Tension Headache

Tension Headache

A tension headache, or tension-type headache, is the most common type of headache. Tension-type headaches account for nearly 90% of all headaches. Approximately 3% of the population has chronic tension-type headaches. A tension headache is generally a diffuse, mild to moderate pain that many people describe as feeling as if there's a tight band around their head. Tension headache pain can radiate from the neck, back, eyes, or other muscle groups in the body.

It may feel as though muscle contractions are responsible for your head pain, but experts don't think that's the cause, which is why this type of headache is generally referred to as a tension-type headache.

Fortunately, effective treatments for tension headaches are available. Managing a tension headache is often a balance between fostering healthy habits, finding effective nondrug treatments and using medications appropriately.

More than 10 million people a year visit a doctor or an emergency department because of headache. Tension headaches affect people from every nation and every background.

•About 69% of men and 88% of women develop a tension headache sometime during their lives.
•Tension headache can occur at any age but most commonly begins during adolescence or young adulthood, with the highest frequency among those aged 20-50 years.

What causes tension headaches?

Doctors don't know for sure what causes tension headaches. In the past experts thought that tension or spasms in the muscles of your neck, face, and head played a role. Now they think a change in brain chemicals may also be a cause.

What are the symptoms of a tension headache?

Symptoms of tension headaches include:
A headache that is constant, not throbbing. You usually feel the pain or pressure on both sides of your head. Pressure that makes you feel like your head is in a vise and aching pain at your temples or the back of your head and neck. This is different from migraine headaches, which usually cause throbbing pain and start on one side of your head.

Tension headaches tend to come back, especially when you are under stress. They can last from 30 minutes to several days. Usually, pain from a tension headache is not severe and does not get in the way of your work or social life. But for some people the pain is very bad or lasts a long time. You have chronic tension headaches if they occur at least 15 days a month.

How is a tension headaches treated?

Most people can treat their tension headaches with pain relievers that you buy without a prescription, like acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or aspirin. If you take these pain relievers more than 3 times a week, you may get rebound headaches. Rebound headaches are different from tension headaches. They usually start after pain medicine has worn off, which leads you to take another dose. Eventually you get a headache whenever you stop taking the medicine.

Some people have chronic tension headaches. This means they often get tension headaches. Doctors may prescribe stronger pain medicine for these people.

Can tension headaches be prevented?

Even with treatment, most people still have some headaches. But with treatment, you will probably have them less often. And when you do get them, they probably won't be as bad.

Home treatment may help you avoid tension headaches. Learn how to handle stress. Make sure you sleep, exercise, and eat on a regular schedule. Check your posture. Don't strain your eyes when you use your computer. Get treatment for depression or anxiety.

Try keeping a headache diary. Every time you get a tension headache, write down the date, the hour, and what you were doing and feeling before your tension headache started. This may help you and your doctor find out what is causing your tension headaches so you can get the right treatment.