A tension headache is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. About 80% of all headaches are tension headaches, followed by migraines, cluster headaches and sinus headaches. Called “tension” headaches because of the excess tension felt in the muscles of the neck, head and shoulder which puts pressure on blood vessels and nerves in the brain. As described in our previous article Headache – What is it?, the main source of pain comes from the irritated nerve endings by the tense muscles in the head and neck.

Tension headache symptoms can be brief and occasional, lasting between 4 to 6 hours or they can be long-suffering and chronic. Chronic headaches are defined as those that occur 15 days or more out of the month. 

Another tension headache symptom is that the pain can be either localized around any of the muscles of the head or spread in a large area of the scalp.

A headache can be the result from tightening involuntarily the muscles of the neck.

The major cause of tension headaches is mental, emotional and physical stress.  The emotional stress of our daily lives creates tension in our bodies.  Nervous people who are in a state of stress, anxiety, fear and worry about deadlines, etc. cause their brains to get overworked and filled with extra blood which causes a headache.

A gentle massage around the neck, head and shoulders may help relieve some tension. Applying heat to those areas may do the trick as well. Yoga or muscle stretching may work as well.

Most tension headaches can be treated with analgesics such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You could also try some Home Headache Remedies.

A wrong posture that puts extra stress on muscles can lead to tension headaches.  Pay attention to the way you hold your head while driving, at work or whenever you are holding the same position for an extended time, such as reading, watching television, reading, etc.  Change your position once in a while.  Stretch your neck and arms, roll your shoulders forward and backwards and bend your head from side to side and front to back a few times.  A chiropractor may help you relieve some of the pain by cervical or spinal manipulation and realignment.

Some tension headache sufferers use aromatherapy for relaxation. Rub lavender essential oil mixed with a carrier oil such as sunflower oil on your fingertips and massage your temples, neck and back. Other essential oils that are effective for headaches are peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus. Bathing with these oils can help relax your muscles and ease the pain.