What does a tension headache feel like?

It usually feels like a dull, constant ache or a tight band of pressure around the forehead, the sides or the back of the head. Unlike a migraine, it is typically on both sides and does not usually cause nausea or sensitivity to light.

What causes tension headaches?

They are often linked to stress, anxiety, tiredness, dehydration, skipping meals, poor posture, eye strain or bright sunlight. For many people, several of these combine.

How do I get rid of a tension headache?

Rest, fluids, fresh air and over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen usually help. Addressing the underlying cause — for example reducing stress, improving posture or taking screen breaks — helps prevent them coming back.

Should I worry about frequent headaches?

Frequent headaches are worth discussing with a GP, partly to find the cause and partly because using painkillers too often can itself cause "medication-overuse" headaches. A GP can help you find a better long-term approach.

Tension headache | HealthAnswers

Quick answer

What is tension headache?

A tension headache is the most common type of headache. It usually feels like a constant ache or pressure around the head, often described as a tight band. It is not normally serious and can usually be eased with rest, over-the-counter painkillers and managing triggers such as stress.

What is a tension headache?

A tension headache is the most common kind of headache — the everyday headache most people experience from time to time. It is usually mild to moderate and, while uncomfortable, is not normally a sign of anything serious.

Symptoms

A tension headache typically causes:

a constant ache or pressure, often described as a tight band around the head
pain on both sides, and sometimes across the back of the head or neck
a feeling of tightness in the neck or shoulder muscles

Unlike migraines, tension headaches do not usually cause nausea, vomiting or strong sensitivity to light and sound.

Common causes

Tension headaches are often linked to everyday factors such as stress, tiredness, dehydration, missed meals, poor posture, eye strain and spending long periods at a screen. Identifying what tends to bring yours on can help you avoid them.

How to ease them

Most tension headaches settle on their own. In the meantime, rest, drinking water, getting fresh air and over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help. A pharmacist can advise on suitable options.

To reduce how often they happen, it helps to address the underlying triggers — managing stress, keeping hydrated, taking regular breaks from screens, and paying attention to posture.

When to get advice

Occasional tension headaches are normal. See a GP if they become frequent, are getting worse, or are not responding to usual painkillers — and treat any sudden, severe or unusual headache as a reason to seek urgent help.

Common questions

What does a tension headache feel like?: It usually feels like a dull, constant ache or a tight band of pressure around the forehead, the sides or the back of the head. Unlike a migraine, it is typically on both sides and does not usually cause nausea or sensitivity to light.
What causes tension headaches?: They are often linked to stress, anxiety, tiredness, dehydration, skipping meals, poor posture, eye strain or bright sunlight. For many people, several of these combine.
How do I get rid of a tension headache?: Rest, fluids, fresh air and over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen usually help. Addressing the underlying cause — for example reducing stress, improving posture or taking screen breaks — helps prevent them coming back.
Should I worry about frequent headaches?: Frequent headaches are worth discussing with a GP, partly to find the cause and partly because using painkillers too often can itself cause "medication-overuse" headaches. A GP can help you find a better long-term approach.

Sources

NHS — Headaches