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    neurological

    Tension-type headache

    Also known as: tension headache, tension-type headache, stress headache, muscle contraction headache

    Tension-type headache is the most common headache — a dull, band-like tightness around the head, often with neck and shoulder tension, usually linked to stress, posture or poor sleep. Acupuncture has reasonable evidence for reducing frequency, alongside lifestyle and stress management.

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    Lifestyle & Diet

    • •Regular sleep, meals and hydration — the three most common triggers.
    • •Desk ergonomics: screen at eye level, breaks every 30–45 minutes.
    • •Limit painkillers to under 10–15 days per month to avoid medication-overuse headache.
    • •Regular aerobic exercise reduces headache frequency.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    See sources
    • •Red-flag headaches (thunderclap, fever with stiff neck, new pattern over 50) are medical emergencies — refer, never treat.[,]
    • •Medication-overuse headache needs GP-guided withdrawal, not more adjunctive treatment.[,]
    • •Chuan Xiong-containing formulas caution with anticoagulants.[]

    When to reassess or seek care again

    See sources

    Use a headache diary: frequency, intensity (0–10), duration, triggers and painkiller days. Review after 4–6 sessions. If frequency isn't falling, reassess the pattern and consider GP review for other causes.

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    Sources & Further Reading

    Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.

    1. Headache — Healthdirect
      Healthdirect Australia · 2024
    2. Headache red flags — RACGP/AJGP
      Australian Journal of General Practice (RACGP) · 2023
    3. Medication overuse headache — NICE CG150
      NICE (UK) · 2021
    4. Tension-type headache — Migraine & Headache Australia
      Headache Australia · 2024
    5. Acupuncture for chronic pain — individual patient data meta-analysis (Vickers et al.)
      Journal of Pain (PubMed indexed) · 2012

    Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.