Overview
Most headaches are tension headaches. Some people get them often, especially if they have a lot of stress in their lives.
This kind of headache may cause pain or a feeling of pressure all over your head. Sometimes it's hard to know where the center of the pain is.
If you get a lot of these kind of headaches, the best way to reduce them is to find out what's causing them. Then you can make changes in those areas.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- Rest in a quiet, dark room. Put a cool cloth on your forehead. Close your eyes, and try to relax or go to sleep. Do not watch TV, read, or use the computer.
- Use a warm, moist towel or a heating pad set on low to relax tight shoulder and neck muscles.
- Have someone gently massage your neck and shoulders.
- Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Be careful not to take more pain medicine than the instructions say. This is because you may get worse or more frequent headaches when the medicine wears off.
- If you get a headache, stop what you are doing and sit quietly for a moment. Close your eyes and breathe slowly. Try to relax your head and neck muscles.
- Pay attention to any new symptoms you have when you have a headache. These include a fever, weakness or numbness, vision changes, or confusion. They may be signs of a more serious problem.
When should you call for help?
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have a fever with a stiff neck or a severe headache.
- Light hurts your eye.
- You have new or worse nausea or vomiting.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your headache has not gotten better in 1 or 2 days.
- Your headaches get worse or happen more often.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter A836 in the search box to learn more about "Tension Headache in Teens: Care Instructions".
Current as of: May 1, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.