Emotional factors alone are not the only triggers for tension headaches. More serious disorders that can cause tension headaches include degenerative arthritis of the neck and temporomandibular joint dysfunction , a disorder of the joint between the temporal bone and the lower jaw that results from poor biting and jaw clenching. The pain associated with tension headaches is often steady and dull and can be felt in the forehead, temple area and back of the neck.
People often describe tension headaches as feeling like a tight band is encircling their head.
Although tension headaches can last for longer periods, they usually disappear after the stressful period is over. Tension headaches are usually not associated with other symptoms and there is no pre-headache syndrome as is often seen in migraine headaches. Although the exact cause of tension headaches is not known, many scientists believe that the primary cause of the pain is sustained muscle tension. Other studies have suggested that restricted blood flow may cause or contribute to the pain. Treating tension headaches Nonprescription painkillers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen most commonly relieve tension headaches.