Tension headaches are the most common type of headaches. In fact, they account for almost 90 percent of headaches, afflicting nearly everyone at some point in their life. With aches and tightness extending from the neck, the back, the eyes, and muscle groups of the face, tension headaches can cause pain ranging from mild to severe.

Tension headaches can last for a half hour, or linger for several days. On average, however, tension headaches last between four and six hours. Typically producing bilateral pain - pain that is evenly distributed on both sides of the head - a person with a tension headache often feels like their head is under constant pressure, as if being continually squeezed. Though these types of headaches don't usually disrupt a person's life, if they are chronic, or severe, they have the potential to be quite debilitating.

Causes and Triggers
From a scientific standpoint, the cause of tension headaches is not entirely clear. While studies have led past experts to believe that tension headaches were caused by spasms of the head and neck muscles, present experts now believe that there may be more than one cause. A new cause they are investigating is a change in brain chemicals. This is based on the theory that the brain may misinterpret pain signals, disrupting the distribution of serotonin (a molecule that helps regulate functions of the body). Because tension headaches are relieved by certain anti-depressants (namely Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)), this theory is gaining ground as a valid argument. While the scientific cause of tension headaches may not be entirely clear-cut, there is solid knowledge of certain triggers known to lead to these types of headaches. The most common triggers are emotional and physical stress. For instance, someone who is having trouble at work or not getting enough sleep will be more prone to tension headaches than someone who is relaxed and at ease. Other triggers of tension headaches include excessive exposure to bright light, eye strain, neck strain from poor posture or an injury, and strain of the jaw from repetitive habits such as gum chewing, nail biting, or teeth clenching.

Symptoms
It is important that tension headaches aren't mistaken for other types of headaches that may be signaling an underlying medical condition. The textbook cases of tension headaches involve consistent pain - no throbbing or pulsing - that is present on both sides of the head; tightness around the forehead and feeling that the top of the head is being forcefully squeezed; and aching pain that is present at the temples, the back of the head, and down the neck. Tension headaches, unlike migraines, don't generally get worse with exercise. They are also not marked by nausea, sensitivity to bright light or loud noise, numbing, dizziness, or loss of vision. Though anyone can get a tension headache, they are most common in people who are between the ages of 30 and 39 and they are typically linked to stressful events of life. The chances of getting a tension headache decreases with age and with a lifestyle containing fewer trials.

Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a tension headache is vital, it's important than a tension headache is distinguished from other types of more serious headaches. In order to diagnose tension headaches, doctors will ask the patient a series of questions specifically geared towards learning about their lifestyle and the pain they are having. It's important for the patient to be as open as possible, describing in detail what symptoms they are having so that doctors can make a proper diagnosis.

Treatment
The treatment for tension headaches can be as varied as the triggers that cause them. Some people may find that over the counter medications, such as aspirin, are helpful, while others may find that non-medication forms of therapy, including stress management, acupuncture, meditation and biofeedback is the more beneficial route. Those afflicted may also find that just discovering the triggers of tension headaches - tiredness, anger, hunger - and avoiding them may prevent tension headaches altogether. For tension headaches that are chronic, continually popping up, treatment can only be achieved with the diagnosis of the underlying cause of the headaches. These underlying causes may be anxiety, depression, or something else not conducive to a healthy lifestyle.

Tension headaches are annoying, but generally nothing to worry about. This is ironic since the very act of worrying is often their cause to begin with. However, headaches not caused by tension may be a symptom of something serious. Therefore, it's important that someone with constant bouts of headaches visit a medical professional and get a proper diagnosis.

About us: The Center for Osteopathic Medicine in Boulder, Colorado believes in The Osteopathic Difference. In a medical industry focused on treating symptoms, The Center is more focused on finding the cause of these symptoms. The Osteopathic Difference is the application of "Hands on Therapeutics" for both the diagnosis and treatment of complaints, disorders, and pain. The Osteopathic Difference will apply the time proven osteopathic fact that function is directly related to structure, and poor structure will lead to poor function.

While The Center tries to focus on health, and above all else, prevention for all those who cross into its threshold, sometimes the best that can be done is to recognize the source of the “DIS-EASE," and to teach every individual how to manage their symptoms. Believing that it is the most important aspect of any treatment regime, and that it is the primary job of the health care practitioner, The Center works to empower the patient in the maintenance of their own health.

Achieving health is also an elusive place, and The Center will work tirelessly to create a path to health which, when embraced by the patient over time, will allow the patient to enjoy a positive return on their rehabilitation investment. The Center teaches a Mindfulness Yoga Program that aims to educate the patient in the power of the mind to minimize, if not rid the body of, aches and pain. Although the ultimate goal of health is to live without the use of drugs, natural or otherwise, The Center for Osteopathic Medicine recognizes the importance of medicinals and their appropriate use. All styles of "Hands on Manipulation" are practiced at The Center. By combining these Manipulative techniques with Structural Integration, massage, meditation and Western Medicine, The Center for Osteopathic Medicine helps people to identify disease before it manifests, quiet pains that have been previously diagnosed as Chronic, and embrace a holistic mindset to Live in the Present- and within that presence, live completely well.