Managing and treating tension-type headache

Although tension-type headache is ubiquitous, only a relatively small percentage of the population has these headaches occurring with sufficient frequency and severity to cause them to seek out medical attention. This small group, however, may have substantial impact from their disease on productivity and quality of life. Assessment of the headaches includes assessment for other headache disorders that may overlap it, such as a chronic migraine. Additionally, coexisting diseases that may contribute to the process, such as mood disorders and mechanical disorders of the spine and neck, require investigation. Treatment is optimized by appropriate use of acute medications and preventive treatments that may include drugs in the antidepressant classes along with nonpharmacologic modalities and other alternative treatments ranging from biofeedback to manual therapy to the use of botulinum toxin type A injections.