Tension-Type Headache

Tension-type headache is the most common type of headache, causing a dull, band-like ache or pressure around the head. It is generally less severe and disabling than migraine and is usually managed with simple measures.

• A dull, aching pain, often described as a tight band or pressure around the head
• Pain on both sides of the head, unlike the typically one-sided pain of migraine
• Mild to moderate intensity, usually not worsened by routine physical activity
• Tenderness in the scalp, neck, or shoulder muscles
• Unlike migraine, usually not associated with nausea, vomiting, or marked light/sound sensitivity

• Often linked to stress, poor posture, muscle tension in the neck and scalp, fatigue, or dehydration.
• Can be triggered or worsened by skipped meals, poor sleep, and prolonged screen use.
• Frequent use of pain medicine for headaches can itself lead to more frequent headaches (medication-overuse headache).

• Diagnosed clinically based on the typical pattern of mild to moderate, band-like head pain without the additional features (such as significant nausea or visual aura) seen in migraine.
• Sudden, severe, or unusual headaches, or those with associated neurological symptoms, warrant further assessment to exclude other causes.

Simple pain relief with paracetamol or an NSAID such as ibuprofen is usually effective, used as needed rather than daily to avoid medication-overuse headache.

Addressing contributing factors — stress, poor sleep, dehydration, and muscle tension — helps both relieve current episodes and reduce future frequency.

For frequent tension-type headaches, relaxation techniques, regular exercise, and attention to posture can reduce how often they occur; a preventive daily medicine is occasionally considered for very frequent cases under medical guidance.

• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or regular physical activity.
• Maintain good posture, particularly during long periods of desk or screen work.
• Stay well hydrated and avoid skipping meals.
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
• Avoid overusing pain medicine for frequent headaches, as this can worsen the pattern over time.