Most people describe tension headaches as a constant, dull ache on both sides of their head. It can also feel the muscles in the head and neck to feel tight or sore. Tension headaches often start in the middle of the day. It has been estimated that 75 percent to 90 percent of people who complain of constant headaches suffer from tension headaches. They are caused by muscle contractions in the head, face, neck and shoulders that are triggered by stress, fatigue, emotional strains, depression or repressed hostility.

These medicines are often easily treated by over-the-counter medications. However, if patients find themselves depending on over-the-counter medications too frequently, they should look for an alternative. Too many over-the-counter medications can stimulate rebound headaches. Patients who take the maximum dosage of an over-the-counter medication more than twice a week should consult a doctor. Tension headaches are generally classified as chronic when they affect patients more than 15 days per month. In this case, prescription medication and help from a doctor are most likely needed.

Over-the-counter medications that have been known to successfully treat tension headaches include aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, sulindac, naproxen sodium, tolmetic and meclofenamate. Some of the more popular brands have recently released special tension headache versions of their medicine. These medicines are specially formulated to treat the symptoms of tension headaches.

Prescription medicines for tension headaches are used to treat chronic tension headaches that do not respond to over-the-counter medications. Acetaminophen mixed with codeine is sometimes prescribed. Usually it is only prescribed on a short-term basis, though, because it can cause addictions and rebound headaches. Antidepressants, particularly tricyclics, are often prescribed because they treat both the headache and its underlying cause. Tranquilizers have also been effective when prescribed on a short-term basis. Again, they are highly addictive though, and should only be taken with close monitoring by a doctor.

The best treatment for a tension headache is prevention. Stress management techniques and exercise can be of great help for preventing tension headaches. In addition, adequate sleep and massaging sore muscles can work wonders. In order to determine what type of headache they have and how to best treat it, patients should keep a headache journal. In order to do this, patients should write down the time and date that health problems began.