It may feel as
though muscle contractions are responsible for your head pain,
but experts don't think that's the cause, which is why this type
of headache is generally referred to as a tension-type headache.
Fortunately, effective
treatments for tension headaches are available. Managing a
tension headache is often a balance between fostering healthy
habits, finding effective non-drug treatments and using
medications appropriately.
Signs and symptoms of a tension
headache include:
- Dull, aching head pain
- The sensation of tightness
or pressure across your forehead or on the sides and back of
your head
- Tenderness on your scalp,
neck and shoulder muscles
- Occasionally, loss of
appetite
A tension headache can last
from 30 minutes to an entire week. You may experience these
headaches only occasionally, or nearly all the time. If your
headaches occur 15 or more days a month for at least three
months, they're considered chronic. If you have headaches that
occur fewer than 15 times in a month, your headaches are
considered episodic. However, people with frequent episodic
headaches are at a higher risk of developing chronic headaches.
The headache is usually
described as mild to moderately intense. The severity of the
pain varies from one person to another, and from one headache to
another in the same person.
Tension headaches can sometimes
be difficult to distinguish from migraines, but unlike some
forms of migraine, tension headache usually isn't associated
with visual disturbances (blind spots or flashing lights),
nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness or numbness on one
side of the body, or slurred speech. And, while physical
activity typically aggravates migraine pain, it doesn't make
tension headache pain worse. An increased sensitivity to light
or sound can occur with a tension headache, but this isn't a
common symptom.
When to see a doctor
If tension headache disrupts your life, don't hesitate to talk
to your doctor. If you find that you need to take medication for
your headaches more than twice a week, make an appointment to
see your doctor.
Occasionally, headaches may
indicate a serious medical condition, such as a brain tumor or
rupture of a weakened blood vessel (aneurysm). Even if you have
a history of headaches, see your doctor if the pattern changes
or your headaches suddenly feel different.
When to go to the emergency room immediately
if you have any of these warning signs and symptoms:
- Abrupt, severe headache,
which may be like a thunderclap
- Headache with a fever, stiff
neck, mental confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness,
numbness or speaking difficulties
- Headache after a head
injury, especially if it gets worse
- Chronic, progressive
headache that is precipitated by coughing, exertion, straining
or a sudden movement
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