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The Beyond Pain Foundation

Migraine types we support

Related headache condition

Tension-type headache

Tension-type headache is the most common kind of headache. Most people get one now and then, but for some it becomes frequent and disabling, and many people with migraine get both.

How common
The most common headache
Lasts
30 minutes to several days
Feels like
A tight band or pressure
Painkiller limit
No more than 2 days a week

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Medicines and treatments must be prescribed or recommended for you by a doctor or pharmacist. We do not give doses here.

Related guides: Medication overuse headache, Migraine without aura.

What it is

Tension-type headache causes a dull, pressing pain on both sides of the head. It's usually less disabling than migraine, without the sickness and strong sensitivity to light and sound. It can become chronic, with headache on most days.

Symptoms

  • A tight band or pressure around the head or on top of it
  • Pain on both sides
  • Aching or tight neck and shoulder muscles
  • Able to carry on with daily activities, though it's harder

Causes and triggers

Stress is the most common trigger. Poor posture, long hours at a screen, a badly set-up desk and tense neck and shoulder muscles can all play a part, which is why your workspace matters.

Treatment

Over-the-counter ibuprofen, aspirin or paracetamol help most episodes, but should be kept to 2 days a week or fewer to avoid medication overuse headache. Managing stress, regular exercise, good posture and breaks from screens all help. If headaches are frequent, a GP may suggest a preventive medicine such as amitriptyline (used off-label), or up to 10 sessions of acupuncture, which NICE recommends for chronic tension-type headache.

When to get urgent help

Call 999 if you have

  • a sudden, extremely bad headache that peaks within minutes
  • weakness, numbness or a drooping face on one side, or slurred speech
  • sudden loss of sight
  • confusion, drowsiness or a seizure (fit)
  • a high temperature with a stiff neck or a rash
  • a headache after a head injury

Call NHS 111 if

  • your headache is very severe or unusual for you
  • it's getting steadily worse

See your GP if

  • you have headaches on many days a month
  • you need painkillers on more than 2 days a week
  • headaches affect your work

Work and your workspace

Migraine can count as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 (the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland) if it has a substantial, long-term effect on your everyday life. Conditions that come and go still count, and the law looks at how you would be without treatment. If it applies, your employer must make reasonable adjustments.

Adjustments that often help

  • A properly set-up workstation
  • Regular breaks from the screen
  • Manageable workloads and deadlines
  • Flexible hours
  • Time off for appointments

A migraine-friendly workspace

  • A chair with good lumbar and neck support
  • A desk big enough to put your screen at arm's length
  • Screen raised so the top is at eye level
  • A flicker-free monitor with an anti-glare or blue-light filter
  • Lighting without flicker or glare, and blinds to control daylight

Access to Work can pay towards equipment and support. Acas and Citizens Advice give free advice on your rights.

How The Beyond Pain Foundation can help

If NHS waits are too long, or the help you need is not available to you on the NHS, we may be able to fund:

  • A chair with proper lumbar and neck support, and a large enough desk to set up your screen correctly
  • Monitor arms or risers so your screen is at eye level
  • A course of acupuncture or physiotherapy from a registered practitioner
  • A private specialist appointment if headaches are frequent

Every award depends on your situation and the funds we have that month. A letter from your doctor, a headache diary and a written quote all help your application.

Apply for funding Check the requirements

Support and sources

The Migraine Trust

Information and support service

Information on every type of migraine, a free information and support service, and advice on treatment and work.

migrainetrust.org

National Migraine Centre

Charity headache clinic

Specialist appointments in person and online, including routine appointments for a voluntary donation, plus free factsheets.

nationalmigrainecentre.org.uk
Sources for this guide

Written in our own words from the sources above. Last reviewed: October 2026. Figures can differ between sources; where they do, we give the range.