Tension Headaches
Tension headaches, or
stress headaches, can last from 30 minutes to several days. In some cases,
chronic tension headaches may persist for many months. Although the pain can at
times be severe, tension headaches are usually not associated with other
symptoms, such as nausea, throbbing or vomiting.
The most common cause
of tension headaches is subluxations in the upper back and neck, especially the
upper neck, usually in combination with active trigger points. When the top
cervical vertebrae lose their normal motion or position, a small muscle called
the rectus capitis posterior minor (RCPM) muscle goes into spasm. The problem
is that this small muscle has a tendon which slips between the upper neck and
the base of the skull and attaches to a thin pain-sensitive tissue called the
dura mater that covers the brain.
Although the brain
itself has no feeling, the dura mater is very pain-sensitive. Consequently,
when the RCPM muscle goes into spasm and its tendon tugs at the dura mater, a
headache occurs. People who hold desk jobs will tend to suffer from headaches
for this reason.
Another cause of
tension type headaches comes from referred pain from trigger points in the
Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) or levator muscle on the side of the neck. These are
much more common in people who suffer a whiplash injury due to the muscle
damage in the neck region.
Location
Click the map to view the location nearest to you
Office Hours
Our regular schedule
ProNeuro Medical Group