What should you know about etiology of tension headache?

Tension-type headache can involve tightened or sensitised muscles around the scalp, neck, jaw and shoulders, together with increased sensitivity in the nervous system. Long periods at a screen, awkward posture, jaw clenching, emotional strain, dehydration, skipped meals and disrupted sleep may contribute. The pain is often a steady pressure or tightening on both sides of the head rather than a throbbing sensation. The cause is not a dangerous pressure building inside the head, but a new or changing pattern still deserves attention.

Keep meals, fluids and sleep reasonably regular, take movement breaks during desk work, and notice whether clenching or neck strain precedes an episode. Gentle neck and shoulder movement, relaxation practice and a comfortable work position may help. A pharmacist or clinician can advise on suitable pain relief; frequent use can itself contribute to recurring headaches, so record what you take and how often. A headache diary can reveal links with sleep, stress, caffeine or screen time.

Get emergency help for a sudden, severe headache, or headache with weakness, facial drooping, trouble speaking, fainting, confusion, seizure, fever with a stiff neck, or a new vision problem. Arrange a GP Consultation if headaches are new, increasingly frequent, different from your usual pattern, follow a head injury, or are not settling with sensible self-care.

Ask whether your symptoms fit tension-type headache, whether your medicines could be contributing, and what examination or follow-up is appropriate. Discuss a prevention plan if attacks interfere with work, sleep or daily activities.