Pain can also be referred from other cranial structures such as the scalp, neck, and extracocular muscles, as well as the air cells of the mastoid and paranasal sinuses. Tension headaches are the most common form of headache. These headaches are characterized by a sustained constriction of the scalp and neck muscles and can occur by themselves or as the residual of a migraine. They are usually caused by tension or poor posture and they may or may not have a vascular component. Tension headaches are often mistaken for migraines and the difference between the two should be noted.
Tension headaches involves more of the scalp muscle and leads to a more prolonged pain sensation.
The pain is often described as a pressure or tightness around the neck and head and is often bilateral. Unlike migraines, there is not an aura, they usually cause no alterations in sleep patterns, they are not aggravated with physical activity, and they are not accompanied by nausea and vomiting. It should be noted, that if any of these symptoms occur, the physician should be notified. Muscle tension headaches can be treated by increasing the circulation to the affected area by relaxing the neck and shoulder muscles. Acupressure can relieve pain through a technique of applying pressure to stimulate certain body points.