Tension headaches are characterized by mild to moderate head pain and a feeling of pressure around the head. They are some of the most common forms of headaches and are often treatable with over-the-counter medications. Around three percent of Americans are affected by chronic headaches, according to figures from the Cleveland Clinic. 

Tension headaches are divided into two categories: episodic and chronic. Episodic tension headaches last for between 30 minutes and a week and usually occur for less than half a month for at least three months. Chronic tension headaches may last for hours and be continuous. Episodic tension headaches lasting for longer than three months are considered chronic. 

Symptoms of tension headaches include a dull, aching pain in the head, tightness or pressure across the forehead or sides and back of the head, and a tenderness of the scalp, neck and shoulder muscles. Unlike migraines, tension headaches are usually not accompanied by feelings of nausea or visual disturbances. Women are more likely to experience tension headaches than men. 

Tension headaches have several possible triggers, including but not limited to; alcohol, dry eyes, eye strain, fatigue, smoking, a common cold, the flu, caffeine, and emotional stress. 

Treatment of tension headaches involves treating the underlying cause and alleviating the symptoms, usually with medication. Drug classes used to treat tension headaches are analgesics with and without antipyretic activity combinations and other anti-migraine drug combination.