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What Causes a Tension Headache?

The exact cause isn’t known, but many factors probably play a role.

The exact causes of tension headaches are not known, but there are many factors that may contribute to them. Keep reading to discover the various potential reasons for tension headaches.

Signs of tension headaches

When someone complains of a headache, they’re likely suffering from a tension-type headache — your common, “everyday” headaches that produce a dull, squeezing pain often described as a band around the head.1,2

Tension-type headaches may last anywhere from 30 minutes to several days.1 Tension headaches may be episodic or chronic. Episodic tension headaches occur on fewer than 15 days a month. If they’re happening more frequently than 15 days per month, for at least three months, they’re classified as chronic tension headaches.2

Tension headaches often come on gradually, and typically occur in the middle of the day.3 It’s estimated that 30 to 80 percent of adults in the United States experience episodic tension headaches, while three percent experience chronic ones. Women are twice as likely to experience tension headaches as men.3

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Can stress cause headaches?

In most cases, there is no obvious or single cause for tension-type headaches. In some people headstress headaches.aches may be brought on by a buildup of stress from everyday situations, such as a demanding work schedule, a rough commute, screaming children, financial struggles, and relationship problems. That’s why they’ve earned the nickname “stress headaches.”3

And once a headache strikes, noise, glare, fatigue or stress can exacerbate the pain.4

Can stress cause headaches?

In most cases, there is no obvious or single cause for tension-type headaches. In some people headaches may be brought on by a buildup of stress from everyday situations, such as a demanding work schedule, a rough commute, screaming children, financial struggles, and relationship problems. That’s why they’ve earned the nickname “stress headaches”.3

And once a headache strikes, noise, glare, fatigue, or stress can exacerbate the pain.4

Woman with headache rubbing head

Other reasons for tension headaches

Non-stress-related causes of headaches, including lack of sleep, skipping meals, excess alcohol or tobacco, catching a cold or the flu, jaw clenching or teeth grinding may also contribute to tension-type headaches in some. Eye strain, staying in one position too long or having poor posture, or sleeping in a room that’s too cold can also cause tension headaches.iv

The bottom line is that there are many possible causes of tension headaches. Keeping a headache diary may help you identify your potential triggers.

You could also try taking Excedrin Tension Headache to manage your symptoms. It temporarily relieves minor aches and pain due to headache and muscular aches. Talk to your doctor for more information.

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