Symptoms of Tension Headache
- A steady pain around the eyes, the back of the head or neck.
- Or a feeling of pressure or tightness, like a constricting band around the head.
- A tension headache is not associated with any other symptoms and usually lasts no more than a day.
- A tension headache usually does not require a visit to your doctor and is something you can normally take care of at home.
- To relieve tension, take a warm bath and rest in a darkened room.
- To relieve pain, try over–the–counter medications such as aspirin.
Depression or anxiety may contribute to the development of a tension headache. But usually, it is caused by the stresses of daily life or a drastic change in routine.
If you often suffer from tension headaches, try to identify anything you are doing immediately before your headaches start. Try to avoid whatever it is that seems to be causing the headaches and see if this reduces the number or intensity of your headaches.
Also, you should pace yourself during the day, and if stress is an unavoidable part of your daily life. Using relaxation techniques may help eliminate or lessen the number and intensity of your tension headaches.
Sometimes a headache may actually be an indication of a more serious condition, especially if the headache lasts longer than twenty–four hours. Headaches that may be more serious are those that occur:
- While you are pregnant.
- After exposure to a potentially toxic substance.
- After injury to the head.
- While taking a new medication, or while you are experiencing other serious symptoms such as a fever, stiff neck, vomiting, vision changes, tingling sensations or speech difficulties.
- A headache that is different from headaches you have had in the past or one that is very severe and comes on very suddenly also may indicate a serious problem.