Most of us have had or will have a headache. The feeling of a soreness in the temples, a tightening band-like sensation around the head, pressure and pulling sensations, and contracting head and neck muscles, we all know the feeling.

This is a common pain amongst adults that comes from muscle tension in your neck, shoulders, and upper back. This type of headache is called tension headache. Headaches range from this relatively mild form to migraines and headaches caused by associated disease which may be serious and life-threatening.

Tension headaches may come occasionally, or very often. They can last from 30 minutes to an entire week. Tension headaches are considered chronic if they occur 15 or more days a month for several months. Unfortunately, chronic tension headaches may sometimes persist for years.


The exact cause of this condition is still unknown. There are many theories. Is the cause of tension headache muscle tension, abnormalities in the central nervous system, or changes among certain brain chemicals? It is still unclear.


Tension-type headaches can be the result of:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Anger
• Fatigue
• Emotion
• Medications
• Dehydration is another common trigger