Muscle Contraction Headache
Muscle Contraction Headache Causes
Muscle contraction headache is mostly ascribed to sustained tension to the muscles. However, certain other triggers may be responsible, including emotional factors such as depression and anxiety, as well as underlying medical conditions such as degenerative arthritis of the neck and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). In addition, poor personal posture may also be a possible cause.
Muscle Contraction Headache Definition
Muscle contraction headache pertains to a type of headache that results from tension or sustained muscle contraction.
Muscle Contraction Headache Diagnosis
Muscle contraction headache can be diagnosed based on the patient's medical history, physical symptoms, and the results of a thorough physical exam.
Muscle Contraction Headache Symptoms and Signs
Muscle contraction headache is described as a steady, continuous pain felt on both sides of the head. This headache is usually comparable to a tight band around the head or a sensation that both head and neck are wrapped in a cast. Muscle contraction headache usually occurs alongside these symptoms: nausea, a sore scalp, neck aches, blurry vision, and vomiting.
Muscle Contraction Headache Treatment
The pain and discomfort of muscle contraction headaches can be alleviated with the following self-care remedies: gentle neck exercises, hot showers, hot pack on the back of the neck, passive relaxation, and massages. Medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, propoxyphene, codeine, antidepressants, MOA inhibitors, and barbiturate compounds may also be used. Other forms of treatment include: passive relation therapy; cervical collars; progressive relaxation therapy; relaxation training; counseling; cognitive restructuring; and physical therapy.