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Mild severity
· Neurology
Tension Headache
Tight band-like head pain
Tight neck and scalp muscles refer pain across the head — a steady pressure rather than throbbing. Common after long screen hours.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Most common headache
- Typical age
- Adults
- Outlook
- Easily treated
- System
- Brain
Reviewed by a practising neurology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Stress, anxiety
- Poor posture, long screen time
- Sleep deprivation
- Eye strain
- Caffeine withdrawal
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Bilateral tight band pressure
- Mild to moderate intensity
- No nausea or aura
- Sore scalp and neck
- Resolves with rest
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen (short-term)
- Neck stretches, posture work
- Physiotherapy if chronic
- Amitriptyline for chronic prevention
- CBT for stress
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Take screen breaks (20-20-20 rule)
- Set up ergonomic workstation
- Sleep 7–8 hours
- Manage stress
Do’s
- Stretch every hour
- Stay hydrated
- Get eyes checked
- Use a supportive pillow
Don’ts
- Take painkillers daily for weeks
- Hunch over phones for hours
- Skip breakfast then drink coffee
- Sleep on too many pillows
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all neurology doctors Top 4 doctors for Tension Headache
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
NF
2
HB
3
SJ
4
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.