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 other headache disorders and coexisting diseases that may contribute to the process. 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, such as biofeedback, manual therapy, and use of botulinum toxin type A injections.