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
- •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
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.
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- Australian Journal of General Practice (RACGP) · 2023
- NICE (UK) · 2021
- Headache Australia · 2024
- 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.