What are tension headaches?
A tension headache is a particular kind of headache Overview of Headaches Headaches are one of the most common reasons people go to the doctor. Many things can cause a headache Most headaches aren't dangerous. but some are caused by a serious problem Tension headaches... read more that feels like a band tightening around your head.
Tension headaches are common and not dangerous
The pain isn't usually severe
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, helps lower your pain
Jaw problems, neck pain, or eyestrain can cause tension headaches
Stress may cause tension headaches
What causes tension headaches?
Doctors don’t understand exactly why tension headaches happen, but you may get them if you have:
Pain in other parts of your head and neck
Problems with sleep
Lots of stress
Problems with your jaw (such as temporomandibular joint disorder Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) The temporomandibular joints are the connections between the temporal bones of the skull and the lower jawbone (mandible). There are 2 temporomandibular joints, one on each side of the face... read more )
Eye strain—for example, from spending lots of time looking at a computer screen
What are the symptoms of tension headaches?
You have:
Pain in your head that feels like a band tightening around your head
Pain that is mild or moderate, not severe—the pain doesn’t usually stop you from your daily tasks
Tension headaches are different from migraines Migraines A migraine isn't just a bad headache. A migraine is a particular kind of bad headache. The pain can be on one or both sides of your head. You may feel sick to your stomach, throw up,... read more . With a tension headache:
Your pain doesn’t get worse with light, sounds, smells, or when you move around
Your headache doesn’t make you feel sick or throw up
There are 2 types of tension headaches, based on how often they happen:
Episodic headaches happen less than 15 days a month
Chronic (long-lasting) headaches happen 15 or more days a month
If you have episodic tension- headaches, your headache may:
Start several hours after waking up and get worse later in the day
Last 30 minutes to several days
If you have chronic tension headaches, your headache may:
Be almost always present, and get better and worse throughout the day
Get worse each day
How can doctors tell if I have tension headaches?
Doctors suspect tension headaches based on your symptoms and an exam
They’ll ask you questions about what causes your headaches
Doctors may do other tests, such as an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) MRI is a test that uses a machine with a powerful magnet to make pictures of the inside of your body. A computer records changes in the magnetic field around your body. The computer then uses... read more
of your head, to make sure another health problem isn’t causing your headaches
Certain warning signs suggest your headache is not an ordinary tension headache. See a doctor right away for a headache if you have:
Changes in your vision, weakness, drowsiness, confusion, loss of balance, or trouble speaking
A fever and stiff neck
A sudden, very severe headache that came on like a thunderclap
Tenderness at your temple (as when combing hair) or jaw pain when chewing
Cancer, AIDS, or a weak immune system
A worsening headache
Red eyes and halos seen around lights
How do doctors treat tension headaches?
Doctors may tell you to:
Take pain medicine, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen
Massage your head and neck
Do activities to help you relax and lower stress
If you have chronic tension headaches, doctors may give you medicine. Sometimes medicines for migraines Migraines A migraine isn't just a bad headache. A migraine is a particular kind of bad headache. The pain can be on one or both sides of your head. You may feel sick to your stomach, throw up,... read more can help treat tension headaches too.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
acetaminophen |
7T Gummy ES, Acephen, Aceta, Actamin, Adult Pain Relief, Anacin Aspirin Free, Apra, Children's Acetaminophen, Children's Pain & Fever , Comtrex Sore Throat Relief, ED-APAP, ElixSure Fever/Pain, Feverall, Genapap, Genebs, Goody's Back & Body Pain, Infantaire, Infants' Acetaminophen, LIQUID PAIN RELIEF, Little Fevers, Little Remedies Infant Fever + Pain Reliever, Mapap, Mapap Arthritis Pain, Mapap Infants, Mapap Junior, M-PAP, Nortemp, Ofirmev, Pain & Fever , Pain and Fever , PAIN RELIEF , PAIN RELIEF Extra Strength, Panadol, PediaCare Children's Fever Reducer/Pain Reliever, PediaCare Children's Smooth Metls Fever Reducer/Pain Reliever, PediaCare Infant's Fever Reducer/Pain Reliever, Pediaphen, PHARBETOL, Plus PHARMA, Q-Pap, Q-Pap Extra Strength, Silapap, Triaminic Fever Reducer and Pain Reliever, Triaminic Infant Fever Reducer and Pain Reliever, Tylenol, Tylenol 8 Hour, Tylenol 8 Hour Arthritis Pain, Tylenol 8 Hour Muscle Aches & Pain, Tylenol Arthritis Pain, Tylenol Children's, Tylenol Children's Pain+Fever, Tylenol CrushableTablet, Tylenol Extra Strength, Tylenol Infants', Tylenol Infants Pain + Fever, Tylenol Junior Strength, Tylenol Pain + Fever, Tylenol Regular Strength, Tylenol Sore Throat, XS No Aspirin, XS Pain Reliever |
ibuprofen |
Advil, Advil Children's, Advil Children's Fever, Advil Infants', Advil Junior Strength, Advil Migraine, Caldolor, Children's Ibuprofen, ElixSure IB, Genpril , Ibren , IBU, Midol, Midol Cramps and Body Aches, Motrin, Motrin Children's, Motrin IB, Motrin Infants', Motrin Junior Strength, Motrin Migraine Pain, PediaCare Children's Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer IB, PediaCare Infants' Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer IB, Samson-8 |
aspirin |
Anacin Adult Low Strength, Aspergum, Aspir-Low, Aspirtab , Aspir-Trin , Bayer Advanced Aspirin, Bayer Aspirin, Bayer Aspirin Extra Strength, Bayer Aspirin Plus, Bayer Aspirin Regimen, Bayer Children's Aspirin, Bayer Extra Strength, Bayer Extra Strength Plus, Bayer Genuine Aspirin, Bayer Low Dose Aspirin Regimen, Bayer Womens Aspirin , BeneHealth Aspirin, Bufferin, Bufferin Extra Strength, Bufferin Low Dose, DURLAZA, Easprin , Ecotrin, Ecotrin Low Strength, Genacote, Halfprin, MiniPrin, St. Joseph Adult Low Strength, St. Joseph Aspirin, VAZALORE, Zero Order Release Aspirin, ZORprin |
