Tension Headaches

What Happens

Tension headaches are one of the most common types of headaches. They can be triggered by stress, anxiety, depression, hunger, anger, fatigue, overexertion, poor posture, and muscle strain. Tension headaches may come on suddenly or gradually. Prolonged sitting, having poor posture, or eyestrain can also trigger tension headaches. The headache may disappear after you relax or take a nonprescription pain reliever, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

Tension headaches can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 7 days. If you have at least 15 tension headaches a month over a 6-month period, you may have chronic tension headaches. Chronic headaches can lead to stress and depression, which in turn can prolong the cycle of headaches. Treatment is available to reduce the frequency or stop the occurrence of chronic tension headaches.

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Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: July 30, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
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