What Is a Tension Headache?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, more people suffer from tension headaches than any other type of headache. The Cleveland Clinic states that between 30 and 80 percent of the American adult population has been affected by an occasional tension headache, and three percent suffer from chronic tension headaches. Tension headaches, or stress headaches, cause a throbbing pressure that may hinder daily activities.

Causes

• According to the Cleveland Clinic, tension headaches may be triggered by tightened muscles in the neck and scalp, which are the consequences of bad posture, lack of sleep and depression. They may also be caused by environmental stress factors, such as family problems, gaining weight or studying for a big exam.

Risk Factors

• According to the Mayo Clinic, 90 percent of women will suffer from a tension headache, while only 70 percent of men will have one in their lifetime. While people of any age can suffer from tension headaches, people in their mid 40s appear to suffer from them the most.

Type of Pain

• Tension headaches affect the front, sides, or top of your head. A tension headache can vary from moderate to throbbing, deep pressure or constant pain. The severity of the pain increases dramatically with its frequency. Chronic tension headaches may differ in intensity, but the pain almost always persists.

Duration of Pain

• According to the Cleveland Clinic, tension headaches often start slowly, and tend to begin in the afternoon. They can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several days. Tension headaches may occur occasionally and are defined as episodic if they occur less than 15 days a month. If you suffer from tension headaches more than 15 days a month, you have a chronic tension headache.

Symptoms

• If you suffer from tension headaches, you may have difficulty falling asleep and have chronic fatigue. You may experience pain in the mornings as well as general muscle tension. You may also have some sensitivity to light.