Muscle Tension and Stress Responses

The common problem of neck stiffness among modern people often becomes the trigger for headaches. Prolonged fixed postures when using electronic devices cause continuous contractions of the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles, leading to a sense of pressure on both sides of the head. Clinical data from the \Journal of Headache Medicine\ indicates that nearly two-thirds of workplace individuals experience recurrent headaches caused by stress-related muscle tension. This dull pain is particularly noticeable when pressing on the temples, resembling a tight headband.

It is important to note that long-term psychological stress can cause muscle memory contractions, creating a vicious cycle. It is recommended to try progressive muscle relaxation techniques: gradually tense and then relax muscle groups starting from the toes, with diaphragmatic breathing for better results. Swimming or yoga three times a week can significantly improve muscle coordination.

Neurological Abnormalities

During migraine attacks, patients often describe the sensation as if a power drill is pulsating in their temples. Statistics from the American Headache Society show that this type of neuropathic pain troubles 12% of the adult population, with the incidence in women being three times that of men. Typical symptoms include photophobia, nausea, and even visual auras—flashing zigzag lights in front of the eyes.

Although cluster headaches are rare, they are more intense, with patients often describing sensations similar to a burning iron piercing the eye socket. Keeping a detailed headache diary (noting the time of onset, duration, and triggers) can provide important diagnostic information for physicians. Recent research has found that medications that regulate serotonin levels combined with biofeedback therapy can reduce the frequency of attacks by more than 50%.

Infectious Foci Impact

Headaches caused by sinusitis exhibit a typical time pattern—most severe upon waking in the morning, gradually easing in the afternoon. Experts in otolaryngology point out that inflammation of the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses often radiates to the temporal region, causing a pulsating pain sensation. If accompanied by yellow-green nasal discharge and facial tenderness, bacterial infection should be considered.

It’s noteworthy that odontogenic infections can sometimes masquerade as regular headaches. The author has treated a patient misdiagnosed for three months, ultimately discovering that a periapical abscess of the second molar led to referred pain. It is recommended that when persistent unilateral headaches occur, one should gently tap the teeth to rule out odontogenic diseases.

Postural Abnormality Chain Reactions

The proliferation of electronic devices has led to the phenomenon of \tech neck\—for every 15-degree increase in the forward angle of the cervical spine, the load on the neck doubles. Physical therapists recommend a wall test to assess posture: when the heels, buttocks, and shoulder blades touch the wall, the back of the head should naturally contact the wall surface. If there is a significant gap, it indicates a forward cervical spine problem.

It is advisable to perform neck clock exercises every 45 minutes while working: imagine the tip of the nose as the hour hand and slowly draw circles with a diameter of 30 centimeters. Using an adjustable height standing desk can effectively alleviate cervicogenic headaches. The latest ergonomic research suggests that the center point of the screen should ideally be 15-20 degrees below eye level.