What is a muscle contraction headache?

A muscle contraction headache is often referred to as a tension headache. These headaches are common and are caused when muscles in your face, neck, or scalp become tense and tight. Your muscles might twitch, or spasm, and sometimes your head may feel like it is throbbing. Muscle contraction headaches are often difficult to distinguish from mild migraine headaches.

How does it occur?

The muscles on the face, neck, and scalp may become tense as a result of:

• depression

• anxiety and stress

• prolonged sitting in one position

• injury, such as in a car accident.

Headaches can also be triggered by:

• too little or too much sleep

• overeating or excessive drinking

• a noisy or stuffy environment

• strenuous work, indoors or outdoors

• medical conditions.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms are often described as:

• a feeling like a tight band is around the head

• dull and steady pain that worsens through the day, sometimes with a sore neck

• trouble concentrating

• difficulty sleeping

• pain that worsens with stress or fatigue

• pain that worsens with exposure to noise or glare.

How is it diagnosed?

If the headaches are new, your doctor will examine you to determine their cause. No single test can confirm a muscle contraction headache. The diagnosis is based on your symptoms, medical history, and a physical exam by a doctor.

Questions your doctor may ask include:

• When did the headache start?

• How bad was it?

• Where was the pain located?

• Did you have other symptoms such as nerve tingling or weakness?

• Did you have a fever?

• Did you feel nauseous or vomit?

• Did you have eye pain or vision changes?

• Did you faint when the pain started?

• Did you have an accident or injury before the pain started?

• Did you take any drugs before the pain started?

• Have you had other headaches like this one?

How is it treated?

Treatment focuses on reducing the muscle tightness and relieving the pain with medication, relaxation exercises, biofeedback, or exercise programs.

If the pain continues, your doctor might prescribe a stronger pain reliever.

How long will the effects last?

Symptoms usually last from a few hours to a day.

How can I take care of myself?

• Rest in a quiet, dark room until symptoms lessen or go away.

• Take a pain reliever such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen or other medication your doctor prescribes. Do this as soon as you notice symptoms. Identifying early warning signals is crucial to preventing pain.

• Avoid smoking.

• Avoid excessive drinking.

• Massage the neck, shoulders, and back and apply heat, an ice pack, or a cold washcloth to them.

What can be done to help prevent muscle contraction headaches?

• Try to identify and avoid situations that cause tension or stress.

• Learn to use relaxation techniques.

• Exercise regularly.

• Try not to push yourself too hard.

• Eat meals regularly.

• Keep your sense of humor. This reduces tension.

• Try to reach and maintain your ideal weight using diet and exercise.