Tension-type headaches often feel like pressure or tightness on both sides of the head. Symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis. Have frequent, severe or changing headaches assessed by a healthcare professional.
Stress, sleep problems and caffeine can contribute to tension-type headaches. Keeping a headache diary can help you discuss the pattern with your clinician.
A clinician or pharmacist can help you choose appropriate headache treatment. Frequent use of pain medicines can contribute to medication-overuse headaches. Do not stop prescribed medicines based on this page; discuss your symptoms and medicine use with your prescriber.
Regular sleep and gentle exercise may help. Ask your clinician about suitable self-care and treatment options if headaches are frequent or affect daily life.
Discuss any proposed manual treatment, its risks and alternatives after your headache has been assessed. Your care plan should reflect the diagnosis and your individual needs.
Call 911 for a sudden, extremely painful headache or a headache with new confusion, speech difficulty or loss of vision. Do not wait for a routine appointment. Read NHS headache guidance.
