From the Research
Tension headaches can be effectively managed with a combination of medication and non-medication approaches, with the most recent and highest quality study suggesting that paracetamol (acetaminophen) 1000 mg is a viable option for acute treatment 1.
Medication Options
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) 200-400mg, acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500-1000mg, or aspirin 325-650mg can be taken every 4-6 hours as needed, not exceeding maximum daily doses.
- Prescription medications might include tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline (10-25mg at bedtime), muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine (5-10mg), or preventive medications if headaches occur more than 15 days per month.
Non-Medication Treatments
- Stress management techniques (deep breathing, meditation, yoga)
- Regular physical activity
- Adequate sleep (7-9 hours nightly)
- Proper hydration
- Trigger avoidance
- Physical therapy, massage, hot or cold packs, and maintaining good posture can help relieve muscle tension.
Key Considerations
- Tension headaches typically result from muscle contractions in the head and neck regions due to stress, poor posture, or other triggers, so addressing these underlying causes is essential for long-term management.
- If headaches are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like fever or confusion, medical attention should be sought promptly.
- A fixed combination of acetylsalicylic acid, acetaminophen, and caffeine may be more effective and as well-tolerated as monotherapy for episodic tension-type headache 2.
- Naproxen 375 mg is also an effective option for the treatment of tension-type headache, with a similar efficacy profile to acetaminophen 1000 mg 3.