What causes tension headaches?

Tension headaches are characterised by bilateral pressing or tightening pain — the classic 'band around the head' sensation — caused by sustained activation of pericranial and cervical muscles. Stress, prolonged screen use, poor posture, dehydration, disrupted sleep, skipped meals, and caffeine fluctuation are the most common contributors. They are the most common headache type globally.

What helps most for tension headaches?

For individual episodes, simple analgesics are effective — and better tolerated with a meal and fluid. For prevention, addressing the primary drivers is most important: regular movement breaks, good hydration, consistent sleep, stress management, and reducing prolonged static postures. Regular neck and shoulder massage reduces the muscular component. Acupuncture has good evidence for reducing frequency.

Can tension headaches become chronic?

Yes — tension headaches are considered chronic when they occur 15 or more days per month. Frequent use of analgesics (over 10–15 days per month) contributes to medication overuse headache, which increases headache frequency and is difficult to manage. If headaches are occurring very frequently, discussing preventive options with a GP is recommended rather than relying solely on acute pain relief.

When should I be concerned about a headache?

The classic 'thunderclap headache' (sudden, extremely severe onset reaching maximal intensity within seconds) warrants emergency assessment to exclude subarachnoid haemorrhage. New headache in those over 50, headache with fever and neck stiffness, headache after head injury, or headache worsening progressively over weeks all require medical assessment. Typical tension headache is benign, but new or atypical features should always be assessed.

Neurological Healthlow Risk

Tension Headaches

A common headache type characterised by a dull, pressing pain or tightness around the head, often linked to stress, muscle tension, or poor posture.

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Reviewed by Dr. Ava Gardner · Integrative Medicine Researcher26 March 2026Research-supported

Quick answer

Tension headaches produce a dull, pressing pain or tightness around the head, commonly linked to muscle tension, stress, and poor posture. Manual therapy, acupuncture, stress management, and magnesium show good evidence for both treatment and prevention.

Do any of these feel familiar?

Tension headaches are most commonly described as a dull, pressing, or squeezing pain that wraps around the head — often likened to a tight band or a weight across the forehead, temples, or back of the skull
The pain is typically bilateral and builds gradually during the day
Unlike migraines, physical activity does not worsen it, and it is not usually accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light
Many people describe it as an unwelcome but familiar companion — present most days at varying intensity, draining energy and concentration
Neck and shoulder tension are frequently co-present
Stress, dehydration, screen use, and disrupted sleep are among the most common triggers

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