Does your headache feel like a tight band around your head, or start at the base of your skull and creep forward to your forehead or behind your eyes? This is often a tension-type headache, and the muscles of the neck, shoulders and jaw commonly play a part.

What is a tension headache?

Tension-type headaches are the most common kind of headache. They usually feel dull, pressing or tight rather than throbbing, and affect both sides of the head. They can last from 30 minutes to several days and often build up through a busy or stressful week.

Common signs

• A band-like pressure around the forehead, temples or back of the head
• Pain that starts in the neck or base of the skull
• Tight, tender shoulders and upper back
• Headaches that get worse as the day goes on, especially after screen time
• Jaw clenching or teeth grinding

Why it happens

Muscles such as the upper trapezius, suboccipitals (at the base of the skull), sternocleidomastoid and temporalis can develop trigger points that refer pain into the head. Long hours at a desk, poor sleep, stress, dehydration and holding tension through the shoulders can all contribute.

How remedial massage can help

At Sana, we start by assessing your posture, neck movement and the muscles that may be referring pain. Treatment may include:

• Releasing the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull
• Massage of the neck, upper traps and shoulders
• Trigger point therapy for referred head pain
• Gentle work on the jaw muscles if clenching is part of the picture
• Simple stretches, posture tips and ways to break up long screen sessions
• Dry needling, where appropriate following assessment

Many clients find their headaches become less frequent or less intense with regular treatment. Results vary from person to person, and we'll talk with you about what to expect.

When to see your GP first

See your GP or seek urgent care if a headache is sudden and severe, is the worst you've ever had, follows a head injury, or comes with fever, a stiff neck, confusion, changes in vision, weakness or numbness. Also see your GP if your headaches are new, changing pattern, or waking you at night.

Related treatments: Trigger Point Release and Dry Needling.