What do Tension Headaches Feel Like?
Typically, tension headaches cause an aching or squeezing sensation on both sides of your head, forehead, temples or back of head. The pain is often described as a tight band around your head, or a feeling that your head is “in a vise.” The pain may be mild to moderately intense. Tension headaches may also include: • Neck and jaw discomfort • Insomnia • Tenderness on your scalp, neck and shoulder muscles • Fatigue • Irritability and trouble concentrating • Loss of appetite If you experience visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or weakness, you are likely having a migraine headache rather than a tension headache, as these symptoms are rare with tension headaches. Most people who get migraine headaches also experience tension-type headaches, but not necessarily vice versa.
