Tension headache causes: what to know

Tension-type headache usually feels pressing or tightening and may affect both sides, the forehead, temples, scalp, or upper neck. Several small stresses on the body can add up: a fixed screen position may load the neck, concentration may encourage jaw clenching, and poor sleep can lower your tolerance for discomfort. Emotional strain is one contributor, but it is not required. Vision problems, migraine, medication effects, infection, and other conditions can produce headaches too. A clinician considers the full pattern rather than assigning a cause from the word tension alone.

For a few episodes, record sleep, meals, fluid intake, screen or desk time, exercise, jaw clenching, menstrual timing if relevant, medicines, and the headache features. Break up static posture and adjust the screen so your neck is relaxed. Keep meals and sleep reasonably regular, and use gentle shoulder movement. Pain medicine may help some episodes when taken according to its label, but repeated use should be discussed with a pharmacist or doctor. A diary is most useful when it records what happened before the pain as well as what relieved it.

Get urgent help for a sudden extreme headache, new weakness or numbness, confusion, fainting, seizure, serious vision change, or fever with a stiff neck. Seek medical advice for a first or distinctly different headache, pain after injury, a progressively worsening pattern, headaches that wake you, or repeated vomiting. A GP review is also appropriate when episodes are frequent or require regular pain medicine.

Which contributors fit my history and examination? Could my jaw, neck, vision, sleep, or medicines be involved? What warning signs should I watch for, and what prevention plan is appropriate if episodes continue?