---
title: "Tension headache: Symptoms & Treatment | HealthAnswers"
description: "A plain-English guide to tension headaches — what they feel like, common causes, and how to ease them."
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/tension-headache/
robots: noindex
---

# Tension headache: Symptoms & Treatment | HealthAnswers

Health A–Z

A plain-English guide to tension headaches — what they feel like, common causes, and how to ease them.

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026

## Quick answer

What is tension headache? A tension headache is the most common type of headache. It usually feels like a constant ache or pressure around the head, often described as a tight band. It is not normally serious and can usually be eased with rest, over-the-counter painkillers and managing triggers such as stress.

General UK health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency call 999 ; for urgent advice use [NHS 111](https://111.nhs.uk/) (GP out-of-hours in Northern Ireland).

On this page 5 sections

## Key facts about tension headache

- Tension headaches are the most common type of headache.
- They feel like pressure or a tight band around the head, on both sides.
- They are usually mild to moderate and not a sign of anything serious.
- Stress, tiredness, poor posture and dehydration are common triggers.

## What is a tension headache?

A tension headache is the most common kind of [headache](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/headache/) — the everyday headache most people experience from time to time. It is usually mild to moderate and, while uncomfortable, is not normally a sign of anything serious.

## Symptoms

A tension headache typically causes:

- a constant ache or pressure, often described as a tight band around the head

- pain on both sides, and sometimes across the back of the head or neck

- a feeling of tightness in the neck or shoulder muscles

Unlike migraines, tension headaches do not usually cause [nausea](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/feeling-sick/), vomiting or strong sensitivity to light and sound.

## Common causes

Tension headaches are often linked to everyday factors such as stress, tiredness, dehydration, missed meals, poor posture, eye strain and spending long periods at a screen. Identifying what tends to bring yours on can help you avoid them.

## How to ease them

Most tension headaches settle on their own. In the meantime, rest, drinking water, getting fresh air and over-the-counter painkillers such as [paracetamol](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/paracetamol/) or ibuprofen can help. A pharmacist can advise on suitable options.

To reduce how often they happen, it helps to address the underlying triggers — managing stress, keeping hydrated, taking regular breaks from screens, and paying attention to posture.

## When to get advice

Occasional tension headaches are normal. See a GP if they become frequent, are getting worse, or are not responding to usual painkillers — and treat any sudden, severe or unusual headache as a reason to seek urgent help.

## ! When to see a GP about tension headache

See a GP if headaches are frequent (for example, most days), getting worse, or not helped by usual painkillers, or if you are using painkillers very often. Call **999** or go to A&E for a sudden, severe headache unlike any before, or a headache with a stiff neck, fever, rash, confusion, weakness, vision changes or difficulty speaking.

## Common questions about tension headache

What does a tension headache feel like? It usually feels like a dull, constant ache or a tight band of pressure around the forehead, the sides or the back of the head. Unlike a migraine, it is typically on both sides and does not usually cause nausea or sensitivity to light. What causes tension headaches? They are often linked to stress, anxiety, tiredness, dehydration, skipping meals, poor posture, eye strain or bright sunlight. For many people, several of these combine. How do I get rid of a tension headache? Rest, fluids, fresh air and over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen usually help. Addressing the underlying cause — for example reducing stress, improving posture or taking screen breaks — helps prevent them coming back. Should I worry about frequent headaches? Frequent headaches are worth discussing with a GP, partly to find the cause and partly because using painkillers too often can itself cause "medication-overuse" headaches. A GP can help you find a better long-term approach.

## Sources

- [NHS — Headaches](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/headaches/)

## How we reviewed this page

Medically reviewed by the [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/)

First published 12 February 2026 Medically reviewed 3 July 2026 Next review due 3 July 2029 or sooner if NHS or NICE guidance changes

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