What should you know about occipital tension headache?

Tension-type pain may spread from the upper neck into the scalp or temples. It is often described as tightness, pressure, or a dull ache rather than a pulsing sensation. Long periods at a desk, looking down at a phone, poor sleep, eye strain, jaw clenching, or emotional strain can keep the neck and scalp muscles activated. Mild nausea or sensitivity to light can occur, but prominent vomiting, neurological symptoms, or a sudden explosive onset needs a different assessment. The location supports a possible tension pattern but does not prove the diagnosis.

Change position regularly, support your back, and keep screens near eye level. Gentle neck movement, a warm compress, regular meals, fluids, and a consistent sleep routine may help. Notice whether clenching, work posture, stress, or missed meals precedes the pain. Use over-the-counter pain relief only as directed and check with a pharmacist or clinician if you have other conditions or take regular medicines. Arrange a GP Consultation if headaches are frequent, worsening, or affecting work, sleep, or daily activities.

Get emergency help for a sudden severe headache, weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion, fainting, seizure, new vision loss, or fever with a stiff neck. Seek prompt advice when pain follows a head injury, comes with repeated vomiting, or is a new pattern that steadily worsens.

Ask how your symptoms fit a tension-type pattern, whether your neck or jaw needs examination, which exercises are suitable, how often pain medicine is safe, and when a GP Consultation should be arranged.