Tension Headache
What is tension headache?
The diagnosis of tension headache is made when examination does not reveal a known condition such as migraine or cluster headache. It is a harmless condition, but it can sometimes be very bothersome. It can range from occasional mild headaches to daily severe headaches.
What are the causes of tension headache?
Research has shown that headaches can also originate from the neck. Formally, this is called ‘cervicogenic headache,’ but this term is hardly used in the Netherlands. Therefore, this type of headache falls within the group of tension headaches and is probably the most common variant.
Two studies have been conducted on the effect of incorrect sleeping posture on neck pain and headache. The participants’ own sleeping posture was compared with a good sleeping posture.
It was also found that both neck pain and headache significantly decreased by improving the sleeping posture. The conclusions are:
1. Tension headache appears to originate mostly from the neck
2. Incorrect sleeping posture seems to be the main cause
3. Symptoms can be improved by adjusting the sleeping posture
Besides incorrect sleeping posture, other causes of tension headache include prolonged looking down at a tablet or phone. Reading in neck-straining postures can also be a cause.
What can you do about tension headache?
Not all causes of tension headache are clear. But the part that originates from the neck can be effectively addressed as follows:
1. Improve sleeping posture
- The body pillow ensures that the neck is not twisted.
- The Hi4 Pillow ensures that the neck is not crooked.
The Hi4 pillow is adjustable in 8 positions, allowing you to choose the height that suits you best. The shape of the pillow is also important. It should fit well with the neck and head.
The Hi4 pillow has a neck support that fits precisely in your neck, allowing it to relax optimally.
2. Avoid other neck-straining postures
The time people spend looking at screens has greatly increased. Often the head is bent forward for long periods. The tension in the neck increases, not only in the muscles but also in joints and ligaments.
3. Therapy
Stiff muscles and a stiff neck can be effectively treated with exercises and therapy. However, if the underlying causes are not resolved, the symptoms will return. Therapy combined with addressing the causes is therefore the best method to get rid of your tension headache.
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For more information about the GezondNu test:
- GezondNU article March 2012: "Less neck and headache with pillows" by Toine de Graaf (pdf)
- GezondNU article August 2011:"Headache? Incorrect sleeping posture" by Toine de Graaf (pdf)
- Click here for the detailed research report of the pillow and body pillow test.
For more information about the UMCG research:
©2024, Author: Jan Willem Elkhuizen, physiotherapist and movement scientist