Tame That Tension Headache

A range of symptoms are associated with tension headaches, but some of the most common features include:

• Back of head pain: A dull achy pain or tightness.
• Feeling of a tight band of pressure around the head.
• In severe cases, a feeling of pressure that extends down over the shoulders.

Some people with tension headaches also report neck pain, jaw pain, trouble sleeping or trouble concentrating, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

A tension headache rarely signals a serious underlying medical problem, but if tension headaches are interfering with your life, see a specialist for an evaluation. Treatment options include painkilling medications, but their effectiveness may wane and they shouldn’t be overused. An expert can discuss other options including lifestyle changes such as following a regular schedule for eating, sleeping, and exercising, as well as alternative therapies such as massage and acupuncture.

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