Tension headache days: what to know

A headache day is any day on which head pain or pressure is present, even if it comes and goes. Tension-type pain is commonly described as pressing or tightening, with tenderness in the scalp, neck or shoulders. Frequent days can be linked with poor sleep, prolonged screen posture, stress, skipped meals, dehydration or jaw clenching. Tracking the timing, duration, severity, associated symptoms and medicines used helps distinguish a recurring pattern from a headache that is changing.

Keep a simple diary for several weeks: note when pain starts, what you were doing, sleep quality, meals, fluids, stress and any treatment. Aim for regular meals and sleep, adjust your screen and chair position, and relax your shoulders and jaw during the day. Gentle neck movement can be useful when it is comfortable. Follow package directions for non-prescription pain relief and avoid taking it more often than advised, because repeated use may contribute to ongoing headaches. Bring the diary to a GP appointment.

Book a GP consultation when headaches recur over time, become harder to control, require frequent medicine, or affect concentration, exercise or sleep. Get urgent help for a sudden explosive headache, new weakness, numbness, speech or vision difficulty, confusion, fainting, fever with a stiff neck, or pain after a serious injury. Do not wait for a diary to be complete if a warning sign appears.

Ask how your diary changes the diagnosis, whether your medicines could be contributing, and what a safe prevention plan looks like. Clarify which symptoms should prompt urgent care and when to return for review.