Tension headache
Key points
- A tension headache is a condition involving pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck, usually associated with muscle tightness in these areas.
- Tension headaches are one of the most common forms of headache.
- A headache that is mild to moderate, not accompanied by other symptoms, and which responds to home treatment within a few hours may not need further examination or testing.
- The goal is to relieve symptoms and prevent future headaches.
Alternative names
Muscle contraction headache; Benign headache; Headache - tension
Definition
A tension headache is a condition involving pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck, usually associated with muscle tightness in these areas.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Tension headaches are one of the most common forms of headache. They may occur at any age, but are most common in adults and adolescents. If a headache occurs 2 or more times weekly for several months or longer, the condition is considered chronic.
Tension headaches result from the contraction of neck and scalp muscles. One cause of this muscle contraction is a response to stress, depression or anxiety. Any activity that causes the head to be held in one position for a long time without moving can cause a headache. Such activities include typing or use of computers, fine work with the hands, and use of a microscope. Sleeping in a cold room or sleeping with the neck in an abnormal position may also trigger this type of headache.
Other causes include eye strain, fatigue, alcohol use, excessive smoking, excessive caffeine use, sinus infection, nasal congestion, overexertion, colds, and influenza. Tension headaches are not associated with structural lesions in the brain.
Symptoms
- Headache
o Dull, pressure-like
o Generalized, worse in the scalp, temples or back of the neck
o Not one-sided
o Feels like a tight band or vise on the head
o Occurs as an isolated incident, or occurs constantly or daily
o Worsened or triggered by stress, fatigue, noise, glare - Difficulty sleeping
Signs and tests
A headache that is mild to moderate, not accompanied by other symptoms, and which responds to home treatment within a few hours may not need further examination or testing. If a neurologic examination is performed, a tension headache causes no abnormal findings, but musculoskeletal tenderness is often present.
The health care provider should be consulted - to rule out other disorders that can cause head pain - if the headache is severe, persistent or if other symptoms accompany the headache.
Headaches that disturb sleep, occur whenever the person is active, or that are recurrent or chronic may also require examination and treatment by a health care provider.
Treatment
The goal is to relieve symptoms and prevent future headaches. Prevention is the best treatment. If possible, remove or control precipitating factors.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.