There are two types of tension headaches. Episodic tension headaches occur when the person experiences a stressful event. Chronic tension headaches are associated with contraction of the muscles in the head and neck.
Episodic tension headaches follow a stressful event. Chronic tension headaches are associated with contraction of the muscles that stretch from the back of the neck over the top of the head.
Tension headaches are associated with muscle contractions, but there is no proof that the contractions cause the headache. The following are believed to contribute to tension headaches: