Tension-Type Headaches in Mona Vale
Tension-type headaches commonly cause a pressing or tightening sensation around the head and may occur alongside tenderness or tension through the neck, shoulders and scalp. At Helix Recovery, we assess whether musculoskeletal factors may be contributing to your symptoms and develop an individualised management plan.
What is a Tension-Type Headaches?
Tension-type headache is one of the most common forms of headache. It is typically described as a dull, pressing or tightening sensation rather than a throbbing or pulsating pain.
Symptoms may occur occasionally or become more frequent over time. Although tension-type headache is a primary headache disorder, some people also experience tenderness and sensitivity through the muscles around the head and neck.
Common Symptoms
Dull, aching or pressure-like headache
Tight or band-like sensation around the head
Pain on both sides of the head
Tenderness around the neck, shoulders or scalp
Mild to moderate headache intensity
Headaches that can last from several hours to several days
Symptoms that may occur during periods of increased stress or fatigue
How We Assess a Tension-Type Headaches
Different headache disorders can produce overlapping symptoms, so assessment begins by understanding the location, behaviour, frequency and history of your headaches.
Assessment may include cervical movement, joint and muscle tenderness, neck strength and function, jaw symptoms and other factors that appear to influence your headaches.
The aim is to determine whether there are musculoskeletal factors associated with your symptoms and identify when further medical assessment may be appropriate.
How We Treat a Tension-Type Headaches
Treatment depends on how long symptoms have been present, their severity and the activities you want to return to.
Treatment may include:
Osteopathic manual therapy
Neck mobility exercises
Neck and shoulder strengthening
Exercise rehabilitation
Activity and workload modification
Education and self-management
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Tension-type headaches are commonly described as dull, pressing or tightening rather than throbbing. They often affect both sides of the head and are usually mild to moderate in intensity.
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Not necessarily. Tension-type headache is a primary headache disorder and is not simply caused by tight neck or shoulder muscles. However, muscle tenderness and musculoskeletal symptoms can occur alongside the headache.
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Some people with tension-type headaches also have neck pain, stiffness or muscular tenderness. Where these factors are present, treatment may help manage the associated musculoskeletal symptoms as part of a broader headache management approach.
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A new or unusually severe headache, significant change in your normal headache pattern, headache following trauma or headache accompanied by concerning neurological or systemic symptoms should be medically assessed.
Common Questions
Are Recurring Headaches Getting in the Way?
If recurring headaches are affecting your work, sleep, training or everyday activities, we can assess whether musculoskeletal factors may be contributing and discuss an appropriate management plan