Headache (tension-type)

The cause of tension-type headaches is not clear; however, they are thought to be triggered by certain situations, such as:

• stress, emotional tension, depression or anxiety,
• poor posture, which causes scalp and neck muscles to tense up,
• squinting to read, which causes scalp muscles to tense up,
• certain foods,
• bright sunlight,
• tiredness,
• noise,
• caffeine,
• certain smells,
• menstrual periods,
• changes in the weather, and
• daily use of painkillers (the body gets used to the painkillers and a withdrawal headache may occur if painkillers are not taken every day).