Tension headaches usually cause mild to moderate pain in the forehead, temples, or the back on head and/or neck. Tension headache pain is usually dull, affects both sides of the head, and creates a “vice-like” tightening sensation around the neck and/or head.
Tension headaches usually cause mild to moderate pain in the forehead, temples, or the back on head and/or neck.
Symptoms of tension headaches include head pain that:
- Is dull, aching, and not throbbing
- Is not usually severe
- Affects both sides of the head
- Feels like a “vice-like” tightening band-like sensation around the neck and/or head
Other symptoms that may accompany a chronic tension headache include:
- Stiff muscles between the head and neck
- Sleep problems
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Dizziness
- Loss of concentration
- Nausea
What Are Tension Headaches?
The most common form of headache is a tension headache, which causes pressure or tightness on both sides of the head.
The two main types of tension headache include:
- Episodic
- Chronic
- Continuous or daily or headache
- Less common than episodic headaches
- Intensity of pain may vary
- Antidepressants may be used to treat chronic tension headaches
What Causes Tension Headaches?
Tension headaches may be caused by:
What Is the Treatment for Headaches?
Treatment for tension headaches may include:
- Non-medical treatments
- Rest
- Ice
- Heat
- Massage
- Biofeedback
- Pain relievers
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Aspirin
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Pain relievers that contain caffeine may be most effective
- Antidepressants such as amitriptyline (for chronic tension headaches)
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References
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/causes-of-headaches
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/tension-type-headache-in-adults-acute-treatment?search=headache%20treatment%27&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1
https://headaches.org/2007/10/25/tension-type-headache/
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/tension-type-headache-in-adults-acute-treatment?search=headache%20treatment%27&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1
https://headaches.org/2007/10/25/tension-type-headache/