What is a tension headache?
A tension-type headache is the most common kind of headache. It usually feels like a dull ache or a tight band around the forehead, sides or back of the head. It’s often linked to stress, poor sleep, long hours at a screen, skipped meals, or tight neck and shoulder muscles.
Tension headaches aren’t usually a sign of anything serious, but frequent ones are worth talking about, because taking pain relievers too often can actually cause more headaches.
Listed in Ontario’s minor ailments program as: Mild headache (tension-type).
Common symptoms
- A dull, pressing or tightening pain, usually on both sides of the head
- Mild to moderate pain that doesn’t get worse with walking or climbing stairs
- Tender neck, shoulder or scalp muscles
- Usually no nausea or vomiting
How a Kennedy pharmacist can help
Your pharmacist will ask what your headaches feel like, how often you get them, what you take for them and how often, and check for any warning signs that need a doctor.
They may recommend or prescribe a pain reliever that suits you, and explain how much to take and how often. We’ll also talk about the habits that help most: regular sleep, meals and water, screen breaks, and stretching or heat for tight shoulders.
If you’re taking pain relievers more than 2 or 3 days a week, we’ll help you cut back safely, because overuse can turn occasional headaches into daily ones.
If we think you’d be better served by a doctor, we’ll tell you, and help you figure out where to go.
Medicines a pharmacist may consider
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)an anti-inflammatory pain reliever
- Naproxen (Aleve)a longer-lasting anti-inflammatory
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)gentle on the stomach and safe for most people
- ASA (Aspirin)for adults only
Your pharmacist chooses based on your symptoms, age, pregnancy, allergies and other medications, so not every option is right for everyone. Brand names are examples. We often use the generic version, which works the same and usually costs less.
What it costs
The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. It’s paid for by the province, just like a visit to your doctor.
If you’re prescribed something, the medicine is paid for like any other prescription: through your drug plan, the Ontario Drug Benefit (65+ and other eligible people), OHIP+ (under 25 without a private plan), or out of pocket.
Good to know: This is the one most people don’t know about: some drug plans will cover ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen or acetaminophen when a pharmacist prescribes them, instead of you paying shelf price. If you get headaches often, that adds up. Bring your plan card and we’ll check.
No Ontario health card? Text or call us first and we’ll tell you the fee before we start.
When to see a doctor instead
See your family doctor, a walk-in clinic or a nurse practitioner if:
- You have headaches on more than a few days a week, or they’re getting worse over time
- You’re taking pain relievers 10 or more days a month
- Headaches wake you from sleep, or are worst first thing in the morning
- Your headaches started after age 50, or feel different from your usual ones
- You’re pregnant
- You have one-sided throbbing pain with nausea or sensitivity to light (it may be migraine)
Call 911 or go to the ER if:
- A sudden, severe headache that peaks within a minute (“the worst headache of my life”)
- Headache with fever and a stiff neck, or a rash
- Headache after a head injury
- Weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, confusion, vision loss or a drooping face
- Pregnant or recently gave birth, with a severe headache, vision changes or swelling
Not sure? Call Health811 (dial 811) any time to speak with a registered nurse, free.