Do You Suffer from the Most Common Kind of Headache?

Headaches are more than just an uncomfortable inconvenience. Almost everyone has experienced a tension-type headache. In fact, tension headaches cause at least half the reported decreases in our work productivity.

Tension headaches are the most common kind of headache. They occur when the muscles in your scalp and neck become contracted or clenched.

You probably suffer from tension headaches if:

• You’ve had at least 10 episodes of this type of pain in your lifetime
• The pain lasts between 30 minutes and seven days
• At least two of the following apply to your headache:
  • You have pain on both sides (left and right) of your head
  • It feels like pressing or tightening
  • The pain is mild to moderate
  • Routine activities don’t make the pain worse
  • You have no nausea, vomiting, or light sensitivity
  • The headache is not attributed to another disorder

Common triggers of tension headaches:

• Stress and/or anxiety
• Working with your head held still for long periods of time, such as during computer or microscope use, or fine work with your hands
• Sleeping in a cold room or with your neck in abnormal position

Other possible triggers:

• Poor posture
• Changes in sleep routine
• Lack of sleep
• Lack of exercise
• Clenching or grinding teeth

When to Call the Doctor:

• You have three or more headaches per week
• You have a stiff neck and/or fever
• You have shortness of breath
• You are dizzy, unsteady, or have slurred speech, weakness, or changes in sensation (numbness or tingling)
• Your headache is caused by a head injury
• Your headache is triggered by exertion, coughing, or bending
• You have persistent or severe vomiting