A tension-type headache lasting 2 days

This headache often feels like pressure or tightness on both sides of the head, forehead, or back of the neck. Routine activity does not necessarily make it worse, and nausea is less typical than with migraine.

Tight neck or scalp muscles, stress, missed meals, dehydration, poor sleep, prolonged screen use, and sustained posture may contribute. The label describes a pattern rather than confirming why this particular headache occurred.

Pay attention to whether this resembles your previous headaches. Fever, a recent injury, pregnancy or the period after birth, very high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, cancer, or a new neurological symptom changes how urgently the pain should be assessed.

Drink fluids, eat regularly, take screen and posture breaks, and try gentle neck movement, rest, or a warm pack. Keep a note of onset, location, associated symptoms, possible triggers, medicines taken, and whether the pain improves.

A pharmacist can check whether paracetamol or an anti-inflammatory pain reliever is suitable for you, considering pregnancy, stomach or kidney problems, blood-thinning medicines, allergies, and other treatments. Follow the product directions and avoid combining products that contain the same pain-relieving ingredient. Frequent painkiller use can itself maintain headaches.

Call emergency services for a headache that reaches maximum intensity suddenly, or one accompanied by weakness, numbness, confusion, fainting, a seizure, trouble speaking, loss of vision, severe breathing difficulty, or a stiff neck with fever. Urgent assessment is also needed after a significant head injury.

Seek prompt clinical advice if the pain is steadily worsening, repeatedly wakes you, begins during pregnancy or soon after birth, comes with persistent vomiting or fever, or is new in someone with cancer or reduced immunity. Arrange a GP visit if it has not improved with reasonable self-care, keeps returning, or the pattern has changed.

Tell the clinician exactly when the pain started, whether it peaked abruptly or built gradually, and what symptoms came with it. Ask which pain relief fits your medical history, whether your blood pressure or vision should be checked, and what change should trigger urgent care.