Muscle Contraction Headache Pain in Men

Each day, millions of men suffer from headache pain. For some, the headache pain may be attributed to a complications associated with an underlying disease or disorder but, for others, the headache pain complication is primary with no underlying cause or origin.

One type of primary headache most commonly seen in men is a headache known as muscle contraction headache pain. Believed to be stimulated by the hyperactivity of pain receptors in the brain, the muscle contraction headache, experienced by a man, most often presents as a dully, achy headache pain that radiates throughout the head.

If you are a man who suffers from muscle contraction headaches, the underlying cause and origin of your headache pain is simply attributed to the inability of the muscles around your head and neck to relax. In other words, in medical terms, your musculature is considered to have an abnormally high resting tension. In fact, upon assessment by a physician, the headache pain can often be associated with muscles that feel hardened and, when untreated, these cranial and neck muscles may remain permanently hardened and worsen with age.

So, how do you know if you are suffering from muscle contraction headache pain? For most men, the pain, although dull and achy, will radiate and will not be accompanied by signs of nausea, vomiting nor any complications associated with photophobia. Your headache pain may last anywhere from 30 minutes to as long as seven days and the frequency of these muscle contraction headaches is less than 15 per month.

To properly diagnose muscle contraction headaches, it is recommended that you keep a diary or journal of your daily events, including times that your headache pain seems to be present. Documenting food intake, emotional and psychological factors as well as health issues is also important. Your healthcare professional will want to conduct a variety of tests, including blood work, MRI ,CT scan and even an ECG or EEG to rule out other health complications. When confirmed as being related to muscle contraction, your healthcare provider will begin the appropriate treatment plan.