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A Critical Analysis of the Traditional Tension Headache Model
Author(s) -
Ramirez Julio J.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
headache: the journal of head and face pain
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.14
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1526-4610
pISSN - 0017-8748
DOI - 10.1111/j.1526-4610.1985.hed2506337.x
Subject(s) - biofeedback , tension headache , physical medicine and rehabilitation , physical therapy , medicine , intervention (counseling) , muscle tension , psychology , psychotherapist , migraine , anesthesia , psychiatry
SYNOPSIS Electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback is frequently used as the behavioral therapy of choice to reduce the severity of tension headache. In this review, it becomes evident that despite biofeedback's widespread use, other behavioral therapies which are not as hardware‐dependent are as effective as biofeedback training in relieving headache pain. In addition, several theoretical concerns are raised here since the assumptions upon which EMG biofeedback therapy is justified may not be valid. Finally, recommendations for dealing with tension headache are made, based on the evidence provided by studies of behavioral intervention therapies.