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Tension headaches are very common and most 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.
Common symptoms of tension headaches include:
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.
Common causes of tension headaches include:
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.
There are some things you can do to treat a tension headache yourself.
use painkillers like paracetamol, aspirin and ibuprofen – paracetamol is the first choice of painkiller if you're pregnant, and children under 16 should not take aspirin
try doing activities to help you relax like exercise, yoga and massage
try changing your sleeping habits if sleep problems like insomnia may be causing your headaches
try using a low, firm pillow and heat or cold packs if you have neck pain and headaches
try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities
do not have, or cut down on, drinks with caffeine in them like tea, coffee or cola
You can ask a pharmacist about:
These can be signs of a different type of headache, such as a migraine or cluster headache.
If you have regular tension headaches, a GP may suggest you keep a headache diary to record details of your headaches like:
The GP may advise you about taking painkillers for tension headaches, such as when to take medicine and how often you should take it.
You may be referred to a specialist if painkillers and activities like exercise do not help reduce your headaches or if it's not clear what's causing them.
If you get tension headaches regularly, you may be offered a course of acupuncture.
An antidepressant medicine called amitriptyline is also sometimes recommended to help prevent tension headaches.
You'll be prescribed a low-dose to start with, which may later be increased. The medicine usually needs to be taken for several months before it starts working.
