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  1. Tension headache - Symptoms

    Verified Expert
    Contact your provider if experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms.

    The symptoms include:

    • Dull and aching head pain
    • Tenderness on the neck and shoulder muscles
    • Tightness or pressure sensations around the forehead

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    Causes

    Verified Expert

    • It is thought to be triggered by physical and emotional stress, head injury, and anxiety.

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    Prevention

    Verified Expert

    Practise relaxing techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, and meditation.

    Get enough sleep

    Quit smoking

    Perform exercises regularly

    Drink plenty of water

    Avoid/ limit consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and sugar.

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    Do you have a tension headache?
    Tension headaches start in your neck and shoulder muscles as your body deals with stress and other issues. Next, you feel a dull ache in your forehead, like someone’s got your head in their hands. If that’s your situation, you may be having a tension headache. They may happen occasionally or they can be constant.
    my.clevelandclinic.org

    Complications

    Verified Expert

    If untreated for a prolonged period it may lead to Interference with job productivity

    Frequent pain

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    Treatment

    Verified Expert

    Usually, tension headaches do not require medical attention.

    Medication

    Analgesics: To reduce headaches.

    Aspirin . ibuprofen . naproxen

    Serotonin receptor agonists: To reduce both migraines and episodic tension headaches.

    Triptan

    Tricyclic antidepressants: To prevent the headaches.

    Amitriptyline

    See more
    Source: Focus Medica. For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice. | Disclaimer: Opinions are from external health professionals and should not be considered as Microsoft's opinion or a substitute for professional help. Consult a health professional for medical advice.
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    Table of Contents
    Symptoms
    Causes
    Prevention
    Do you have a tension headache?
    Complications
    Health guide
    Treatment
     

  1. What are the symptoms of a tension headache?

    Answered by verified global health professionals
    Dr.Sangeetha hollaPaediatric resident doctor · 1.7 years of exp

    Tension headaches are characterized by dull, aching pain that is often felt on both sides of the head, accompanied by a sensation of tightness or pressure around the forehead and neck. Individuals may also experience mild sensitivity to light or noise, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Muscle tightness in the neck, shoulders, and scalp is common. While tension headaches can vary in frequency and intensity, they are generally not debilitating... Read more

    Disclaimer: Opinions are from external health professionals and should not be considered as Microsoft's opinion or a substitute for professional help. Consult a health professional for medical advice.
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  2. Symptoms of a tension-type headache include:

    • Dull, aching head pain.
    • Feeling of tightness or pressure across the forehead or on the sides and back of the head.
    • Tenderness in the scalp, neck and shoulder muscles.

    Tension headache - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

    www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20353977
    www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/symptoms-causes/…
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  4. Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org › diseases-conditions › ...

    Tension headache - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

  5. WebMD
    https://www.webmd.com › migraines-he…

    Tension Headache: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, …

    Sep 8, 2024 · Tension headaches - a common type of headaches among adults. Learn about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, & preventive measures.

  6. Cleveland Clinic
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org › health › d…

    Tension Headache: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms

    A tension headache is a headache that feels like there’s a tight band wrapped around your head that puts pressure on your forehead and temples. Healthcare providers may call them tension-type headaches. Many factors cause tension …

  7. Verywell Health
    https://www.verywellhealth.com

    Tension Headaches: What Causes Them and How To …

    Oct 12, 2024 · Tension headaches are the most common type of headache disorder. You can experience them once in a while or chronically. With a …

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  8. American Migraine Foundation
    https://americanmigrainefoundation.org …

    Tension-Type Headache: Symptoms, Types and …

    Jan 12, 2023 · Tension-type headache most commonly last from 30 minutes to seven days. Signs and symptoms may include: Pain from a tension-type headache is generally mild to moderate and does not get worse with routine …

  9. Healthline
    https://www.healthline.com › health › ten…

    Tension Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, and …

    Mar 8, 2023 · A tension headache is the most common type of headache. Learn about common causes, symptoms, at-home treatment options, and when to see your doctor.