A tension headache — or tension-type headache, as it's medically known — is the most common type of headache. A tension headache is generally a diffuse, mild to moderate pain that many people describe as feeling as if there's a tight band around their head.

It may feel as though muscle contractions are responsible for your head pain, but experts don't think that's the cause, which is why this type of headache is generally referred to as a tension-type headache.

Tension-type headaches (TTH), especially episodic headaches, can be easily confused with other headache types and medical disorders. Many headache experts believe that tension-type headaches are simply a milder form of migraine headaches with many of the same headache triggers. As a result, treatment options may include many of the same therapy approaches. Also be aware that what appears to be a “daily” tension-type headache may actually be a rebound reaction to pain-relief medications.

TTH is also referred to as a “stress” or “tension” headache. It is the most common type of headache that people get. Tension-type headaches often occur when you have increased stress, fatigue or a change in your regular daily routine. Simple lifestyle changes and over-the-counter (OTC) pain-relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen usually relieve the symptoms. Sometimes, however, a TTH can become a chronic problem that requires help from a health care provider

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of a tension headache include:

• Dull, aching head pain
• The sensation of tightness or pressure across your forehead or on the sides and back of your head
• Tenderness on your scalp, neck and shoulder muscles
• Occasionally, loss of appetite

A tension headache can last from 30 minutes to an entire week. You may experience these headaches only occasionally, or nearly all the time. If your headaches occur 15 or more days a month for at least three months, they're considered chronic. If you have headaches that occur fewer than 15 times in a month, your headaches are considered episodic. However, people with frequent episodic headaches are at a higher risk of developing chronic headaches.

The headache is usually described as mild to moderately intense. The severity of the pain varies from one person to another, and from one headache to another in the same person.

Tension headaches can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from migraines, but unlike some forms of migraine, tension headache usually isn't associated with visual disturbances (blind spots or flashing lights), nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, or slurred speech. And, while physical activity typically aggravates migraine pain, it doesn't make tension headache pain worse. An increased sensitivity to light or sound can occur with a tension headache, but this isn't a common symptom.