How to Identify Tension Headaches

Tension headaches occur in 90 percent of headache cases. Scientists don't think there's one single reason for tension headaches. Episodic tension headaches occur fewer than 15 days each month. Chronic tension headaches happen 15 days or more each month for a minimum of 6 months. A typical tension headache lasts 4 to 6 hours. Learn to identify and avoid tension headache triggers.

Instructions

Watch for Symptoms

• 1

  Be aware of mild to moderate pain, which radiates in a tight band around the head and causes constant pressure to both sides of the head at once.

• 2

  Watch for pains in your neck at the base of your skull.

• 3

  Make note of a dull ache that radiates from your back, eyes or other large muscle groups in your body.

Know Your Triggers

• 4

  Know the most common triggers, such as fatigue and missed meals.

• 5

  Seek treatment for depression or anxiety.

• 6

  Pay attention to your posture, and correct it to avoid back and neck strain.

• 7

  Avoid overexertion. Ask for help when you need to move a heavy object or make several trips when you have to transport items to and from your car or house.

• 8

  Keep in mind that caffeine withdrawal causes tension headaches. If you want to quit caffeine, consult your doctor about how to avoid painful withdrawal headaches.

• 9

  Be aware of teeth clenching during stressful times, or teeth grinding when you sleep. A dentist can examine your teeth to find out if this is a problem.

• 10

  Treat recurrent nasal congestion, which causes tension headaches.

• 11

  Manage stressful life events. Keep a journal. Talk to a friend or a professional.
  Take a break or a nap in the late afternoon to relieve the strain of a long, stressful workday.

• 12

  Eliminate eyestrain. Don't use your computer or read for hours at a time.