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Common Triggers of Chronic Tension Headaches

The most common headache type is the tension headache, caused by tightness or muscle tension in the head and neck.

Unlike migraines, tension headaches don’t usually come with other symptoms like light sensitivity, nausea, or vomiting, and the pain isn’t throbbing.

Experts believe that What Causes Tension Headaches Everyday are environmental and genetic factors play a role in tension headaches, leading to muscle contractions.

These headaches are often associated with stressful events or difficult days.

Common Triggers of Chronic Tension Headaches

Causes of tension headaches include a range of stimuli that a person is exposed to in their daily lives, such as:

Uncomfortable positions: whether while sitting, driving or sleeping.
Stress and physical tension: One of the most important causes of tension headaches and can be treated by practicing yoga and relaxation exercises.
Eye strain: You can get tension headaches as a result of reading for long periods or using screens.
Caffeine: Whether over-consumption or during periods of withdrawal from the body.
Alcohol: It can also cause tension headaches.
Dehydration: One of the factors that may cause tension headaches if ignored, as hydration is essential for the functioning of the body’s systems and neurotransmitters.

Other triggers for tension headaches:

Jaw tension.
Teeth grinding.
Neck injuries.
Head injuries.
Hormonal changes.
Some types of foods.
Preservatives, flavor and color enhancers, and texture enhancers.
Pain resulting from other areas of the body, such as the sinuses.
Pain in the lymph nodes in the upper back, neck or shoulder.
Excessive smoking.
Sleep problems. (NIH, 2022)

Role of Stress in Daily Headaches

Stress and physical tension are important triggers for tension headaches and can also make symptoms worse.

How it happens?

When the body is stressed, it produces more of the hormone cortisol, which causes the muscles in the head and neck to tighten, causing tension headaches.

So, repeated daily stress can be considered what causes tension headaches everyday.

Individual differences:

People do not respond to stress and physical pressures in the same way.

Some people suffer from tension headaches from the slightest amount of stress or tension, while others can tolerate high levels of stress and physical pressure.

How to manage tension headaches?

Practice stress management techniques such as yoga, breathing exercises, and meditation.
Get enough sleep.
Stay hydrated.
Exercise regularly.
Avoid foods that may trigger tension headache symptoms.
Get cognitive behavioral therapy to gain a deeper understanding of your headache triggers and how to avoid them. (Medline Plus, n.d.)

Read Also: What Causes Migraines in Females

When to Seek Medical Advice

You should seek medical advice for tension headaches if:

The pattern or severity of your headaches has changed.
The usual conventional treatments do not relieve your headache pain.
The headache is severe and can be described as the worst headache you have ever had.
The headache is interfering with your daily activities, preventing you from working or sleeping, and is not relieved by rest and relaxation.
You experience side effects from headache medications, such as irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
You are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
You have to take painkillers more than twice a week.
You feel that your headache pain is worse when you lie down.
Your headache is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever or a rash.
Your headache is accompanied by effects on your cognition, mental abilities or personality.