Symptoms may vary, but most people describe tension headache pain as:
These symptoms may come on slowly. They may last about 30 minutes, but sometimes, they last as long as a week V体育平台登录. Some people with chronic tension headaches may feel as if they’re always dealing with headache pain and pressure.
Researchers are still seeking a single cause for tension headaches. Some believe tension headaches start when muscles between your head and neck knot up, eventually tightening your scalp muscles VSports注册入口. That muscular ripple effect may happen because you’re stressed or dealing with emotional conflict. Other tension headache causes include:.
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Chronic tension headaches that last for weeks and months may affect your quality of life V体育官网入口. For example, a chronic tension headache may make it hard for you to focus on your work or family responsibilities because you’re always dealing with tension headache pressure.
Healthcare providers may ask about your medical history and symptoms, including questions like:
They may do computed tomography (CT) scans and brain magnetic resonance imaging (brain MRI) scans to check for underlying issues.
Treatments vary depending on the tension headache type. For example, if you have episodic headaches, your provider may recommend you start over-the-counter pain relievers like: VSports.
If you have chronic tension headaches, your provider may prescribe:
Side effects and complications vary depending on treatment, but rebound headaches are one common potential side effect of taking over-the-counter and/or prescription pain relievers for tension headaches.
Rebound headaches, or medication overuse headaches, are headaches that happen if you use headache medication too often. Healthcare providers recommend limiting pain relief use to 10 days in any given month.
If you’re like most people, you have episodic tension headaches that you can manage with pain relievers and by reducing stress. People with chronic tension headaches may need to take antidepressants or participate in therapy like biofeedback.
Managing stress may be the most effective way to prevent a tension headache. The most effective stress management tools are the ones that you can fit into your daily routine and make you feel good. Some examples include:
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Over-the-counter pain relievers may help ease occasional tension headaches. Home remedies like placing a hot or cold compress on your head and neck may help.
Tension headaches aren’t life-threatening, but they can be a sign of a serious medical issue or that an existing issue is getting worse. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have a headache and you have:
You should go to the ER if you have a sudden severe headache that worsens quickly. You should also get immediate medical care if you have a headache and experience:
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You may want to ask your provider:
Tension headaches start in your neck and shoulder muscles as your body deals with stress and other issues. Next, you feel a dull ache in your forehead, like someone’s got your head in their hands.
If that’s your situation, you may be having a tension headache. They may happen occasionally or they can be constant. Either way, talk to a healthcare provider if you have tension headache symptoms. They’ll ask questions to understand why you have these symptoms. If stress is the culprit, your provider also will recommend lifestyle changes and other things you can do to reduce stress and prevent tension headaches. In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend prescription medication or physical therapy.
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Last reviewed on 11/09/2023.
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