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Help for headaches that happen most days for a long time

	If you have a headache most days for a long time, you could have chronic tension type headache.ConsumerReportsHealth.org explains several treatments and some simple things you can do yourself that may make you feel better.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org to learn about lifestyle changes, medication, and therapy for chronic tension type headaches.

Consumer Reports Health explains the best and most up-to-date expert research and evidence about treating chronic tension type headaches. We've brought together the best research about chronic tension type headache and weighed the evidence about how to treat it. You can use our information to talk with your doctor and decide which treatments are best for you.

Key points about chronic tension type headache

• Doctors say you have chronic tension type headache if you get tension headaches more than 15 days a month for at least three months.
• A chronic tension type headache may feel like a band pressing on both sides of your head. But not everyone feels like this. It may last for 30 minutes or for several hours. It doesn’t get any worse if you move around. If it makes you vomit, you’re more likely to have a migraine.
• Chronic tension type headaches happen when you’re feeling stressed, tired or angry.
• We don’t know what causes them: Some doctors say the cause is tension in the muscles, but others disagree.
• Gentle exercise, such as walking, swimming, jogging, or riding a bicycle may help.
• Keeping a diary may help you spot things that trigger your headaches, so that you can avoid them.
• Taking painkillers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen more than two or three times a week can make headaches worse. But occasional use may help.
• The antidepressant drugs amitriptyline (brand name Elavil) and mirtazapine (Remeron) can both help with chronic tension type headache.
• A talking treatment called cognitive behavioral therapy might also help.
• You shouldn't take tranquilizers such as diazepam. They may help you relax, but they have serious side effects, and can cause unpleasant symptoms when you try to stop taking them.

As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, you’ll have access to our expert research and recommendations, and you’ll be more confident and knowledgeable about which treatments are best for you. We'll also help you sort through the best research and the most effective treatments for over 100 conditions and illnesses that may affect you and your family.