The Cause of Chronic Tension Headaches

Tension headaches become chronic when a person is hunched over at work and continues to strain the muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back at home. As time passes, these muscles are trained to adapt to abnormal positioning and the tightness causes muscle spasms. These spasms reduce blood flow to the neck and back of the head and can also irritate nerve endings.

 Chronic tension headaches are the result of excess stress on the muscles and the loss of blood flow to the head. With continued strain on the neck, shoulder, and upper back, muscles knot up to prevent tearing.. Nonetheless,, injury occurs within the muscle fibers at a microscopic level.

The torn muscle fibers leave scar tissue that locks muscle spasms in place. Engaging in physical activity and actively addressing postural problems at work, home, and during sleep can effectively address the source of tension headaches.