What You Need to Know About Tension Headaches: Causes and Symptoms

Tension headaches, also known as tension-type headaches (TTH), are among the most common types of headaches, affecting an estimated 30% to 70% of people during their lifetime. Many people describe the pain as feeling like their head is “in a vice” or as though they are wearing a “tight headband.” Although tension headaches are extremely common, they are often misunderstood because several factors can contribute to their development, and they may occur alongside other headache disorders.

The pain is typically dull, pressing, or tightening rather than throbbing, usually affects both sides of the head, and is generally not worsened by routine physical activity. If your headache is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, another headache disorder, such as a migraine, may also be present. Tension headaches are most common in young adults, but they can affect people of all ages.

Because several headache disorders can produce similar symptoms, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is essential. Many people experience tension headaches along with migraines, cervicogenic headaches, or medication overuse headaches. Identifying the underlying cause is the first step toward developing an effective treatment plan that provides lasting relief rather than temporary symptom control.