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In this Article

• Introduction to tension headaches
• Who gets tension headaches?
• What causes tension headaches?
• What are the symptoms of tension headaches?
• How are tension headaches treated?
• Treating the headache
• Headache & Migraine Triggers - Slideshow
• Take the Headache Quiz
• Patient Discussions: Tension Headache - Symptoms
• Tension Headache Glossary
• Tension Headache Index
• Find a local Neurologist in your town

Treating the headache

Over-the-counter (OTC) painkiller medications are often the first treatments recommended for tension headaches. Some of these painkillers can also be used to prevent headaches in people with chronic tension headaches.

If OTC pain relievers don't help, your doctor may recommend a prescription strength pain reliever or a muscle relaxant.

Preventive treatments are drugs used to keep you from getting a tension headache. These include drugs like antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and anti-seizure medications. They are used daily even if you don't have a headache, so that the overall amount of medication you end up using to treat headaches are diminished.

Keep in mind that medications don't cure headaches and that, over time, pain-relievers and other medications may lose their effectiveness. In addition, all medications have side effects. If you take medication regularly, including products you buy over-the-counter, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Also, remember that pain medications are not a substitute for recognizing and dealing with the stressors that may be causing your headaches.

Regardless of the treatment, tension headaches are best treated when the symptoms first begin and are mild, before they become more frequent and painful.

WebMD Medical Reference

Reviewed by Jon Glass on March 15, 2009

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