What is a tension headache?

Tension headaches are one of the most common types of headaches. They are characterized by a dull ache or pressure around the forehead, temples, or back of the head and neck. Although uncomfortable, tension headaches are not usually associated with serious health problems and can often be effectively managed.

Types of tension headaches

There are two main types of tension headaches:

• Tension headaches Cluster headaches occur sporadically and can last from a few minutes to several days. Cluster headaches are often triggered by stress, fatigue, or muscle tension.
• Chronic tension headaches more persistent and occurring 15 or more days per month for at least three months. People with chronic tension headaches may experience significant impairment in daily activities due to the frequency and intensity of the pain.

What are the symptoms of a tension headache?

Common symptoms of tension headaches include:

• Dull pain or pressure on both sides of the head
• A feeling of tension or pressure on the forehead or back of the head, often feeling like a tight band around the forehead or scalp
• Pain in the scalp, neck, or shoulder muscles
• Mild to moderate pain intensity
• May be accompanied by mild sensitivity to light or noise, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

Unlike migraines, tension headaches usually do not cause other neurological symptoms such as muscle weakness or blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, or severe sensitivity to light or sound.

When to seek medical attention?

You should seek medical attention if you notice the following:

• Increased frequency (occurring more than 15 days a month) or significantly more severe headaches. If you notice these changes, over-the-counter pain relievers may not be enough. Your doctor can evaluate your condition and recommend stronger medications or other treatment options.
• Headache characteristics change. If your headache changes in character, becomes more severe, or is accompanied by new symptoms such as fever, stiff neck, or vision changes, see your doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.
• Medication overuse headache. If you find yourself relying on painkillers for headaches more than twice a week, this may lead to medication overuse headaches. Your doctor can help you develop a safe and effective treatment plan to break this vicious cycle.
• Pain affects daily life. If your headaches significantly affect your daily activities, work, or sleep, seeking medical attention can help you find pain relief and improve your quality of life.
• Symptoms may suggest other underlying conditions. If you also experience excessive snoring and daytime fatigue, your doctor may perform a sleep study to determine if you may be dealing with an underlying condition like obstructive sleep apnea, which can mimic the symptoms of tension headaches.

What causes tension headaches?

The exact cause of tension headaches is not well understood, but several factors may contribute to their development, including:

• Stress and anxiety. These emotional states can trigger tension headaches, and tension headaches themselves can exacerbate stress and anxiety, creating a vicious cycle.
• Bad posture. Hunching over a computer or phone for long periods of time can strain your neck and shoulder muscles, leading to tension headaches.
• tired eyes Staring at a screen for long periods of time or having uncorrected vision problems can contribute to tension headaches.
• Tired. Fatigue puts stress on your body, leading to muscle tension (especially in the neck and scalp), which is a major contributor to tension headaches. Additionally, fatigue disrupts sleep and can contribute to dehydration, both of which can worsen headaches.
• Hungry. When you're hungry, your blood sugar drops and stress hormones increase, causing muscle tension (especially in your head and neck), resulting in tension headaches.
• Jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism). Problems with the jaw joint, which can involve muscle tension and pain, can also contribute to tension headaches.
• Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. Tightness in the muscles of your scalp, neck, and shoulders is a major contributing factor because it is believed that tension headaches begin when the muscles between your head and neck tighten, straining your scalp muscles.

People with a history of tension headaches may also be more prone to headaches during times of increased stress or when exposed to certain triggers.

What are the complications of tension headaches?

Although tension headaches themselves are not usually associated with serious complications, chronic or frequent headaches can significantly impact a person's quality of life:

• Frequent or severe tension headaches can disrupt work, school, and daily activities.
• Tension headaches can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, worsen fatigue, and prolong the headache cycle.
• The constant presence of headaches can lead to anxiety and stress, which can in turn cause more headaches.
• Overusing painkillers to treat frequent tension headaches can ironically lead to a condition called "medication overuse headache," which makes the headaches worse.

If you experience these complications, it is important to consult your doctor to develop a comprehensive management plan and prevent tension headaches from affecting your health.

How to prevent tension headaches?

To help prevent tension headaches, consider the following strategies:

• Practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
• Maintain good posture, especially when sitting for long periods of time to prevent muscle strain.
• Take frequent breaks from activities that can strain your eyes, such as reading or using electronic devices.
• Make sure you stay hydrated and well-nourished. Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol.
• Incorporate regular exercise into your routine to reduce muscle tension and improve overall health.
• Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

Identifying and avoiding personal triggers can also be helpful in preventing tension headaches.