Tension-type headache lasting 2 weeks

Tension-type headache often presents as pressure or a tight band on both sides of the head, sometimes with tenderness in the scalp, neck, or shoulders. It is not usually made markedly worse by ordinary movement. Stress, prolonged screen use, jaw clenching, irregular meals, dehydration, poor sleep, and sustained posture can contribute. However, symptoms alone cannot confirm the headache type, and a persistent or unfamiliar pattern deserves assessment for other causes.

Keep a simple diary noting when pain begins, where it is felt, what you were doing, associated symptoms, sleep, meals, fluid intake, and any medicine taken. Regular meals, adequate fluids, a consistent sleep routine, short breaks from screens, and gentle movement of the neck and shoulders may reduce avoidable triggers. Check whether you are clenching your jaw or holding your shoulders raised while working.

If you use a non-prescription pain reliever, follow its label and check suitability with a pharmacist when you have other medical conditions, take regular medicines, are pregnant, or might be pregnant. Frequent use of pain medicine can itself maintain headaches, so tell the clinician exactly what you take and on which days. Do not keep increasing the dose when pain persists.

Book a GP appointment for a headache continuing over 2 weeks, recurring on many days, becoming more severe, waking you from sleep, or interfering with work and normal activities. Seek emergency help for a sudden explosive headache, or headache with weakness, numbness, confusion, fainting, seizure, loss of vision, difficulty speaking, a stiff neck with fever, or repeated vomiting. Urgent assessment is also appropriate after a significant head injury or when severe headache occurs during pregnancy or soon after birth.

Share your headache diary and describe the onset, location, sensation, pattern, and effect on routine. Mention nausea, light or sound sensitivity, visual changes, nasal symptoms, fever, jaw pain, neck stiffness, recent injury, and any neurological symptoms. Ask whether your medicines, eyesight, blood pressure, sleep, dental problems, or working posture could be relevant. The clinician may examine your nerves, eyes, neck, and jaw before deciding whether tests or a different treatment plan are needed.