Tension-Type Headaches | Isleworth Pain and Injury

Tension-type Headaches

Tension-Type Headaches (TTH) are the most common form of headache, affecting millions worldwide. While they may not be as debilitating as migraines, their frequency and persistence can significantly impact your quality of life. At Isleworth Pain and Injury Clinic, we take a holistic approach to managing tension headaches using Chiropractic and Physiotherapy techniques that address the root causes, not just the symptoms.

What Are Tension-Type Headaches?

Tension-type headaches are often described as a dull, aching pressure or tightness around the forehead or the back of the head and neck. They're commonly caused by muscle tension, postural strain, and stress, making them particularly prevalent in people with sedentary jobs or high stress levels.

Key Characteristics of Tension Headaches:

Mild to moderate pain (not throbbing)
Sensation of tightness or pressure around the head
Pain that is bilateral (on both sides of the head)
No nausea or vomiting (unlike migraines)
Often triggered by stress, poor posture, fatigue, or jaw clenching

These headaches can be episodic (occasional) or chronic (15 or more days per month), gradually reducing your ability to focus, work, and enjoy life.

Common Triggers of Tension-Type Headaches

Several factors may contribute to the onset or worsening of tension-type headaches:

Muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, or upper back
Poor ergonomics at work or at home
Jaw misalignment or teeth grinding (bruxism)
Emotional stress and anxiety
Lack of physical activity
Sleep disturbances

When these triggers aren’t addressed, tension-type headaches can become a frequent and frustrating part of daily life.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

At Isleworth Pain and Injury Clinic, our chiropractors use targeted, gentle techniques to:

Restore spinal alignment and joint mobility
Reduce muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
Improve nerve function and reduce irritation
Address postural imbalances and repetitive strain

Chiropractic adjustments can relieve pressure on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, making it easier for your body to recover and function pain-free.