Pain from tension headaches usually affects both sides of a person's head. Muscles in the neck, face, jaws or shoulders may become extremely tight. Common anti-pain medicines often can reduce the effects of tension headaches. Yet, there is good reason to seek medical help if this kind of headache continues and is severe.
Doctor Solomon says the cause of tension headaches may be chemical depression.
People who suffer from tension headaches sometimes have difficulty sleeping or remembering things. They also may feel very sad and have difficulty keeping their minds on what they are doing. These problems also describe the condition of people suffering from emotional depression.
For many years, Clare had tension headaches repeatedly. Sometimes they could be cured by rest and the anti-pain drug aspirin. However, there were times when nothing helped reduce Clare's headache pain. She had difficulty remembering things, and could work for short periods only.