What is a Tension Headache?

This is the most common type of headache. Tension headaches may occur from time to time (episodic) or be ongoing and daily (chronic). They can occur at all ages, but are most common in young adults. Like most headaches, they are more common in women.

A tension headache causes a constant ache and tightness around the forehead, temples, or the back of the head and neck. Usually, pain from a tension headache is mild to moderate and doesn't keep you from performing your daily tasks. But the pain may be severe or ongoing, making it very hard to do your normal activities.

These headaches tend to come back, especially when you are under stress. They can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several days. Chronic (recurring) tension headaches can occur more than 15 days in a month.

What Causes Tension Headaches?

We don't know for sure what causes tension headaches. Experts believe there may be more than one factor. In the past, physicians believed that tension or spasms in the muscles of the neck, face, jaw, head, or scalp played a role. Now they think a change in brain chemicals may also contribute to tension headaches.

What Does a Tension Headache Feel Like?

This type of headache is felt on both sides of the head, mostly in the back of the neck, temples, or where a hat band would sit on your forehead. It is often described as a dull ache or pressure, and is usually not a pounding or pulsating feeling. Most of the time there is no nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light or noise.