Causes of Muscle contraction headache

Cause of Muscle contraction headache: In the past, many scientists believed that the primary cause of the pain of muscle-contraction headache was sustained muscle tension. However, a growing number of authorities now believe that a far more complex mechanism is responsible.¹

Triggers list for Muscle contraction headache: The list of triggers mentioned in source as possible causal factors for Muscle contraction headache includes:

Depression, anxiety

Cause details for Muscle contraction headache: Research has shown that for many people, chronic muscle-contraction headaches are caused by depression and anxiety. These people tend to get their headaches in the early morning or evening when conflicts in the office or home are anticipated.¹

Triggers discussion for Muscle contraction headache: Emotional factors are not the only triggers of muscle-contraction headaches. Certain physical postures that tense head and neck muscles—such as holding one's chin down while reading—can lead to head and neck pain. So can prolonged writing under poor light, or holding a phone between the shoulder and ear, or even gum-chewing.¹

Underlying condition causes of Muscle contraction headache: The list of possible underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Muscle contraction headache) mentioned in various sources as possible causes of Muscle contraction headache includes:

Degenerative arthritis of the neck
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) - problems with biting and the jaw.

Related information for causes of Muscle contraction headache: Further relevant information on causes of Muscle contraction headache may be found in the risk factors for Muscle contraction headache and underlying causes of Muscle contraction headache.

Footnotes:
1. excerpt from Headache - Hope Through Research: NINDS

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