Tension headaches 

Overview   

Tension–type headaches are a frequent type of headache that usually results in mild to moderate pain. Some people compare the sensation to a tight band encircling their head. These headaches are the most widespread variety, although their precise causes are not yet comprehensively grasped.  

Fortunately, there are treatments accessible for tension–type headaches. Coping with these headaches typically involves maintaining healthy routines, exploring useful non–medication therapies, and considering over–the–counter pain relievers or, if required, antidepressants prescribed by a doctor.  

Symptoms  

Signs and Symptoms: 

• Dull, aching pain in the head. 
• Feeling of tightness or pressure across the forehead, sides, or back of the head. 
• Tender scalp, neck, and shoulder muscles.

Types of Tension–Type Headaches: 

• Episodic Tension–Type Headaches: 
• Last from 30 minutes to a week. 
• Frequent episodic headaches occur less than 15 days a month for at least three months. 
• Frequent episodes might progress to chronic tension–type headaches.
• Chronic Tension-Type Headaches:
• Last for hours and can be ongoing. 
• Considered chronic if they happen 15 or more days a month for at least three months. 

If you experience any of the following indicators, it’s important to promptly seek emergency medical attention: 

• Suddenly intense headache 
• Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, cognitive confusion, seizures, double vision, muscle weakness, numbness, or speech issues 
• Headache following a head injury, particularly if the headache worsens.

Causes  

The precise cause of tension–type headaches remains uncertain. While earlier beliefs pointed to muscle contractions in the face, neck, and scalp triggered by emotions or stress, recent research challenges this view by indicating that muscle contractions might not be the underlying cause. The prevailing theory proposes that individuals experiencing tension–type headaches might have an amplified sensitivity to pain. This heightened pain sensitivity could lead to increased muscle tenderness, a frequent symptom of these headaches, and this, in turn, could arise from a pain system that has become more sensitive. Notably, stress is the most commonly reported trigger for tension–type headaches.