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Causes of Chronic Tension Headaches

Tension headaches (also called muscle-contraction headaches) are headaches that cover both sides of the head. They pain can range from a dull ache to an unbearable sensation of pressure on the head. Tension headaches are classified as chronic when they occur more than 15 times in one month for three months or more.

  1. Theories

    • It is still not known exactly why people get headaches. It was once thought that tension headaches were the result of muscles being too tense -- hence the name -- but a more recent theory holds that a fluctuation in brain chemicals such as serotonin triggers the pain. However, the prevailing theory is that tension headaches are caused by prolonged strain of neck, face and scalp muscles.

    Stress

    • What does seem to be a common trigger of tension headaches is stress. This may lead to either changes in brain chemistry, or a clenching of various muscle groups in the body. Relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, gentle massage and biofeedback therapy can help with pain, along with careful use of painkillers.

    Fatigue

    • Fatigue is another frequent complaint from those suffering chronic tension headaches. This can contribute to stress and can cause shallow breathing and a feeling of being under too much pressure, which can contribute to headache pain. Specific causes of fatigue leading to headache include poor sleep, eyestrain and poor overall health.

    Withdrawal

    • The body can produce pain identical to a tension headache when it is going through withdrawal from a certain chemical. The body has gotten so used to the chemical's presence that it produces pain to get the chemical into it again. Caffeine and nicotine withdrawal often cause a headache, as well as withdrawal from the very painkillers used to treat a headache.

    Other Causes

    • Sometimes tension headaches can be misdiagnosed because the symptoms are so similar to other illnesses, such as a sinus infection or a chest cold. Blows to the head can sometimes lead to lasting pain similar to chronic tension headaches as well.

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