What is a Tension Headache?

Tension headaches are generally more annoying and nagging than extreme. They feel like a low-to-medium grade tension in the head (and sometimes the neck). Tension headaches are the ‘everyday’ headaches people can suffer from after a long day or a stressful time. These headaches are the most common type of headache. Tension headaches are often described like a band of tension squeezing the head. The sensation is referred to as ‘tight-hat sensation’ or ‘vise grip sensation’. Tension headaches can also be felt in the sides and back of the neck, especially at the base of the skull. These headaches feel like a dull pain. They feel like a sore, tired muscle that needs to be stretched.

If your tension headache occurred after a head trauma, like a football hit, please call the clinic immediately and check out our concussion treatment plans.

Causes of Tension Headaches?

The jury is still out on the specifics, but these headaches seem to be caused by nerves in the affected area experiencing an increased sensitivity to pain. This increased sensitivity can be triggered by stress, and likely also by tight muscles.

There are a few muscles that are common culprits that can start causing this pain, especially when posture is poor. These muscles can cause scalp, head and neck pain when they aren’t functioning properly. Our Oakville chiropractor can help!

The Common Culprits

There are a few muscles commonly associated with tension headaches. The traps, suboccipitals (tiny muscles at the base of the skull) and scalenes can all cause head and neck pain. Lets break it down even more…

Suboccipital Pain Treatment

These muscles at the base of the skull are tiny, but they can pack a punch when they’re irritated. These muscles can become too tight and short due to poor posture. Sitting with slouched shoulders results in our head and neck resting in a less than optimal position. When these muscles get tight, they can cause pain in a band like pattern of pain around ear-level.

Trapezius Pain

Most of us carry our stress in our necks and shoulders. Stress can make us hold our shoulders up by our ears and leave these muscles in a constant state of contraction. Eventually they get tired and start to rebel.

Splenius Capitus Pain

Have you ever experienced pain on the top of the head? The pain may even feel like it’s in your scalp. The splenius capitus is a muscle that attaches to the base of the skull from the upper back, and it can refer pain to this area. Vertex head pain can come from one of two muscles, and this is one of them!

Treatment For Tension Headaches

Our Oakville chiropractors are experts at treating headache pain. As we mentioned above, tension headaches are the most common type of headache we treat at the clinic. These headaches don’t typically feel like the end of the world, but they are certainly annoying! We can help!

Oakville Chiropractor-Approved Neck Stretches

Muscle Release For Tension Headaches

Muscle release techniques can work like magic. Whether you receive ART, MRT or Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy techniques, the end result will be the same – a looser, less painful muscle. Our chiropractor will use his/her hands to lengthen and shorten the muscles while applying pressure to the sore points. These techniques can result in immediate results!

Spinal Adjustments for Tension Headaches

You may be thinking to yourself, if the problem is the muscle then why would we adjust the joint? The answer is simple. Tight muscles will start to affect the way joints move. If the muscles in the neck are too tense, the joints will start to stiffen up too. Chiropractors are experts at spinal adjustments and a skilfully applied adjustment will feel amazing! The adjustment will unlock stiff joints and really help to release the feeling of tension in the head and neck.

Acupuncture for Tension Headaches

If you suffer from regular headaches and haven’t tried acupuncture yet, then what are you waiting for? Dr. Jenn uses acupuncture to treat headaches all the time! Acupuncture can be incredibly helpful for any muscle related pain. This technique is safe and effective and can provide long lasting results. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into the affected area to stimulate blood flow and boost a healing response to the muscles. Are you suffering from more Migraine headaches than Tension Headaches? Check out Dr. Jenn and her acupuncture for migraine headache treatment.

Learn More About Acupuncture Here

Are you looking for Oakville Physiotherapy for tension headaches? Check out Vinaya our Physiotherapist and book today!

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Tension Headaches FAQS

1. What is a tension headache?

A tension headache is a painful headache that feels like some is squeezing your head.

2. How are tension headache treated?

Tension headaches are treated at our Chiropractic Clinic with IFC, shockwave and spinal manipulation. Also, if your traps are very tight Dr. Steve may us Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy. 

3. What causes tension headache?

The cause of your tension headache cane be very tight neck muscles. stress. poor posture throughout the day or at your computer and looking down at your phone.

4. Is my posture affecting my tension headache?

Yes, your posture is a major contributor to your tension headaches. Poor posture can cause muscle to tighten increasing pressure and lead to headaches.

5. What is the difference between tension headaches and migraines?

The major difference between tension headaches and migraines is that tension headaches are a constant pressure or ache around your head. whereas migraines are a throbbing pain on the sides of your head.

6. What are the signs that I should see my medical doctor for my tension headache?

Signs you should look out for are if your headaches occur several times throughout the week, medications do not help relieve some of the pain, vomiting, stiff neck and confusion.

7. Are tension heads hard to get rid of?

No, tension headaches are not a difficulty thing to treat. Being consistent with appointments and doing proper care with make healing faster.

8. Should I use ice or heat for my tension headache?

ice, always ice an injury or pain that may be due to inflammation. This will help relax the muscles and loosen them up.

9. Will acupuncture help my tension headache?

100% acupuncture can help with your tension headaches. It will help relieve the tight neck muscles that are involved in the headache.

10. Is my tension headache affecting my sleep?

Tension headaches can affect your sleep, it may be hard to either fall asleep or maintain sleep throughout the night. Finding a good pillow and sleep position that supports your neck will help against adding more strain to the already strained muscles.

What Are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are tight bands of muscle that can become painful. These points are often small and in many muscles they can be easily felt. Although these points are small they can feel very irritable. Pushing on them can be quite painful! Applying pressure to a trigger point can cause pain in the immediate area, and can also cause pain at points away from the source. Each muscle has a unique, specific referral pattern.

Some trigger points are latent, meaning that it hurts to push on them but they don’t cause much pain on a daily basis. If these points are left untreated, they may become problematic and start causing dull pain. These points can be caused by an acute trauma, or more likely a chronic overuse issue that creates the tight, taut bands of muscle. When the trigger point becomes large enough, or has been present for long enough they can begin causing pain all on their own! This is often the point when people decide to seek treatment.

What Do Trigger Points Feel Like?

As we mentioned above, some trigger points are completely latent. You wouldn’t even know you have one unless you regularly did self-massage and felt a ‘knot’ or band of tight tissue. If these trigger points remain untreated they may become painful. The pain is often dull and can feel focal or widespread. Trigger point pain is often constant and nagging. Stretching may temporarily relieve the symptoms but soft tissue release therapy, like ART, are often more effective at treating trigger points.

When muscles are too tight, or have trigger points, they can restrict range of motion and cause painful movement. In more advances cases, trigger points can cause a feeling of weakness. For example, a trigger point in the rotator cuff muscles can result in a feeling of discomfort down the entire arm and even cause a feeling of weakness with lifting or moving the arm.

ART For Trigger Points in Oakville

ART is Active Release Therapy. ART is a manual therapy technique that relieves soft tissue tension. The therapist applies a deep pressure to the affected area, and then the muscle is actively moved into a stretched position. This treatment technique is used to restore movement, improve mobility and relieve muscle pain and tension.

When muscles are too tight, or have trigger points, they can restrict range of motion and cause painful movement. Targeted therapeutic pressure and simultaneous muscle movement is an extremely effective treatment technique.

Trigger Point Therapy in Oakville

Shockwave For Trigger Points Oakville

Our Oakville Chiropractors use Shockwave Therapy for trigger points for some of our more stuborn patients. The Doctors use a shockwave machine. which uses a pneumatic applicator to apply shock-like sensations to affected tissue. This therapy is quite intense, but very effective. The machine uses differently sized applicator heads depending on the size of the area being treated. The treatment can be uncomfortable, but it is quick! Shockwave application usually only lasts 1-2 minutes. Trust us, the results are worth it!

Acupuncture For Trigger Points Oakville

Another effective treatment for trigger points is acupuncture. Inserting a needle directly into a trigger point is very therapeutically beneficial. Acupuncture will significantly increase the blood flow to area around the needle, and this will boost the oxygen supplied to the muscle and help eliminate the trigger point. Acupuncture is painless and can be used to treat trigger points in most muscles. Learn more about Dr. Jenn and acupuncture treatment .

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