Treatments for tension headaches are available.

Signs and symptoms of a tension headache include:

Tension headaches are divided into two main categoriesepisodic and chronic.

Episodic tension headaches can last from 30 minutes to a week.

Frequent episodic tension headaches occur less than 15 days a month for at least three months.

Frequent episodic tension headaches may become chronic.

This key in of tension headache lasts hours and may be continuous.

Tension headaches can be difficult to distinguish from migraines.

Plus, if you have frequent episodic tension headaches, it’s possible for you to also have migraines.

Unlike some forms ofmigraine, tension headaches usually aren’t associated with visual disturbances, nausea, or vomiting.

Although physical activity typically aggravates migraine pain, it doesn’t make tension headache pain worse.

But research suggests muscle contraction isn’t the cause.

The most common theory supports a heightened sensitivity to pain in people who have tension headaches.

Increased muscle tenderness, a common symptom of tension headaches, may result from a sensitized pain system.

Stress is the most commonly reported trigger for tension headaches.

The frequent pain may render you unable to attend activities.

Prescription medications include naproxen (Naprosyn), indomethacin (Indocin), and ketorolac (Ketorolac Tromethamine).

Combination medications.Aspirin or acetaminophen or both are often combined with caffeine or a sedative drug in a single medication.

Combination drugs may be more effective than are single-ingredient pain relievers.

Many combination drugs are available OTC.

Opiates, or narcotics, are rarely used because of their side effects and potential for dependency.

So don’t get frustrated if you haven’t seen improvements shortly after you begin taking the drug.

Your doctor will monitor your treatment to see how the preventive medication is working.

A variety of strategies can help reduce the severity and frequency of chronic tension headaches without using medicine.

Try some of the following:

Living with chronic pain can be difficult.

Additionally, living a healthy lifestyle may help prevent headaches:

Updated: 2017-08-19

Publication Date: 2001-04-23