At a glance
What it is
The most common type of headache — a steady, dull ache affecting both sides of the head, often described as a tight band around the skull.
Symptoms
Slow-onset bilateral pressure, pain at the back of the head or neck, scalp or shoulder tenderness. No nausea or sensitivity to light (unlike migraine).
Approach
Stress reduction and sleep hygiene are first-line. When lifestyle measures fall short, injections, rTMS, and physiotherapy are added.
What tension headaches are
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They produce a steady, dull ache — not throbbing — affecting both sides of the head and sometimes extending to the back of the neck. Stress and muscle tension in the head and neck are major contributing factors, though the exact mechanism is not fully understood.
**Episodic tension headaches** last 30 minutes to a week and occur fewer than 15 days per month. With time, they can transition to the chronic form.
**Chronic tension headaches** persist for hours and occur 15 or more days per month for at least three months.
Unlike migraine, tension headaches do not typically cause nausea, vomiting, or visual disturbances. Physical activity does not worsen them. Some light or sound sensitivity is possible but is not a defining feature.
**Self-management** plays an important role: consistent sleep and wake times, daily exercise, regular meals (especially breakfast), avoiding personal headache triggers, and stress-reduction practices such as massage or yoga.
Treatment options at Alimran Medical Center
Injection therapies
- Trigger point injections
- Botox® injections
- Ozone injection
- Prolotherapy
Neuromodulation
Advanced therapies
Physiotherapy
- Electrical stimulation
- Short and long wave therapy
- Laser therapy
- Ultrasound therapy
- Magnetic therapy
- Therapeutic exercises
Book a consultation
The secretary schedules first appointments during clinic hours; please have prior imaging, operative notes and a current medication list available at the time of the call.
This page provides general information about tension headache and is not a substitute for individual medical assessment. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, contact a clinician promptly.