Condition
Tension headaches: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to tension headaches, including those linked to the neck, and how they are managed.
- Head
Quick answer
Tension headaches cause a dull, band-like pressure around the head, often linked to neck and shoulder tension, posture or stress. Many improve with managing the neck, posture and lifestyle triggers, alongside manual therapy where the neck is involved.
Key facts
- Tension-type headache is the most common type of headache.
- Neck and shoulder tension often contribute (cervicogenic component).
- Managing posture, stress and neck tension helps many people.
What is a tension headache?
A tension headache is a dull, pressing pain that wraps around the head like a band, often with tightness in the neck and shoulders.
Unlike migraine, it is usually not throbbing and not made much worse by movement. When the neck is a driver, it may be described as a cervicogenic headache.
What are the symptoms of a tension headache?
Typical symptoms are a band-like pressure around the head, neck and shoulder tightness, and scalp tenderness.
- Dull, aching, band-like pressure on both sides
- Tightness in the neck, shoulders and jaw
- Tenderness around the scalp and temples
- Usually no nausea or strong light sensitivity
How are tension headaches treated?
Tension headaches are managed by addressing the neck, posture, stress and sleep, with manual therapy where the neck is a contributor.
Where a neck component is present, manual therapy and targeted exercise can reduce headache frequency. Managing triggers such as stress, screen time and sleep is also important.
At Postura Wellness, care for tension headaches is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
Seek urgent care for a sudden severe 'thunderclap' headache, a headache with fever and a stiff neck, or headaches with weakness, confusion, vision loss or after a head injury.
Get a clear plan for your tension headache
Book an assessment at either branch and get a tailored plan.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified clinician about your individual condition.
Sources
- Neck Injuries and Disorders — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Health Topics — NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Bones, Joints and Muscles — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Muscle and Bone Diseases — NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Joint Disorders — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Orthopedic services — MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia