Aligned Integrated Health
Tension Headaches: Causes, Relief and When to Get Help
The Band of Pressure Around Your Head
A tension headache is the most common type of headache, usually felt as a dull, pressing ache or a tight band around the forehead, temples or back of the head. Stress, poor posture and tight neck and shoulder muscles are common triggers. Tension headache relief is one of the reasons people come to us for headache care in Scottsdale.
This page explains what causes tension headaches, how a tension headache compares with a migraine, and how a chiropractor for tension headaches can help.
- A look at your posture, neck and daily habits
- Massage therapy and gentle adjustments in one clinic
- Practical steps for desk work, stress and sleep
What a Tension Headache Feels Like
Tension headaches usually build gradually and feel like pressure or tightness rather than throbbing. Many people notice them later in the day or after long stretches of focused work.
Key Features:
- Pressure or Tightness: A band-like squeeze around the head, forehead or temples.
- Neck and Shoulder Tension: Tight, sore muscles in the neck and shoulders alongside the headache.
- Both Sides: Usually felt on both sides of the head rather than one.
What Causes Tension Headaches?
Several everyday factors tend to stack up.
Common Triggers
Stress is the best known trigger, which is why these are often called stress headaches, but long hours at a desk, looking down at a phone, clenching the jaw, poor sleep, skipped meals and dehydration all contribute. Tight muscles in the neck, shoulders and scalp are a common thread.
Tension Headache vs Migraine
Tension headaches usually feel like steady pressure on both sides and rarely come with nausea or strong light sensitivity. Migraines are often throbbing, may be one-sided, and commonly come with nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Headaches that start in the neck and sit on one side may be cervicogenic headaches. Our headache and migraine page covers migraine care.
Tension Headache Relief: What Helps
Regular breaks from screens, a workstation set at eye level, gentle neck and shoulder stretches, enough water and sleep, and ways to manage stress all help many people. Frequent tension headaches are worth addressing at their source rather than with painkillers alone.
How a Chiropractor Can Help Tension Headaches
Dr. Dan looks at your posture, neck motion and daily routine. Care may include massage therapy for tight neck, shoulder and scalp muscles, gentle Pro Adjuster adjustments for the neck and upper back, and chiropractic with rehabilitation exercises for posture. If your headaches come with jaw clenching, we will mention it, since that can contribute too.
Headaches That Need Emergency Care
Get emergency care for a sudden, severe headache, a headache with fever and a stiff neck, confusion, weakness, trouble speaking or vision changes, or a headache after a head injury.
Related Conditions We Treat in Scottsdale
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you go to a chiropractor for tension headaches?
Yes. Chiropractic care and massage address the neck and shoulder tension and posture habits that commonly trigger tension headaches.
What causes tension headaches?
Stress, posture, tight neck and shoulder muscles, poor sleep, jaw clenching and dehydration are common triggers.
Is a tension headache the same as a migraine?
No. Tension headaches usually feel like steady pressure on both sides, while migraines often throb and come with nausea or light sensitivity.
Do you treat headaches in Scottsdale?
Yes. Walk-ins are welcome. Call (480) 661-1977.
Get Help for Tension Headaches in Scottsdale, AZ
Aligned Integrated Health is at 10752 North 89th Place, Suite C130 in Scottsdale. Dr. Daniel J. Gerwig, D.C. has been practicing since 2001 and sees patients here himself. Most insurances are accepted and walk-ins are welcome.
New Patient Special. Includes the consultation, exam, report of findings and X-rays. See the current offer. Not valid for use with federally sponsored programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid.