Condition · Head

Tension headache

A tension headache usually starts below the head. When the deep neck flexors can't hold the head up all day, the muscles at the base of the skull and across the top of the shoulders take the shift — and a muscle held at a low contraction for eight hours will eventually let you know. Add a clenched jaw and the same tissue takes more of it. This is why treating the head rarely helps and treating the neck usually does.