Fast relief for a tension headache

A tension headache commonly feels like steady pressure or tightening across the forehead, temples, or back of the head. Tender scalp, neck, or shoulder muscles may accompany it. Stress, poor sleep, prolonged screen use, jaw clenching, and missed meals can contribute.

This pattern differs from some other headaches, which may be one-sided, throbbing, or linked with nausea or light sensitivity. A headache symptom has several possible causes, so a new pattern should not be self-diagnosed solely from location.

Pause close-up work, reduce glare and noise, drink water, and eat if you have missed a meal. Try slow shoulder rolls, gentle neck movement, relaxed breathing, or a warm pack over tight muscles. Avoid forceful massage if it increases pain.

If you can normally take it, a pharmacist can guide you on an appropriate over-the-counter pain medicine. Follow the label and avoid taking painkillers repeatedly on many days, because frequent use can maintain headaches. Note timing, triggers, and medicines taken.

Get emergency help for a sudden explosive headache, weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, fainting, seizure, severe drowsiness, or new vision loss. Urgent assessment is also needed with fever and a stiff neck, or after a significant head injury.

Book a GP consultation if headaches are new, frequent, worsening, waking you, changing character, or not responding to usual measures. Take your symptom notes and a list of medicines to the appointment.

Does my pattern fit a tension headache or another type of headache? Which pain medicine is suitable with my health history? Could sleep, vision, jaw tension, stress, or another medicine be contributing?