Cause
The cause of
tension headaches is not clear. In the past, doctors
believed that tension or spasms of the muscles of the neck, face, jaw, head, or
scalp played a role in causing these headaches. Now they think a change in
brain chemistry may also help cause a tension headache.
Tension headaches are the
most common type of headache. They can be
brought on—or
triggered—by things such as ,
, hunger, and
muscle strain. Tension headaches may come on suddenly
or slowly.
Your headache may go
away after you relax or take a pain reliever such as aspirin or
ibuprofen.
Chronic tension headaches often
occur along with other health problems such as
or
depression. Rarely, serious
problems such as tumors or infections may cause a
headache.