Misconceptions

• A tension headache, no matter how bad it gets, is not to be confused with a migraine. Migraines generally happen on one side of the head and come with other symptoms like dizziness, nausea, extreme sensitivity to light, extreme sensitivity to noise and feelings of panic. If you experience a sudden headache, seemingly from nowhere, along with nausea, trouble speaking, numbness or shoulder pain, this could denote a stroke. Call for an ambulance immediately.
  
  

Identification

• Tension headaches entail pain on both sides of the head, and can remain in the head or travel all over the face and down to the neck and shoulders. They can last for a few minutes, a few hours or a few days. Some people suffer from chronic tension headache, and seem to get headaches every day. The pain can vary in severity, but the sufferer can usually still function. It often feels as if you are wearing a very tight hat. Other symptoms can include lack of appetite and inability to sleep and concentrate.
  
  

History

• A tension headache can be hours in the making. For example, grinding your teeth in your sleep can produce a headache. Clenching your jaw because you are stressed can produce a tension-type headache. Sitting in an uncomfortable chair can also cause a headache.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• There are many ways to treat a tension headache. Over-the-counter painkillers often take care of the pain. Moving around, performing self-massage or stretching can help take care of the tension in your body. Some people like to sniff lavender, frankincense or peppermint oil to help ease their headaches by making their bodies relax. Breathing deeply can also help your body to relax. If you grind your jaws in your sleep, you may need to be fitted with a dental device to stop it.
  
  

Warning

• Restrict yourself to taking an over-the-counter pain medicine to treat tension headaches. Long-term use of painkillers like aspirin can lead to digestive difficulties like ulcers. Also, the body can become dependent on these painkillers, so if you miss a dose, you will get a rebound headache--a kind of withdrawal symptom.