What are tension headaches?

Debra Fulghum Bruce PhD answered:

Tension headaches (also called muscle contraction headaches) are the most common type of headaches and happen when the muscles of the neck tighten, causing pain. Tension headaches are common in times of stress or when you’re overtired. Chronic tension headaches average more than 15 days each month for more than six months. While both men and women get tension headaches, women are at higher risk.

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Tension headaches (also called muscle contraction headaches) are the most common type of headaches and happen when the muscles of the neck tighten, causing pain. Tension headaches are common in times of stress or when you’re... More

Dr. Mark Green of The Mount Sinai Medical Center answered:

Tension headaches are everything that migraines are not -- they are mild, can affect both sides of the head and often feel like a band around the head or a pressure. While those with tension headache can have light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, nausea or vomiting, at most only one of these is present and it is not a prominent part of the headache syndrome. They usually don't require treatment or are easily treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. Common triggers for tension headaches include stress, poor posture and depression.

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Tension headaches are everything that migraines are not -- they are mild, can affect both sides of the head and often feel like a band around the head or a pressure. While those with tension headache can have light sensitivity, sound sensitivity,... More

Dr. Egilius Spierings answered:

Tension headache is the most common type of headache, affecting most people at some point in their lives. Although most people have them only rarely, a small percentage suffers from tension headaches on a more regular basis. These headaches usually develop in the late afternoon, causing mild or moderate pain. However, people with a lesser-known type of tension headache caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders may experience morning headaches. The pain may envelop your entire head or be limited to the forehead or to the back or top of your head. Many people describe the sensation as a dull tightness or pressure that occurs in a band-like pattern. The intensity of the pain may fluctuate, but it won't be intense enough to keep you from functioning or sleeping or to awaken you at night.

Unlike migraine headaches, tension headaches are not accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or blurred vision. In addition, researchers haven't linked them to common migraine triggers, such as foods, genes, or hormonal changes. Tension headaches can occur infrequently, regularly, or daily. They are common at any age, but women are more susceptible, as is true for headaches in general.

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Tension headache is the most common type of headache, affecting most people at some point in their lives. Although most people have them only rarely, a small percentage suffers from tension headaches on a more regular basis. These headaches... More

Healthwise answered:

Tension headaches are the most common kind of headaches. They cause aching, tightness, pressure, and pain around the forehead, temples, or back of the head and neck. They tend to happen again and again, especially if you are under stress. They aren't usually a sign of anything serious.

Some people have chronic tension headaches, which means they have a headache on 15 or more days a month. This type of headache can lead to stress and depression, which in turn can lead to more headaches.