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People say, I've got a chronic headache. Its not the proper way to describe their headache, they are tension headaches since renamed tension-type headaches by the International Headache Society in 1988. A better way to describe their headache would be chronic tension headache.

Chronic tension headaches are the most common type of primary headache and can account for nearly 90% of all headaches. The pain can radiate from your back, eyes, neck, or from other muscle groups in your body. About 3% of the population suffers from chronic tension headaches

Other common types of headaches are cluster headache, stress headache, migraine headache, pregnancy headache and sinus headache among others.

Chronic tension headaches occur 15 days or more a month for at least 6 months. They can last from minutes to days or even months, though a typical chronic tension headache lasts 4-6 hours.

If you have a chronic tension headache you might describe it as your head being squeezed in a vice and constant pressure being applied. The pain can be mild to moderate, but sometimes can also be severe. Unlike migraine, the pain does not increase when you are exercising.

It is suggested that abnormalities in the nervous systems may be involved. Another theory says that the main cause for a chronic tension headache and migraine is teeth clenching which causes  a chronic contraction of the temporalis muscle. Other causes could be anxiety or even an unresolved subconscious emotional conflict.

It has long been believed that chronic tension headache are caused by muscle tension around the head and neck and the restriction of blood flow to those areas as a result. Although muscle tension may be involved, scientists now believe there is not one single cause for this type of headache.

The exact cause of your chronic tension headache may not even be known to you.

It's well-known in the medical community that patients with chronic tension-type headache have increased muscle and skin pain sensitivity, demonstrated by low electrical, mechanical, and thermal pain thresholds.

Chronic tension-type headaches are difficult to treat. Some non-pharmacy therapies that are suggested for chronic tension-type headaches include:

* Heat pillow

* Relaxation techniques

* Massage

* Biofeedback

* Swimming two to three times a week

* Acupuncture

Chronic tension headaches are aggravated by states or activities that induce muscle tension, such as stress. Avoiding such states can lessen the frequency of tension headaches. Tension headaches can also be provoked by other conditions, such as an upper respiratory infection.

Chronic tension headaches that occur as a symptom of another condition are usually relieved when the underlying condition is treated. Frequent use of pain medications in patients with tension-type headache  may lead to the development of medication overuse headache or rebound headache.

Many chronic tension headache sufferers receive relief from sleep. However, it is always best to see your doctor about your headaches.

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