxiety are said to be the primary triggering factor, increasing muscle tension in the neck and scalp. Some believe that when stressed, we involuntarily contract our neck muscles, causing a headache that only exacerbates stress, hence the vicious circle! Furthermore, stress can cause sleep disorders, which in turn can worsen headaches. If you have neck or dental pain, this can also lead to headaches. Also, tensions in the eye area can also have an impact on cranial pain. Although the exact cause of these headaches remains unclear, it is essential to identify and treat the triggering factors for effective management.
Risk factors
Women are most affected. There are several possible explanations for this: their neck muscles are less developed and therefore probably more fatigable. These muscles are also sensitive to female hormones. Women may have a lower pain sensitivity threshold than men. Tension headaches can be a real burden for those who suffer from them regularly. Understanding how to diagnose and treat these headaches is crucial to improve the quality of life of those affected.
An elimination process
The diagnosis of tension headaches largely relies on an elimination process. People suffering from headaches are often encouraged to consult their general practitioner, who will conduct a thorough clinical examination. The doctor will first rule out other potential causes of headaches, such as migraines, vision problems, sinusitis, or even more serious issues such as an aneurysm rupture or stroke. In most cases, imaging tests are not necessary to diagnose tension headaches. However, in cases where the doctor suspects another condition, imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) may be recommended. Keeping a headache journal can also be useful to help the doctor establish an accurate diagnosis. Recording the frequency, intensity, potential triggers, and treatments used can provide valuable information to guide the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Treatment: various solutions
Once the diagnosis of tension headache is confirmed, various treatment options can be considered. To relieve acute symptoms, simple measures such as resting in a dark and quiet environment, applying cold compresses to the painful area, or massaging the forehead and neck can be effective. Regarding medication, analgesics are often recommended as first-line treatment. Paracetamol and ibuprofen are commonly used to alleviate pain associated with tension headaches. However, it is important not to abuse analgesics, as this can lead to rebound headaches, exacerbating the initial problem. In cases of chronic or treatment-resistant tension headaches, specialized consultation may be necessary. Complementary therapies such as physiotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), sophrology, or acupuncture may also be beneficial for some individuals. Being aware of signs that could indicate a more serious problem requiring immediate medical attention is also important. Sudden and severe headaches, headaches accompanied by neurological symptoms such as vision problems or muscle weakness, or headaches occurring after a head injury should be evaluated promptly. Therefore, although tension headaches can be bothersome, there are treatment options available to help relieve the symptoms of these frustrating headaches and improve quality of life.
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
