Clinical Definition

Tension headaches, sometimes called tension-type headaches, are the most prevalent type of head pain experienced by adults. Patients vary with frequency of symptoms, and the pain may be mild or moderate and feel like a band of pressure squeezing the head.

In Our Own Words

Tension headaches, or tension-type headaches, are not migraines, which tend to produce throbbing pain. Instead, common tension headaches feel like a dull tightness or a band of pressure wrapping around the head and may affect the neck and scalp muscles. Interestingly, women are more likely to suffer from tension headaches than men.

Tension headaches are classified according to frequency: infrequent episodic (less than one headache per month), frequent episodic (1 to 14 days per month) or chronic. Most people suffer them just once or twice a month, and there is no single trigger. Pain and discomfort is made worse with insufficient rest, poor posture, stress or depression.