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Home /
Quick Facts: Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders /
Headaches /
... /
Tension Headaches /
IN THIS TOPIC

What are tension headaches?

What causes tension headaches?

What are the symptoms of tension headaches?

How can doctors tell if I have tension headaches?

How do doctors treat tension headaches?

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Headaches
Overview of Headaches
Cluster Headaches
Migraines
Tension Headaches

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

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Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a chronic condition that causes itchy inflammation of the upper layers of skin. Eczema is especially common in people who have hay fever or asthma, and in people whose family members have these conditions. Eczema is common, particularly in urban areas and developed countries. What percentage of children and adolescents are affected by eczema?  
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More Content

Quick Facts

Tension Headaches

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Last full review/revision Apr 2021| Content last modified Apr 2021
Click here for the Professional Version
Get the full details

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:

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, and be... 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 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, and be... read more can help treat tension headaches too.

Drugs Mentioned In This Article

Generic Name Select Brand Names
acetaminophen
 TYLENOL
ibuprofen
 ADVIL, MOTRIN IB
aspirin
 No US brand name
NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: Click here for the Professional Version
Click here for the Professional Version
© 2020 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
Migraines
Stroke

OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER

Headaches
Overview of Headaches
Cluster Headaches
Migraines
Tension Headaches
Others also read
Tension-Type Headaches Tension-Type Headaches
Overview of Headache Overview of Headache
Medication Overuse Headache Medication Overuse Headache
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID

Test your knowledge

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a chronic condition that causes itchy inflammation of the upper layers of skin. Eczema is especially common in people who have hay fever or asthma, and in people whose family members have these conditions. Eczema is common, particularly in urban areas and developed countries. What percentage of children and adolescents are affected by eczema?  
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID

Also of Interest

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Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID
Download the Manuals App iOS ANDROID

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