Tension Headache (TTH)

Disclaimer: Not medical or professional advice. Always seek the advice of your physician.

Tension-type headache (TTH) is a primary headache disorder and the most common type of headache. Most people experience episodic headaches, but TTH is more prevalent in women than men.

Tension Headache Symptoms

• The duration of TTH episodes may vary from 30 minutes to 7 days (sometimes even longer).
• Bilateral type of headache.
• The pain is usually pressing or tightening in quality (non-pulsating).
• Tightness or pressure across the forehead or on the sides and back of the head. Patients describe tension headache pain as feeling like a tight band around their heads.
• Tenderness in the scalp, neck, and shoulder muscles.
• According to the subjective sensations of patients, the pain score is 4-7 on a scale of 0 to 10.
• Regular exercise, positive emotions, or walking may reduce headaches.
• Sensitivity to sound or light.

Many people with TTH also experience an increase in anxiety, negative mood, apathy, irritability, and insomnia.

Tension-type headache does not interfere with work, but it has a dramatic effect on a person's productivity and quality of life. Talk to your doctor if you need to take headache medication more than twice a week. Do not ignore headaches or refuse treatment. These factors can lead to chronic TTH.

Triggers for Tension Headache

• Physical and mental stress
• Skipping meals
• Sleep disturbances
• Eye strain (for example, working on a computer for extended periods of time)
• Temporomandibular joint disorder
• Stress

When does a TTH Attack Start?

• In the morning, it can wake you out of a sleep or start as soon as you get up. Most attacks occur later during the day, increasing or diminishing in severity.
• In the second half of the day, especially after high levels of stress, anxiety, intense work, prolonged sitting in an uncomfortable position that causes the contraction of muscles in the neck and head (such as when driving or working at a computer).

How is a TTH Different from a Migraine?

Tension-type headaches and migraines are often confused because they have similar symptoms. It can cause serious health problems, as diagnostic error leads to incorrect treatment, making patients suffer for years.

Distinguishing features of migraine include.

• Headache lasts 4-72 hours (untreated or unsuccessfully treated).
• The pain has at least two of the following characteristics: one-sided, throbbing, moderate to severe intensity, aggravated by physical activity (i.e. walking, climbing stairs).
• During a headache, there is at least one of the additional symptoms: sensitivity to light and/or noise, nausea and/or vomiting.

How can you Relieve a TTH Attack?

• Keep a headache diary and track medication use. This will help your doctor identify possible triggers and find the best treatment for you.
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. You need at least 7-8 hours of sleep each day. If you have to wake up early in the morning, go to bed early.
• Physical activity. Try to move more and spend more time outdoors, especially if you work in an office.
• Psychotherapy if you are feeling stressed.
• Try to eat regularly (at least 3-4 times a day) and drink enough water.
• Limit the consumption of alcohol, caffeine, energy drinks, and sugar.
• Take breaks when you work at your computer for long periods. Eye exercises and physical warm-ups can be extremely beneficial.
• Watch your posture. Incorrect posture causes the muscles of the head and neck to tense up, reducing the blood flow and oxygen to the muscles.

There are many different types of headaches with varying triggers and symptoms. It is important to consult a doctor for a diagnosis. Long-term use of painkillers increases the risk of developing a medication tolerance, which refers to the decreased effects of a drug over time.