Tension-type headaches
Causes of tension-type headaches
The exact cause of tension-type headaches isn't clear, but certain things have been known to trigger them, including:
- Stress and generalised anxiety disorder
- Squinting
- Poor posture
- Tiredness
- Dehydration
- Missing meals
- Lack of physical activity
- Bright sunlight
- Noise
- Certain smells
Tension-type headaches are known as primary headaches, which means they're not caused by an underlying condition.
Other primary headaches include cluster headaches and migraines.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 29 Nov 2016
Causes of tension-type headaches
The exact cause of tension-type headaches isn't clear, but certain things have been known to trigger them, including: stress and Generalized anxiety disorder, squinting, poor posture, tiredness, dehydration, etc
Treating tension-type headaches
Tension-type headaches aren't life-threatening and are usually relieved by painkillers or lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques can often help with stress-related headaches.
Introduction
A tension-type headache is the most common type of headache and the one we think of as a normal, everyday headache. A tension headache normally won't be severe enough to prevent you doing everyday activities.
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