What is tension headache?

Tension headaches are the most common headaches. They cause aching, tightness, pressure, and pain around the forehead, temples, or back of the head and neck. They tend to happen again and again, especially if a person is under stress. They usually aren't a sign of something serious. But they can be very painful.

Symptoms of tension headaches include:

• A constant headache that doesn't throb or pulse. The pain or pressure is usually on both sides of the head.
• Tightness around the forehead that may feel like a "vise grip."
• Aching pain at the temples or the back of the head and neck.

Unlike migraines, tension headaches usually don't occur with nausea, vomiting, or feeling sensitive to both light and noise. But light or noise could make the headache worse. Pain from a tension headache usually isn't severe and doesn't get in the way of a person's school, work, or social life. But for some people, the pain is very bad or lasts a long time.

A doctor can usually diagnose tension headaches by doing a physical exam and asking questions, such as how often the headaches happen and what the symptoms are. The doctor will also ask about your overall health and lifestyle.

It can be hard to know which type of headache you have. That's because different types can have the same symptoms. But the treatments may be different, so it's important to find out which type you have.

In some cases, your doctor may order tests to find out if a health problem is causing them. These tests may include an MRI or a CT scan.

In very rare cases, headaches can be caused by more serious health problems (such as brain tumors or aneurysms). But most headaches aren't caused by anything serious. So you probably won't need to have tests.

You can treat most tension headaches yourself. You can take over-the-counter medicines, try to avoid things that trigger your headaches, and reduce your stress. If you keep having headaches or your headaches are very bad, talk to your doctor about prescription medicines to help prevent them.

You may want to try medicine to prevent getting a headache if:

• You use medicines to stop your headaches more than 3 times a week.
• Medicines to stop headaches aren't working well for you.

Even with treatment, you will most likely still get some tension headaches. But you probably will get them less often. And they may hurt less when you do get them.

There are things you can do that may help you have fewer headaches—and less pain when you do get them. Some self-care ideas include:

• Finding and avoiding things that trigger your headaches. Triggers may include stress, hunger, and lack of sleep.
• Keeping a headache diary to find out what triggers your headaches.
• Taking over-the-counter medicines to stop a headache.
• Taking medicine as your doctor advises to stop or prevent a headache.
• Reducing stress with relaxation and positive-thinking methods.