Tension headache and cold weather: what to know

A tension-type headache often feels like pressure or a steady band around the head rather than a pulsing pain. Cold air may make you hunch your shoulders, clench your jaw, or tense the muscles at the base of your skull. Wind, bright winter light, dehydration and spending less time moving can add to the strain. This pattern does not prove that weather is the only cause, and a new or changing headache may have another explanation.

Keep your head and neck comfortably warm outdoors, and notice whether a scarf reduces muscle tightening. Drink regularly, eat at usual times, and take short movement breaks if you work indoors for long periods. Gentle shoulder rolls, jaw relaxation and a warm compress may ease muscle tension. Record weather, sleep, meals, screen time and symptoms so a clinician can see a pattern. Use pain medicine only as directed on its label or by a clinician; frequent use can itself keep headaches going.

Arrange a GP assessment if headaches keep returning, interfere with work or sleep, or do not settle with your usual measures. Seek urgent medical help for a sudden severe headache, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, fainting, confusion, a stiff neck with fever, or a headache after a significant head injury. A clinician can assess the headache pattern and check other possible causes.

Ask whether the symptoms fit a tension-type headache, which triggers are most relevant, and how to use pain relief safely. You can also ask whether your neck, jaw, eyes, blood pressure or medicines need review.