Final answer:
Tension or psychogenic headaches are mainly caused by muscle tension and stress. These contribute to a heightened sensitivity to pain and a lower pain threshold. Relaxation and managing stress can help alleviate these headaches.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mechanism of tension headache, also known as psychogenic headache, involves multiple factors, including muscle tension and stress. These headaches are characterized by the tightening of the muscles in the face, neck, and head. Stress can exacerbate the sensitivity to pain, leading to heightened pain perception and contributing to the development of tension headaches. Individuals who suffer from tension headaches often have a lower pain threshold and higher sensitivity to pain, which can be triggered by various stressors, and managing stress may alleviate symptoms. Additionally, persistent activities like clenching of the teeth can result in muscle fatigue around the skull, contributing to tension headaches. Treatment may involve relaxation techniques and over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen to help soothe the pain.