Does a GP consultation treat a tension headache?

Tension-type headache often feels like pressure or a tight band around the head, sometimes with tenderness in the scalp, neck or shoulders. The GP will ask about timing, triggers, associated symptoms, medicines and your medical history. They may check your neurological function, blood pressure and neck movement. This helps separate a familiar tension pattern from migraine, medication-overuse headache or a condition needing urgent investigation.

A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can lead to advice on pain relief, sleep, posture, stress, hydration and headache tracking.

Rest in a quiet place, drink water and try gentle neck and shoulder movement if it does not worsen the pain. Take a suitable over-the-counter pain medicine only as directed and avoid using it repeatedly without advice, since frequent use can maintain headaches. Record when attacks happen, how long they last, sleep quality, missed meals and medicines taken; this gives the GP useful detail.

Seek emergency help for a sudden severe headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, fainting, confusion, seizure, fever with a stiff neck, or a headache after a significant head injury. Arrange a GP review for a new pattern, steadily worsening pain, repeated vomiting or headaches that are disrupting normal activities.

Ask whether your symptoms fit tension-type headache, how often pain relief can be used, which triggers to address first, and whether your medicine list or sleep pattern could be contributing. Bring your headache record to the appointment.