- The main symptoms are widespread non-localized stiffness and pain in the neck and head area, where the head and neck areas feel tight, tense, and possibly slightly numb.
- The symptoms are continuous, steady, and throbbing.
- Usually associated with prolonged psychological overload of strain and stress.
Tension headache
Tension headaches are also known as tension-type headaches. Pain and tension usually occur in the temples and back of the head, most commonly on both sides. One sided presentation of symptoms is rare. The headache is not localized to a specific muscle area, but occurs over a wider area. Muscle tension may feel like a tight band or cap around the scalp or upper neck. The pain is usually a steady, throbbing ache. The symptoms are usually most noticeable when resting and staying still.
Symptoms of tension headaches
Other symptoms of tension headaches may include neck and shoulder tension, functional disorders of the jaw joint and masticatory muscles, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and numbness in the face and hands. Skin sensitivity is also usually heightened, and pressing structures cause more pain than usual. Unlike classic migraines, tension headaches are not associated with auras, nausea, tiredness, or malaise in distinct episodes, but rather with more continuous and fluctuating symptoms.
Causes of prolonged tension headache symptoms
Symptoms usually worsen after exertion, which is why they are generally less severe in the morning upon waking, although this also depends greatly on the quality of sleep. The most difficult thing for tension headache patients is usually static, prolonged, stationary positions, such as sitting long hours on the desk Tension headaches are most commonly caused by one-sided strain, long days at the computer, high stress levels, depression, anxiety, tension, and lack of exercise. In general, the difference between neck-related headaches and migraines is that psychological factors play a more significant role in tension headaches.
Treatment and rehabilitation of tension headaches
Non-pharmacological treatment and rehabilitation are tailored to the individual. Treatment usually includes the following.
Treatment usually includes:
- Manual therapy to treat joint, muscle, and fascia dysfunctions.
- Neurological rehabilitation to address individual neurological deficits.
- Individual exercises to improve posture and movement.
- Acupuncture to treat pain and pain sensitization.
- Lifestyle guidance to improve exercise, sleep, rest, and eating habits.
Read more about related pain syndromes:
Cervicogenic (Neck-related) headache
Jaw pain and masticatory muscle pain
Cervical intervertebral disc prolapse
Pain in the middle back / thoracic spine
Päivitetty 13.10.2025
