What are the best Head tennis strings for power and control. How do different Head string materials affect playability and durability. Which Head strings provide the most comfort for arm-friendly play.
The Evolution of Head Tennis Strings: From Traditional to Cutting-Edge
Head has long been a respected name in the tennis industry, known for producing high-quality racquets and accessories. Their string offerings have evolved significantly over the years, keeping pace with technological advancements and player demands. Today, Head offers a diverse range of strings designed to cater to various playing styles and preferences.
The evolution of Head tennis strings reflects broader trends in the industry. Early strings were primarily natural gut, prized for its excellent playability but limited in durability. As synthetic materials improved, Head introduced nylon-based multifilament strings, providing a more affordable alternative with similar playing characteristics. In recent years, the focus has shifted towards polyester-based strings, offering enhanced spin potential and durability for the modern game.
Key Milestones in Head String Development
- Introduction of synthetic multifilament strings
- Development of co-polyester strings for improved spin
- Integration of textured surfaces for enhanced ball grip
- Creation of hybrid string sets combining different materials
Understanding Head String Materials: Polyester vs. Multifilament
Head’s string lineup primarily consists of two main categories: polyester-based strings and multifilament strings. Each type offers distinct advantages and is suited to different playing styles.
Polyester Strings
Polyester strings, often referred to as “poly” strings, have become increasingly popular among competitive players. These strings are known for their durability, spin potential, and control. Head’s polyester offerings include the popular Hawk and Lynx Tour lines.
Characteristics of Head polyester strings:
- Excellent durability and tension maintenance
- Enhanced spin potential due to snapback effect
- Crisp, controlled feel at impact
- Reduced power compared to softer string types
Multifilament Strings
Multifilament strings are designed to mimic the playing characteristics of natural gut while offering improved durability and a lower cost. Head’s multifilament options, such as the Reflex MLT, provide excellent comfort and power.
Characteristics of Head multifilament strings:
- Soft, arm-friendly feel
- Enhanced power and shock absorption
- Good overall playability
- Less durability compared to polyester strings
Head Hawk Series: Precision and Spin for Aggressive Players
The Head Hawk series represents the company’s premium polyester string line, designed for players seeking maximum control and spin. These strings cater to aggressive baseliners who generate their own pace and rely on heavy topspin to dictate play.
Head Hawk Touch
The Head Hawk Touch is the latest iteration in the Hawk series, featuring a textured surface for enhanced ball grip. This string is available in 17, 18, and 19 gauge options, allowing players to fine-tune their setup for the optimal balance of spin and durability.
Key features of Head Hawk Touch:
- Textured surface for increased spin potential
- Excellent tension maintenance
- Crisp feel for precise shot-making
- Available in multiple gauge options
How does the textured surface of Head Hawk Touch affect spin generation? The textured pattern creates additional friction between the string and the ball at impact, allowing players to impart more spin. This can result in heavier topspin shots that dip sharply over the net and kick up on the opponent’s side of the court.
Head Hawk
The original Head Hawk remains a popular choice among players who prefer a more traditional polyester string. Available in 16, 17, and 18 gauge options, the Hawk offers a blend of control, spin, and durability that has made it a staple in many players’ bags.
Key features of Head Hawk:
- Excellent control and precision
- Good spin potential
- Durable construction for frequent players
- Available in multiple colors (Black, White, Platinum)
Head Lynx Series: Versatility for All-Court Players
The Head Lynx series offers a more versatile string option, balancing control, power, and comfort. These strings are well-suited for all-court players who require a blend of performance characteristics to support their varied playing style.
Head Lynx Tour
The Head Lynx Tour is a co-polyester string that provides a softer feel compared to traditional polyester strings while maintaining excellent control and spin potential. Available in 16 and 17 gauge options, the Lynx Tour comes in multiple colors to suit player preferences.
Key features of Head Lynx Tour:
- Softer feel than traditional polyester strings
- Good balance of power and control
- Excellent spin potential
- Available in multiple colors (Black, Orange, Grey, Champagne)
How does the co-polyester construction of Head Lynx Tour affect playability? The co-polyester material combines the control and spin characteristics of polyester with a slightly softer feel, resulting in a more arm-friendly string that still offers high performance. This makes it an excellent choice for players who find full polyester setups too harsh but still want the benefits of a control-oriented string.
Head Lynx
The standard Head Lynx is a versatile polyester string that offers a good balance of control, power, and comfort. Available in 16, 17, and 18 gauge options, the Lynx is suitable for a wide range of players looking for a reliable all-around string.
Key features of Head Lynx:
- Balanced blend of control and power
- Good spin potential
- Softer feel than many polyester strings
- Available in multiple colors (Yellow, Green, Anthracite)
Head Reflex MLT: Comfort and Power for Recreational Players
The Head Reflex MLT is the company’s premium multifilament string, designed to offer maximum comfort and power. This string is an excellent choice for recreational players, juniors, and those with arm sensitivity issues.
Key features of Head Reflex MLT:
- Extremely soft and comfortable feel
- Excellent power potential
- Good shock absorption for arm-friendly play
- Suitable for full string beds or as part of a hybrid setup
Why might players choose Head Reflex MLT over a polyester string? The Reflex MLT offers superior comfort and power, making it ideal for players who prioritize these characteristics over maximum control and spin. Its shock-absorbing properties can help reduce the risk of arm injuries, making it a popular choice for players with tennis elbow or other arm issues.
Head String Gauge Options: Finding the Right Balance
Head offers most of its strings in multiple gauge options, allowing players to fine-tune their setups for optimal performance. Understanding the differences between string gauges can help players make informed decisions when selecting their strings.
Common Head String Gauges
- 16 gauge (1.30mm): Thickest option, prioritizing durability
- 17 gauge (1.25mm): Balanced option, suitable for most players
- 18 gauge (1.20mm): Thinner option for enhanced feel and spin
- 19 gauge (1.15mm): Thinnest option, maximizing feel and spin (limited availability)
How does string gauge affect playability and durability? Thicker gauges (lower numbers) generally offer increased durability and tension maintenance, making them suitable for heavy hitters and string breakers. Thinner gauges provide enhanced feel and spin potential but may break more frequently. Many players find that 17 gauge strings offer a good balance of durability and performance.
Hybrid Stringing with Head Strings: Customizing Your Setup
Hybrid stringing, which involves using different string types in the mains and crosses of a racquet, has become increasingly popular among players looking to fine-tune their string setup. Head’s diverse string lineup offers numerous possibilities for effective hybrid combinations.
Popular Head String Hybrid Combinations
- Head Hawk Touch (mains) / Head Reflex MLT (crosses): Combines control and spin with added comfort
- Head Lynx Tour (mains) / Head Lynx (crosses): Balances performance with a slightly softer feel
- Head Hawk (mains) / Head Velocity MLT (crosses): Maximizes durability while maintaining some power
What are the benefits of using a hybrid string setup with Head strings? Hybrid setups allow players to combine the strengths of different string types, potentially achieving a better balance of power, control, spin, and comfort than using a single string type. This customization can help players optimize their racquet’s performance for their specific playing style and preferences.
Maintaining Head Tennis Strings: Maximizing Performance and Longevity
Proper maintenance of your Head tennis strings can help ensure optimal performance and longevity. While strings will eventually need to be replaced, following some best practices can help extend their lifespan and maintain consistent playability.
Tips for Maintaining Head Tennis Strings
- Store your racquet in a climate-controlled environment to prevent extreme temperature fluctuations
- Use a string savor tool to straighten strings after play
- Clean your strings regularly with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris
- Consider using string lubrication products to reduce friction and extend string life
- Monitor string tension and replace strings when they lose their resilience
How often should Head tennis strings be replaced? The frequency of string replacement depends on various factors, including playing style, string type, and frequency of play. As a general guideline, frequent players should consider restringing as many times per year as they play per week (e.g., playing 3 times per week suggests restringing 3 times per year). However, players should also pay attention to changes in string tension and playability, replacing strings when they notice a significant drop in performance.
Choosing the Right Head Tennis String: Factors to Consider
Selecting the ideal Head tennis string involves considering various factors related to your playing style, preferences, and physical characteristics. By evaluating these aspects, you can narrow down your options and find a string that enhances your game.
Key Considerations When Choosing Head Tennis Strings
- Playing style (aggressive baseliner, all-court player, serve-and-volleyer)
- Power generation (do you need help generating pace or controlling power?)
- Spin preferences (heavy topspin player or flatter hitter)
- Comfort requirements (history of arm issues or prioritizing shock absorption)
- Durability needs (frequent string breaker or infrequent player)
- Budget constraints (premium strings vs. more affordable options)
How can players determine which Head string is best for their game? Experimentation is often key to finding the ideal string setup. Many players benefit from trying different string types, gauges, and tensions to discover what works best for their game. Additionally, seeking advice from a knowledgeable racquet technician or coach can provide valuable insights into string selection based on your individual needs and playing characteristics.
In conclusion, Head offers a comprehensive range of tennis strings designed to meet the needs of players across all skill levels and playing styles. From the spin-friendly Hawk series to the comfort-oriented Reflex MLT, there’s a Head string option suited to every player’s preferences. By understanding the characteristics of different string types, gauges, and hybrid combinations, players can optimize their racquet setup for maximum performance on the court.
Head Tennis Strings | Tennis Racquet Strings
head-hawk-power-17g-platinum-tennis-string 281022-17PT Head
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head-hawk-touch-red-17g-tennis-string 281204 Head
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head-hawk-touch-17g-tennis-string 281204-17AN Head
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head-hawk-16g-tennis-string 281103-16 Head
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head-hawk-18g-tennis-string 281103-18 Head
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head-lynx-tour-black-16g-tennis-string 281790-16BK Head
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Head Lynx Tour 17G Grey Tennis String 281790-16 Head
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head-sonic-pro-tennis-string 281028-16BK Head
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5 Best Head Tennis Strings (2022)
Head offers a wide array of tennis strings that people use and rely on for tennis every single time they play. When a person finds the right string for them, they are likely to stick with it for a long time.
The company might not have the largest lineup of strings out there, but they do offer some very reliable options for any plain style.
Here are the best of the best, allowing people to find something that works for them.
1. Head Reflex MLT
The company offers a lot of multifilament options for people who want comfort and better overall playability. Out of all the options, Head Reflex MLT is the way to go. Available in a 16 gauge and a 17 gauge option, some people use it for an entire set, while others will use it as part of a hybrid. When in a hybrid, a person can have a more customized setup.
This string, by itself, is extremely comfortable, and the power is there for players as well. It’s a perfect solution for anyone who feels like their arm is starting to be a little sore. Some end up loving the string so much that they never switch back to what they used in the past.
What sets us apart from somebody other multifilaments from other companies is that it has a very low friction coating on the string. This improves not only spin, but durability. It’s that little bit of extra that makes it worth the price.
It is a fairly expensive string for a multifilament, but most people end up feeling like they get a good amount of value out of it in the end.
Pros
- Great durability for a multifilament
- Arm-friendly
- Provides more spin potential than most other multifilament
Cons
- Expensive
- Might be too much power for some competitive players
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2. Head Velocity MLT
When looking at the prices of strings, people notice that Head Velocity MLT is almost half the price of Head Reflect MLT. While the majority of players will find Head Reflect MLT better for them, that’s not saying Head Velocity MLT is bad at all. In fact, some people might prefer the string, and the extra savings is just a bonus in the end.
Much like the Reflex MLT, the string appeals to anyone who wants an arm-friendly feel. It comes with the same low friction coating that does help with durability.
Multifilaments do break a little more frequently than other strings, so added durability comes in handy.
There is some spin potential there, but not an extreme level. Power is also firmly in the middle, with some control overall. It makes for a pretty good first multifilament option for people to play with, and see if they like it. If it feels like it is lacking just a little bit, moving up to the Reflex is the move to go with. If it works perfectly fine, there’s no reason to switch.
Pros
- Half the price of Reflex MLT
- Low friction coating helps durability
- Soft feel
Cons
- Not the best control
- Considered a lower-tier multifilament compared to Reflex
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3. Head Synthetic Gut PPS
For a competitive tennis player, this won’t be something that makes a ton of sense. Most players reach a certain level where synthetic gut is not going to provide a ton of value compared to other options out there.
However, as a starter string, it’s hard to find something so inexpensive and still effective.
The first thing a person will notice with the string as a beginner is that it has a very lively feel to it. A player won’t have to swing nearly as hard to have the same results, and they can focus more on control.
Speaking of control, the coating on the strings helps with that as well. The ball sits on the string bed just a little bit longer, allowing a player to keep more balls in the court than ever before. A lot of beginners have trouble controlling their shots in an encouraging way, but this string helps quite a bit with that.
Comfort should always be a pretty big concern for a beginner, so it’s nice that the synthetic gut provides exactly that. It’s just not going to perform well enough for top-level players to count on. For those who like the feel, a natural gut will be much more expensive but will act like a much better option in the end.
Pros
- Quality budget option
- Provides a boost in control
- Enough free power for beginners to see progress
Cons
- Not designed for advanced players
- The spin potential is low
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4.
Head Hawk
The Head Hawk polyester string is very strong and low-powered, allowing advanced players to swing fast and have a good amount of control. A lot of people have tried the string and compared it directly against some of the top polyesters is out there, and there is very little difference overall.
Its best quality has to be the amount of spin a person can produce with the string. It does take the proper strokes, but after that, the string does a lot of the hard work. Players who hit with topspin will be able to swing through the ball just a little bit more, without having to sacrifice the spin that they are so used to getting.
There is also a good amount of touch a person can play with using the string. Some people credit the chemical additives used when manufacturing the string. Even after extended use, the string remains the same level of consistency, which helps a lot with players becoming more and more precise with their shots.
Just keep in mind that this polyester, as well as any polyester for that matter, is not the easiest on the arm for those having trouble.
It might be best to ease into a polyester string by going with a hybrid set up at first and seeing how things go. It’s not for everyone, especially older people who are used to using softer setups overall.
Pros
- Outstanding control
- Low powered (perfect for advanced players with fast strokes)
- Very durable with reduced notching issues
Cons
- Tough on the arm for some
- Very stiff
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5. Head Sonic Pro
The Sonic Pro string from Head shows that not all polyesters have to be super hard on the arm. It is one of the softest polyester strings out there, while still offering good spin and great control.
A lot of players are looking for a noticeable change when trying out any new type of string. No matter where a person is moving from with strings, the Sonic Pro has a very unique feel to it. Some people fall in love from the very beginning, while others warm up to it.
There’s a reason why it has continued to be one of the top-selling string options from Head year after year.
A lot of people do have problems with the string not lasting too long, which is a bit of a bummer considering all the positives. The good news is it’s fairly inexpensive, so it doesn’t need to last as long as some of the other polyesters out there.
Pros
- Inexpensive for a polyester
- Provides a soft feel
- Good, consistent power
Cons
- Lacks durability
- Soft feel effects touch on volleys for some players
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Making The Final Decision
For a player trying Head strings for the first time in their life, go with the Reflex MLT. It offers a different feel than any other string out there, regardless of the company. Even people who are not particularly big fans of multifilaments will find this to be a unique option that plays pretty effectively.
You can check the current price on Amazon here.
Whatever string a person ends up deciding to go with, frequent breakers should look into buying a reel instead of a single set every single time. It’s just the more economic way to go about it. That is particularly true for Head Reflex MLT, since it is so expensive. Even if a person takes their racquets to a person to do the restringing, bringing string will save money and only make a person have to pay for labor each time.
What Tennis Strings we recommend from other Brands:
- Babolat Tennis Strings
- Wilson Tennis Strings
- Yonex Tennis Strings
Why can guitar strings break?
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Guitar strings, like any stringed instrument, are consumable items.
Of course, breaking a string is not a particularly pleasant event. Firstly, a broken string at the wrong time can disrupt the concert or complicate the performance, and secondly, it will require certain financial costs.
In this article we will explain why strings break and how to avoid it.
Why do strings break?
Important: you need to understand exactly where the string broke, and only then you can identify the causes of the defect.
First cause
The most common problem is defective strings. Unfortunately, factory defects are not as rare as we would like – especially in inexpensive no-name kits. This also includes incorrect string storage conditions.
Marriage can occur both on premium strings and budget strings, however, the percentage of marriage on expensive strings, oddly enough, is several times lower.
Break points: anywhere on the string
Second reason: from strong attack when playing the guitar s.
This problem is relevant not only for beginners, but also for experienced guitarists – the former cannot hit the string with sufficient force and sometimes simply start to overdo it, while the latter at concerts in an emotional outburst practically “fight” with the guitar.
Place of break: above the sound hole, above the pickups
Third reason: n faulty electric guitar bridge
probably defective. Expensive guitars rarely cause such a headache for the musician, but it is true for cheap guitars. The solution is quite simple – sharpen the saddles so that they are less sharp or replace them with roller ones.
There is also a string break diagnostic. Diagnostics consists in a visual inspection of the strings: in the event that the string braid under the bridge has a clear deformation, then it may soon burst.
However, if the guitar is not cheap, and the bridge is probably in good condition, then the cause of the malfunction may lie in the predilection for palm mute playing – in this case, the load on the string is slightly increased, and the chance of string breaking increases.
Broken location: on the bridge
Acoustic guitars can also break strings on the bridge, which may be made of poor quality materials.
Acoustic guitar bridges are somewhat easier to deal with as they are easier to sharpen on your own, but we recommend having the bridge sharpened by a luthier.
Fourth reason: in the nut
The nut is also often produced in violation of technology and from low-quality materials. It is worth remembering that the main function of the nut is to separate the strings, as well as to allow the string to move freely along the neck (when tuning, bending, playing with a lever). But in the case of hard materials, the guitar string will not slide in the notch.
Why is this happening? There is too much friction force and as a result the string “gets stuck” and wears out at the point of contact.
There is only one solution – to lubricate the notch with graphite grease (or a regular pencil).
Cause fifth : frets
Strings can break due to frets in two cases: if they are old or poor quality frets. In the first case, only a replacement will help, and in the second, it is quite possible to get by with sharpening the frets.
How to identify the problem? Look carefully at the frets – they can be scuffed up and even scratch your hand if you touch them. If the frets are old, then you can see a flat surface on them, as if the string had cut off part of the fret plate. As a result, the guitar string wears out faster.
The sixth reason: to pins
Pegs – it is in this structural element of the guitar that the greatest loads act on the string. The most common cause of string breakage due to tuning pegs is frequent tuning changes.
The solution to the problem in this case is to lubricate the pegs or completely replace them with better ones. Well, decide already with the system!
The seventh reason: ways of playing
We have already written about palm mute above, but there are other ways of playing the guitar that are more harmful to the strings.
Techniques such as using tremolo systems, arching the neck to simulate tremolo, and aggressive bending lead to rapid string wear.
All of the above methods increase/decrease the string tension for a short time – and then the tension returns to its usual state as well.
Imagine that you have to break a wire. The most effective way to break it is to bend it a certain number of times. The same thing happens with strings.
Eighth reason: e natural string wear
Nothing in our world lasts forever, strings are no exception. The older the strings, the more often you play the guitar, the greater the chance of them breaking. Of course, the better the strings, the less they wear out, however, even the most expensive and high-quality sets break sooner or later due to the “fatigue” of the material.
Reason nine: string retensioning
It’s no secret that a certain gauge of strings is designed strictly for a certain tuning.
For example, 12-60 gauge strings can break if you try to tune your guitar to E-standard tuning. But such strings will feel quite “comfortable” in the D-standard tuning (one tone lower from the E-standard) or C#-standard.
It is also worth knowing that you should avoid accidentally overstretching the strings when tuning your guitar – worn strings will not be able to survive elementary tuning.
This also includes frequent changes in the tuning of the guitar – which is why many guitarists who prefer drop tunings break the 6th or 7th string.
Reason ten : and with a thick or metal pick
Remember: the thinner the string, the easier it is to break it. Especially if you are used to playing with a thick or metal pick.
How to prevent string breakage?
- Practice your playing technique and play with sufficient strength – picking, vibrato and pull-ups require a certain amount of strength “no more and no less” and therefore should be controlled;
- Keep your guitar in good condition – frets, nut and bridge;
- Use special string care products to minimize natural string wear;
- Change strings in time.
What should I do if a string breaks during a concert?
First, you need to tune the guitar, because due to a broken string, the load on the neck has decreased, as a result of which the guitar’s tuning has “floated”.
Secondly, you should get out of the awkward situation as soon as possible and return to the performance of the song.
Third, install locking pegs on your guitar to help keep your guitar in tune more securely.
When should I change my strings?
The answer to this question is rather subjective. For example, if you are an amateur guitarist and play only at home and with clean hands, sitting under the air conditioner, the strings on your guitar will live for quite a long time. If you conduct active concert activity, the strings on your guitar will live much less.
The most obvious signs that literally scream to you that the strings need to be changed are rust, black deposits and dull sound.
It is also recommended to change the strings before a concert and before a studio recording.
Can strings be brought back to life?
Of course, you can solder them, but there will be little point in this action. The first way to bring the strings back to life is to weld them.
The method is barbaric, but effective. Cooking allows you to clean the strings of dust, dirt and hardened sweat, which will allow them to ring almost like new.
String recipe:
- Bring water to a boil
- Dip strings in boiling water
- Boil 15 minutes
- Add a couple of spoons of soda and stir
- Cool to room temperature
The second barbaric way is to use WD40 to get rid of the dirt. After using the product, wipe the strings with medical alcohol.
But we highly recommend using not the “old-fashioned”, but special string cleaners, which can not only revive old strings, but also maintain a new set in proper condition.
Remember that diagnosing and monitoring the health of the tool will avoid a number of problems.
Tension-type headache – treatment, symptoms, causes, diagnosis
Tension-type headache is usually diffuse, mild to moderate in intensity, and is often described as a feeling of a “stretched band” around the head. Tension-type headache (THT) is the most common type of headache, and yet the causes of this type of headache are still not well understood.
Treatment of tension headache is quite effective. Tension-type headache management is often a balance between a healthy lifestyle, the use of non-drug treatments, and the administration of adequate medication.
Symptoms
Tension headache symptoms include:
- Dull, aching headache
- Feeling of “tightness” or pressure in the forehead or on the sides of the head and in the back of the head
- Soreness of the scalp, neck and shoulder muscles
Tension headaches fall into two main categories – episodic and chronic.
Episodic tension headaches
Episodic tension headaches can last from 30 minutes to a week. Episodic tension headaches occur on less than 15 days per month for at least three months. Frequent episodic tension headaches can become chronic.
Chronic tension headaches
This type of tension headache lasts several hours and may be continuous. If headaches occur 15 days or more per month for at least three months, they are considered chronic.
Tension headaches and migraine
Tension headaches are sometimes difficult to distinguish from migraines. In addition, if a patient has frequent episodic tension-type headaches, they may also have migraines.
Unlike some forms of migraine, tension headache is usually not accompanied by blurred vision, nausea or vomiting. And if, with migraine, physical activity increases the intensity of the headache, then with a headache, stress loads do not have such an effect.
Hypersensitivity to any light or sound can sometimes occur with tension headaches, but these symptoms are uncommon.
Causes
Causes of tension headache are not known. Medical experts believed that tension headaches are due to problems in the muscles of the face, neck and scalp, which in turn are due to strong emotions, excessive workload or stress. But studies show that muscle spasm is not the cause of this type of headache.
The most common theories are that people who have tension headaches and may have stress sensitivity are hypersensitive to pain. Increased muscle soreness, which is a common symptom of tension-type headache, may be the result of an increase in general pain sensitivity.
Triggers
Stress is the most common trigger that causes tension headaches.
Risk factors
Risk factors for tension headache include:
- Gender. Women are more likely to get this type of headache. One study found that almost 90 percent of women and 70 percent of men experience tension headaches during their lifetime.
- Mean patient age. The frequency of tension-type headaches peaks at age 40, although this headache can develop at any age.
Complications
Due to the fact that headaches can be quite frequent, this can significantly affect productivity and quality of life in general, especially if they become chronic. Frequent pain can disrupt the usual way of life and overall performance.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of tension-type headache is primarily based on clinical history and symptoms and neurological findings.
The doctor may be interested in answers to the following questions:
- When did the symptoms start?
- Did the patient notice any triggers such as stress or hunger?
- Were the symptoms continuous or episodic?
- How severe are the symptoms?
- How often do headaches occur?
- How long did you have a headache for the last time?
- What does the patient think reduces symptoms and what makes symptoms worse?
In addition, the doctor is also interested in the following details:
- Characteristics of pain. Does the pain throb? Is the pain dull, constant, or sharp?
- Pain intensity. A good indicator of headache severity is the amount of time a patient can work during a headache attack. Can the patient work? Are there episodes in which the headache led to awakening from sleep or sleep disturbance?
- Localization of pain. Does the patient feel pain in the whole head, only on one side of the head, or just in the forehead or eye sockets?
Does the pain throb? Is the pain dull, constant, or sharp?Instrumental methods of examination
If the patient has unusual or severe headaches, the doctor may order an additional examination to rule out more serious causes of headaches.
The two most commonly used diagnostic methods, such as CT (computed tomography) and MRI, allow visualization of organs and tissues and detect morphological changes.
Treatment
Some patients with tension-type headache do not go to the doctor and try to treat the pain themselves. Unfortunately, repeated self-use of painkillers can itself cause severe headaches.
Medications
There is a wide variety of medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, to relieve pain, including:
- Painkillers. Simple over-the-counter pain relievers are usually the first line of treatment for headaches. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), and naproxen (Aleve). Prescription drugs include naproxen (Naprosyn), indomethacin (Indocin), and ketorolac (ketorolac tromethamine).
- Combination preparations. Aspirin or acetaminophen, or both, often combined with caffeine or a sedative in the same medication. Combination preparations may be more effective than single-drug preparations.
- Triptans and drugs. For people who have both migraine and tension headaches, triptans can effectively relieve the headache. Opioids, or narcotics, are rarely used because of their side effects and the high risk of addiction.
Preventive drugs
Other drugs may be prescribed to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks, especially if the patient has frequent or chronic headaches that are not relieved by pain medication.
Prophylactic drugs may include:
- Tricyclic antidepressants. Tricyclic antidepressants, including amitriptyline and nortriptyline (Pamelor), are the most commonly used drugs for preventing tension-type headache. Side effects of these drugs may include weight gain, drowsiness, and dry mouth.
- Other antidepressants. There is evidence that antidepressants such as venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and mirtazapine (Remeron) are effective in patients who are also not depressed.
- Anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants. Other drugs that may prevent tension headaches from developing are anticonvulsants such as topiramate (Topamax) and muscle relaxants.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Rest, ice packs or long, hot showers can often relieve headaches.
Non-pharmacological treatment
- Acupuncture. Acupuncture can provide temporary relief from chronic tension headache.
- Massage.
