Tension headache is the most common type of headache also called as "stress headache”. A condition involving pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck, usually associated with muscle tightness in these areas. Tension headaches usually begin slowly and gradually increase. They often start in the middle of the day. Tension headache can occur at any age but most commonly begins during adolescence or young adulthood, with the highest frequency among those aged 20-50 years.

Types: Tension type headaches can be episodic or chronic

Episodic tension - type headache usually is associated with a stressful event, occurring fewer than 15 days a month. This headache type is of moderate intensity, self-limited, and usually responsive to nonprescription drugs.

Chronic tension - type headache have an average headache frequency of 15 days a month or for 6 months. Chronic tension is associated with contracted muscles of the neck and scalp. This type of headache is bilateral and usually occipitofrontal.