Tension Headache

Question 1

The difference between Primary headache and secondary headache

Answer 1

Primary headache - The headache is the condition

Secondary headache- the headache is a result of an underlining pathology (hypertension trauma)

Question 2

What is a spinally mediated headache

Answer 2

Originates from the trigger points in the muscles And structures of the neck and thorax as low as the 10th vertebra

Question 3

What is a chronic daily headache (cdh)

Answer 3

Arise daily but fluctuate with pain levels

Question 4

Predisposing factors to spinally mediated headaches and chronic daily headaches

Answer 4

• sleep disturbances
• trigger point stimuli
• trauma to head, neck and back
• posteral imbalances
• Tmd (temporal mandibular dysfunction)

Question 5

Contraindications for tension headaches

Answer 5

CIs- no deep or aggressive techniques during a headache

Question 6

History questions to ask for tension headaches

Answer 6

Trauma, when it started, onset, severity, location, stress level, sleep disturbances, nutrition, what relieves/ aggravates it

Question 7

Palpation and observations for headaches

Answer 7

Hypertonicity 
Clenching jaw
Pain/tension expression
Decreased rom
Posteral imbalances 

Palpate - traps, electors, sub occipitals, scm, scalenes, massetors, temoralis, mylohyoid

Question 8

Treatment goals for tension headaches

Answer 8

Decrease Hypertonicity
Release trigger points
Decrease sympathetic nerve firing (stress)
Increase circulation

Question 9

Treatment plan for tension headache

Answer 9

• shaking, jostling, rocking (decrease symp nerve firing)
• gentle fascial glide if tolerated
• effleurage to increase circulation
• petrissage
• ischemic compressions, slow and gentle
• joint play between cervical vetebrae and passive range of motion (Flexion, rotation, side bending, extension)