Tension headache is a common type of headache that is estimated to affect about 30% of the world's population. It is a mild to moderate headache that typically feels like a tightness or pressure around the head. In most cases, tension headache is not a serious illness, but it can have a significant impact on quality of life.
Tension headache can affect both adults and children, but it is more common in women than men. About 80% of the world's population will experience tension headache at some point in their lives.
Tension headache can be episodic or chronic. Episodic tension headache is when the headaches occur less than 15 times per month and last for a few hours to several days. Chronic tension headache is when the headaches occur more than 15 times per month and last for several hours, up to around the clock. Chronic tension headache can affect people's ability to perform daily tasks.
The cause of tension headache is not completely understood, but there are certain factors that can increase the risk of developing this type of headache. Stress and anxiety can trigger tension headache, as can poor posture, eye strain, lack of sleep, alcohol consumption, and muscle tension in the neck or head. The pain can be mild or moderate and affect both sides of the head, sometimes with a feeling of pressure behind the eyes.
Symptoms of tension headache can vary from person to person. The most common symptoms include:
• A persistent, diffuse pain on both sides of the head
• A feeling of pressure or tightness around the head
• Tenderness in the neck and shoulders
• Fatigue and exhaustion
Other common symptoms include sensitivity to sound and light, as well as stiffness in the neck and shoulders.
The treatment of tension headache depends on the severity of the symptoms and the cause of the pain. For mild to moderate symptoms, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce the pain. Relaxation exercises, massage, heat or cold therapy, and correction of posture can also help relieve the pain.
For more severe cases of tension headache, doctors may recommend prescription medications such as muscle relaxants, triptans, or tricyclic antidepressant medications to relieve the symptoms and prevent the pain from recurring. Doctors may also recommend avoiding triggering factors such as stress, poor diet, and poor sleep habits to prevent future episodes of tension headache.
In summary, tension headache is a common type of headache that can cause discomfort and pain. The causes of the pain can be stress, tension, poor posture, and other factors. Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and the cause of the pain, and may include over-the-counter pain relievers, relaxation exercises, massage, prescription medications, and lifestyle changes.
