Tension headaches
Overview
Tension headaches are very common and many people get them. You can treat them yourself with painkillers but see a GP if you have several headaches a week or they're severe.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of tension headaches include: pain on both sides of your head, face or neckfeeling like something is pressing on your head or being tightened around itthe affected area may feel tender and your head may hurt more when touched You should be able to continue doing daily activities without making the headache worse. Tension headaches last at least 30 minutes but they can last much longer, sometimes for several days.
Causes
Common causes of tension headaches include: stresssleep problemscaffeine Taking painkillers for headaches too often or for a long time can also cause headaches. These are known as overuse or rebound headaches. Tension headaches are not a sign of an underlying condition.
Prevention
An antidepressant medicine calledamitriptylineis sometimes recommended to help prevent tension headaches. You'll be prescribed a low-dose to start with, which may be increased later. You usually need to take the medicine for several months before it starts working.