A tension headache is generally a diffuse, mild to moderate pain in your head that’s often described as feeling like a tight band around your head. A tension headache (tension-type headache) is the most common type of headache, and yet its causes aren’t well-understood.

Causes:

Tension headaches are caused by muscle contractions in the head and neck regions. A variety of foods, activities, and stressors can cause these types of contractions. Some people develop tension headaches after staring at a computer screen for a long time, or after driving for long periods. Cold temperatures may also trigger a tension headache.

Other triggers for tension headaches include:

• alcohol
• eye strain
• dry eyes
• fatigue
• smoking
• A cold or flu
• a sinus infection
• Caffeine
• Poor posture
• emotional stress.  

Symptoms:

Signs and symptoms of a tension headache include:

1. Dull, aching head pain
2. Sensation of tightness or pressure across your forehead or on the sides and back of your head
3. Tenderness on your scalp, neck and shoulder muscles 

Tension headaches are divided into two main categories — episodic and chronic.

Episodic tension headaches:

Episodic tension headaches can last from 30 minutes to a week. Frequent episodic tension headaches occur less than 15 days a month for at least three months. Frequent episodic tension headaches may become chronic.

Chronic tension headaches:

This type of tension headache lasts hours and may be continuous. If your headaches occur 15 or more days a month for at least three months, they’re considere chronic.