What is Tension Headache?

Tension headaches are often caused by tense head or neck muscles. A tension headache is generally a diffuse, mild to moderate pain in your head that’s often described as feeling like a tight band around your head.

Tension headaches vary over a wide range from 1.3% to 65% in men and 2.7% to 86% in women.

Risk Factors

• Lifestyle Factors: Stress, tiredness, or anger can cause tension headaches. Other risks are smoking and not getting enough exercise or sleep.
• Health Problems: Some health problems are linked to tension headaches and tightening of the muscles in the neck, face, and head. These are:
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Teeth clenching or grinding
  • Gum chewing in children
  • Sleep apnoea
  • Arthritis in the neck
  • Being overweight

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of a tension headache include:

• Dull, aching head pain
• 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

Management

• Try to reduce stress.
• Make sure you sleep, exercise, and eat on a regular schedule.
• Make sure you practice good posture. Stand and sit up straight.
• Try not to strain your eyes when you use your computer.
• Get treatment for depression or anxiety if you have those health problems.
• Try using a headache diary. Every time you get a headache, write down the date, the time, and what you were doing and feeling before your headache started. This may help you and your doctor find out what is causing your headaches. Then your doctor can use the diary to plan your treatment.

Warning: Above information provided is an overview of the disease, we strongly recommend a doctor’s consultation to prevent further advancement of disease and/or development of complications.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein on request, is not to be taken as a replacement for medical advice or diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. DO NOT SELF MEDICATE. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN FOR PROPER DIAGNOSIS AND PRESCRIPTION.