تعريف

Tension headache refers to head pain associated with stress and muscle contraction. These headaches may occur only occasionally in response to a stressful event. They may also be chronic, occurring frequently. Some tension headaches are nearly constant, with daily pain that may vary in intensity.

صداع التوتر

أسباب

Tension headaches may occur when muscles in the neck, face, and scalp contract, which produce pain. The precise cause of this muscle contraction is unknown. Factors that may contribute to tension headache include:

  • ضغط
  • قلق
  • اكتئاب
  • Eyestrain
  • وضع سيء
  • Injuries or arthritis of the neck area
  • Temporomandibular joint disease (TMJ)
  • Chemical imbalances in the brain

عوامل الخطر

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Your risk of getting a tension headache increases with:

  • اكتئاب
  • قلق
  • الجنس: أنثى
  • Teeth clenching or grinding
  • توقف التنفس أثناء النوم
  • الأدوية
  • Sleep disruption
  • Low physical activity
  • Being Overweight
  • التدخين

الأعراض

Tension headache symptoms usually start slowly and build.

تشمل الأعراض ما يلي:

  • Constant, steady pain and pressure
  • Dull and achy pain
  • Pain felt on both sides of the head, in the forehead, temples, and the back of the head
  • Pressure may feel like a tight band around the head
  • Intensity ranges from mild to severe and can vary during the day
  • Tightness in head and neck muscles

Headaches can become so severe and constant that they interfere with normal activities and sleep.

التشخيص

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The cause of a headache can be difficult to determine.

قد تشمل الاختبارات ما يلي:

  • Neurological exam
  • تحاليل الدم
  • Neck x-ray—a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones
  • التصوير المقطعي المحوسب - نوع من الأشعة السينية يستخدم جهاز كمبيوتر لعمل صور لهياكل داخل الرأس
  • MRI scan—a type of machine that uses a magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to make pictures of structures inside the head

العلاج

Tension headaches are managed, rather than cured. Therapies aim to stop the headache and reduce the frequency of future episodes.

قد يشمل العلاج ما يلي:

الأدوية

قد تشمل الأدوية ما يلي:

  • Over-the-counter pain pills—Continuous use of some over-the-counter medication may create rebound pain when you stop taking the drug. Using these medicines too much can cause headaches. Pain medications are most effective when taken at the first sign of pain and before it becomes severe.
  • Prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)or muscle relaxants
  • Drugs to prevent headaches, if you suffer from daily tension headaches
  • Antidepressant medications, even if you are not clinically depressed
  • Botulinum toxin injections (Botox)

Self-care during the Headache

Self-care may include:

  • استراحة
  • Put an ice pack or heat pack on your head or neck to ease discomfort
  • Take a warm shower, with water running over tense muscles
  • Massage your temples and neck
  • Practice relaxation techniques

تغيير نمط الحياة

Lifestyle changes may include:

  • Exercise regularly
  • Improve your posture
  • احصل على قسط كافي من النوم
  • Take breaks from tasks
  • Learn and practice stress management and relaxation techniques
  • Consider seeing a counselor to:
    • Develop new coping skills
    • Identify events that trigger the headaches and work toward resolution
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Additional Therapies

Additional therapies may include:

  • العلاج بالإبر —Acupuncture may help you to have more headache-free days and lessen the intensity of headaches when they do occur.
  • Physical therapy —Physical therapists can help you develop a home-exercise program.
  • Massage therapy if the pain is in your neck and shoulders

If you are diagnosed with a tension headache, follow your doctor’s instructions.

الوقاية

You may be able to reduce the chance of a tension headache by learning how to manage stress. Try the following strategies:

  • Keep a diary, marking when headaches occur and what you were doing before they started.
  • Learn to recognize what provokes a tension headache.
  • Avoid or minimize stressful situations.
  • Take frequent breaks to walk or move around.
  • Make time for pleasurable activities.
  • Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and focusing on something pleasant.
  • Learn techniques for coping with difficult or stressful situations.
  • Make time for friends and build a strong support system.
  • Go to bed early and get a good night’s sleep.
  • اتمرن بانتظام.
  • Do not slouch.
  • Hold the phone, rather than cradling it on your shoulder, or use a headset.
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