Tension Headaches: Causes, Fixes & When to Get Treatment

Tension Headaches: Causes, Fixes & When to Get Treatment

Tension Headaches: Causes, Fixes & When to Get Treatment

If you’re dealing with a dull, constant ache around your temples, forehead, or the back of your head—chances are it’s a tension headache.

They’re one of the most common types of headaches we see in the clinic… and often one of the most overlooked when it comes to proper treatment.

What does a tension headache feel like?

Most people describe it as:

  • A tight band around the head

  • Pressure behind the eyes

  • Aching through the neck and shoulders

  • That “heavy” feeling that builds throughout the day

It’s not usually sharp or throbbing—but it can be persistent, draining, and impact your focus, sleep, and energy.

What causes tension headaches?

Tension headaches are rarely just about your head.

They’re usually the result of built-up tension through the neck, upper traps, and jaw.

Common triggers we see:

  • Long hours at a desk

  • Poor posture (hello rounded shoulders + forward head)

  • Stress and nervous system overload

  • Jaw clenching or teeth grinding

  • Training without adequate recovery

Over time, the muscles around your neck and shoulders become overworked and tight—referring pain up into the head.

What actually helps?

Short-term relief is one thing—but if you want fewer headaches long-term, we need to address the cause.

Here’s what we recommend:

1. Targeted massage + release work
Working into the upper traps, neck, and surrounding muscles helps reduce tension at the source—not just mask the symptoms.

2. Posture awareness (not perfection)
You don’t need to sit “perfectly”—but breaking up long periods of sitting and resetting your position makes a huge difference.

3. Daily movement
Simple things like neck mobility, shoulder rolls, and getting out for a walk can reduce build-up through the day.

4. Stress management
Your body holds onto stress physically. If your nervous system is constantly “on,” your muscles will be too.

When should you get treatment?

If you:

  • Get headaches weekly (or more)

  • Wake up with neck or shoulder tightness

  • Feel constant tension through your upper traps

  • Rely on pain relief to get through the day

…it’s time to look at more than just temporary fixes.

Hands-on treatment can help release chronic tension, improve movement, and reduce how often these headaches show up.

The bottom line

Tension headaches are common—but they’re not something you just have to “put up with.”

Your body is giving you a signal. The sooner you address the cause, the easier it is to get on top of it.

If this sounds like you, we can help.

Book a session or send us a message—we’ll guide you on the best approach for your body.

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