US Medical Term · symptoms
Tension Headache
Cefalea tensional
Also: Dolor de cabeza por tensión (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Tension Headache |
| Spanish (Español) | Cefalea tensional |
| Chinese (中文) | 緊張性頭痛 |
| Korean (한국어) | 긴장성 두통 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Đau đầu căng thẳng |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Tension headache |
| Portuguese (Português) | Cefaleia tensional |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ปวดหัวจากความเครียด |
| Japanese (日本語) | 緊張型頭痛 |
What it means
A tension headache is the most common type of headache. It feels like a steady, dull pressure or tightness around the forehead, sides, or back of the head—often described as a tight band squeezing the head. It is usually not severe enough to prevent normal activity and is not typically associated with nausea or vomiting. Triggers include stress, poor posture, eye strain, skipping meals, dehydration, and disrupted sleep. Most tension headaches respond well to over-the-counter pain relievers, rest, gentle neck stretches, and stress reduction. Frequent tension headaches (15 or more days per month) should be discussed with a provider for preventive treatment options.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have a headache that feels like a tight band squeezing around my head.
Tengo un dolor de cabeza que se siente como una banda apretada alrededor de la cabeza.
I get tension headaches whenever I am under a lot of stress at work.
Me dan cefaleas tensionales cuando estoy bajo mucho estrés en el trabajo.
My headache starts at the back of my neck and spreads to the front of my head.
Mi dolor de cabeza comienza en la parte posterior del cuello y se extiende hacia la frente.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
G44 Other headache syndromesRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026