Pressure pain threshold and pain tolerance in episodic tension-type headache do not depend on the presence of headache

Abstract

Pressure pain thresholds and responses to painful mechanical stimuli were obtained from 20 subjects with episodic tension-type headaches (TTH). Tender points in the temporalis and trapezius muscles were studied, along with two nontender points, one in the temporalis and one on the Achilles tendon. Two examinations were performed, one during and one without a headache, and results were compared. No significant differences were found in either variable for any tested points. The data demonstrate that the sensitivity level of these points does not differ based on the presence or absence of TTH. This suggests that the muscle sensitivity in TTH is constant. The observation that the sensitivity levels of both tender and nontender points did not vary suggests that the underlying mechanism or effect of TTH is not restricted to tender muscles.