Tension
Headaches
The
patient describes a headache with frequent
occurrence that is often worse in the
afternoon or early evening. The pain is
usually throughout the entire head. The
headaches last for several days, or even
weeks. Aspirin, or other over the counter
NSAIDs seem to provide some relief.
Cause:
Although
it was once believed that tension-like headaches
were due to muscle tension, it is now recognized
that although there are often tender trigger
points in the neck and base of the skull,
there is no higher incidence of muscle tightness
when compared to other headache types.
Evaluation:
There
are no diagnostic findings specific to tension-like
headaches. It is not unusual to find tender
trigger points and tight muscles in the
neck, although these are not exclusive to
tension-like headache sufferers.
Management:
Chiropractic
manipulation to the cervical spine combined
with specific neurological stretches will
help reduce muscles tension, and trigger
points in the neck muscles. We would also
evaluate muscle imbalances due to poor
posture to help restore proper biomechanics
and posture to the cervical spine.
Other
treatment options would include passive
modalities such as ultrasound high voltage
comination therapy, interferential current,
or kinesiotaping.
Special
Note:
Over
the counter NSAIDs such as Aspirin may
provide relief from the thension-type
headaches, but the damage these drugs
do to the gastrointestinal tract have
been well established. Chiropractic care
can find the cause of the headaches.
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