Tension Headache

Tension Headaches: What They Are & How to Find Lasting Relief

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache—and for many, they’re an all-too-familiar part of daily life. While they may not be as severe as migraines, they can still be incredibly disruptive, leaving you drained, distracted, and frustrated.

The good news? Relief is possible—and it doesn’t have to come from medication alone.

What Are Tension Headaches?

Tension headaches are often described as a dull, aching pressure—like a tight band or “vice” wrapped around your head. They’re caused by muscle tension, typically in the neck, shoulders, and scalp, and are often triggered by stress, poor posture, fatigue, or emotional strain.

There are two main types:

  • Episodic Tension Headaches: These occur occasionally, often in response to stress or long days at work.

  • Chronic Tension Headaches: These are more persistent, occurring daily or nearly every day, and may vary in intensity throughout the day.

Common Symptoms

If you’ve experienced a tension headache, you may notice:

  • A tight feeling in the head, neck, or shoulders

  • A dull, achy sensation on both sides of the head

  • A band-like pressure or “vice-like” discomfort

  • Fatigue, dizziness, or poor concentration

  • Disrupted sleep or insomnia (especially with chronic cases)

  • Nausea or feelings of emotional strain

Up to 80% of people will experience tension headaches at some point—and they can range from mildly annoying to completely debilitating.

Why Do Tension Headaches Happen?

Tension headaches often begin slowly, with a gradual build-up of pressure or tightness in the neck and shoulders. They can be triggered by:

  • Emotional stress or anxiety

  • Long periods of sitting or slouching (think desk jobs or “text neck”)

  • Poor posture, especially rounded shoulders or forward head position

  • Fatigue and lack of sleep

  • Physical trauma, like whiplash

You might not even realize how much tension you're holding until the pain starts creeping in. And once it does, it can be tough to shake without the right approach.

Standard Treatments: What You’re Often Told

Traditional treatments typically focus on stress reduction and symptom management. Your doctor may recommend:

  • Avoiding headache triggers (like poor sleep or skipped meals)

  • Taking breaks from screens or high-stress environments

  • Over-the-counter pain relief

  • Creating a calm, dark environment to rest

  • Lifestyle changes like better hydration and regular meals

These methods can offer temporary relief—but they don’t always address the root cause of the headache.

How Neurosomatic Therapy Can Help

At our clinic, we approach tension headaches a little differently. Rather than just treating the pain, Neurosomatic Therapy (NST) works to correct the postural imbalances and muscular tension that are often at the core of chronic headaches.

Here’s how we do it:

  • We assess posture from head to toe—because tension headaches often start with poor body alignment, not just in the neck, but in the shoulders, spine, or even hips.

  • We identify muscle groups that are overactive, strained, or locked in poor positions from habits like slouching or looking down at your phone.

  • We apply gentle, hands-on therapy to release tension, restore alignment, and bring balance back to your body.

Whether it’s “text neck,” rounded shoulders, or chronic muscle tightness from stress, our goal is to restore structural balance so the headaches don’t keep coming back.

Say Goodbye to the “Vice” Around Your Head

You don’t have to keep living with tension headaches. If you're tired of chasing short-term fixes and want a more complete solution, we're here to help.

Call us today to speak with one of our expert therapists and learn how Neurosomatic Therapy can help you find long-lasting relief.

Back to Treatment