Chronic Tension Headaches
Recurring headaches arising from tension in the muscles of the head, neck, and scalp, persisting chronically (more than 15 days per month). Associated with significant impairment of quality of life and daily functioning.
Quick answer
Chronic tension headaches (ICD-10: G44.2; ICD-11: MG30.1) occur more than 15 days per month and are driven by muscle tension, stress, posture, and medication overuse. Manual therapy, acupuncture, and magnesium have evidence. Medication overuse headache is a reversible but common complication requiring management.
Recognition
Do any of these feel familiar?
Dull, pressing, or band-like pain around the head
Bilateral (both sides) pain, often described as a tight band or vice
Neck stiffness and shoulder tension accompanying the headache
Pain that is constant or builds through the day
Sensitivity to light or noise (less pronounced than in migraine)
What is Chronic Tension Headaches?
Recurring headaches arising from tension in the muscles of the head, neck, and scalp, persisting chronically (more than 15 days per month). Associated with significant impairment of quality of life and daily functioning.
Approaches Commonly Explored
Commonly explored for conditions related to Chronic Tension Headaches, grouped by mechanism — select your subtype above to highlight the most relevant path.
How to use these approaches
Most people begin with Stabilise approaches, then progress toward Resolve and Sustain.
Physical structures — muscles, joints, fascia, and posture.
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