What should you know about non stop tension headache?

Tension-type headache is often described as a dull, pressing, or tightening sensation across the forehead, temples, or back of the head. Neck and scalp muscles may feel tender, and stress, poor sleep, dehydration, prolonged screen work, jaw clenching, or missed meals can contribute. Migraine, medication-overuse headache, eye strain, infection, and other conditions can produce overlapping pain, so the label should not be assumed from pressure alone. Note whether the pain is new, steadily worsening, one-sided, throbbing, or accompanied by other symptoms.

Pause screen work, relax the jaw and shoulders, drink water, eat if you have missed a meal, and rest in a comfortable position. Gentle neck movement may help if it does not increase pain. Keep a diary of timing, sleep, stress, meals, medicines, and associated symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relief may be suitable for some people, but follow the label and ask a pharmacist if you have other conditions, take regular medicines, or need pain relief frequently. Arrange a GP Consultation when the headache persists or keeps recurring.

Seek emergency help for a sudden explosive headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, seizure, fainting, severe vision change, stiff neck with fever, or repeated vomiting. Prompt review is also needed after a head injury, during pregnancy, or when a familiar headache changes substantially. Do not let a suspected tension pattern delay assessment of these signs.

Does the pattern fit tension-type headache, or do I need another assessment? How often can I safely use pain relief? Could my sleep, vision, jaw, neck, or medicines be contributing?