Palpation of which muscles can reveal tender spots in tension headaches?

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Multiple Choice

Palpation of which muscles can reveal tender spots in tension headaches?

Pain in tension-type headaches is often linked to myofascial tender spots in muscles around the head and neck. Palpating the pericranial muscles—those that envelop the skull and scalp (forehead, temples, occipital region)—and the cervical (neck) muscles can reveal these tender points. These spots, or trigger points, can reproduce the head pain or refer pain to the head when pressed, which helps explain why muscle tension contributes to the headache. While jaw muscles like the masseter and temporalis can also harbor trigger points, the focus for identifying tender spots in tension headaches is on the pericranial and neck muscles. Diaphragmatic muscles aren’t involved in this pattern.

Pain in tension-type headaches is often linked to myofascial tender spots in muscles around the head and neck. Palpating the pericranial muscles—those that envelop the skull and scalp (forehead, temples, occipital region)—and the cervical (neck) muscles can reveal these tender points. These spots, or trigger points, can reproduce the head pain or refer pain to the head when pressed, which helps explain why muscle tension contributes to the headache. While jaw muscles like the masseter and temporalis can also harbor trigger points, the focus for identifying tender spots in tension headaches is on the pericranial and neck muscles. Diaphragmatic muscles aren’t involved in this pattern.

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