Tension headache refers to head pain associated with stress and muscle contraction. These headaches may occur only occasionally in response to a stressful event. They may also be chronic, occurring frequently. Some tension headaches are nearly constant, with daily pain that may vary in intensity.
Tension headaches may occur when muscles in the neck, face, and scalp contract, which produce pain. The precise cause of this muscle contraction is unknown. Factors that may contribute to tension headache include:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Your risk of getting a tension headache increases with:
Tension headache symptoms usually start slowly and build.
Symptoms include:
Headaches can become so severe and constant that they interfere with normal activities and sleep.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The cause of a headache can be difficult to determine.
Tests may include:
Tension headaches are managed, rather than cured. Therapies aim to stop the headache and reduce the frequency of future episodes.
Treatment may include:
Medications may include:
Self-care may include:
Lifestyle changes may include:
Additional therapies may include:
If you are diagnosed with a tension headache, follow your doctor's instructions .
You may be able to reduce the chance of a tension headache by learning how to manage stress. Try the following strategies:
RESOURCES:
American Headache Society
http://ahsnet.org/
National Headache Foundation
http://www.headaches.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Headache Network Canada
http://www.headachenetwork.ca/
Help for Headaches
http://www.headache-help.org/index.html/
References:
American Medical Association website. Available at: http://www.ama-assn.org/ . Accessed October 12, 2005.
Dambro MR. Griffith's 5-Minute Clinical Consult . Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1999.
Goetz CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology . Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Co; 1999.
Melchart D, Streng A, Hoppe A, et al. Acupuncture in patients with tension-type headache: randomized controlled trial. Brit Med J . 2005;331:376-379.
National Headache Foundation website. Available at: http://www.headaches.org . Accessed October 12, 2005.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/ . Accessed October 12, 2005.
Rakel RE, Bope ET. Conn's Current Therapy 2001. 53rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2001.
Tension headache. EBSCO Publishing DynaMed website. Available at: http://dynamed101.ebscohost.com/Detail.aspx?id=114522 . Accessed October 20, 2007.
Tension headache. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tension-headach/DS00304 . Accessed January 17, 2009.
*¹ 12/16/2008 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance : Jena S, Witt CM, Brinkhaus B, Wegscheider K, Willich SN. Acupuncture in patients with headache. Cephalalgia. 2008;28:969-979.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Rimas Lukas, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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