Can Tension Headaches Cause Dizziness and Nausea?

Can Tension Headaches Cause Dizziness and Nausea?

Up to 80% of adult Americans suffer from occasional tension headaches; about 3% get them daily.

Chances are, you’ve had one before, and it was debilitating. You may even be suffering from one now.

Are you wondering: can tension headaches cause dizziness and nausea? Then keep reading. We’ll address all your questions and concerns about tension headaches.

What Are Tension Headaches?Can Tension Headaches Cause Dizziness and Nausea?

This may seem like a very basic question, but the fact is, many people confuse tension headaches for migraines.

In general, these happen when the muscles in the back of your neck and/or scalp tighten up. This can cause mild to moderate pain, and it might feel like someone’s put a rubber band around your head.

How Long Do Tension Headaches Last?

There are 2 types: episodic and chronic. Episodic tension headaches are very brief and don’t happen often; they last about 15 minutes. Chronic tension headaches can last hours at a time and occur regularly.

This is the most common type of headache, but unfortunately, medical professionals aren’t quite sure yet what causes them to happen.

Can Tension Headaches Cause Dizziness and Nausea?

The main symptoms of tension headaches are a pain in your forehead, temples, head, and neck. As we’ve pointed out above, it can feel like someone’s put a rubber band around your head.

So can tension headaches cause nausea and dizziness?

While tension headaches usually don’t directly cause dizziness and nausea (which are typical of migraines), these 2 symptoms can certainly appear. With a tension headache, dizziness and nausea can result from chronic tension headaches that affect your sleep and/or dietary habits. Other resulting symptoms can be weight loss, poor concentration, and fatigue.

If you get a tension headache and dizziness (and/or nausea), you may actually have a migraine.

How Can I Relieve Tension Headaches?

For temporary relief, you can try over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

You can try and prevent a tension headache by learning to cope with and handle stress, as that’s one of its main triggers.

Considering neck and back pain can occur along with headaches, there may be something bigger at play if you get tension headaches. A good idea would be to seek chiropractic help, as a medical professional can examine you and see if your musculoskeletal system is out of alignment. They can then work with you to provide customized stretches, exercises, and other treatment plans to help you manage your pain.

Get Medical Help Today

So can tension headaches cause dizziness and nausea? They absolutely can.

While we’re not 100% sure what causes tension headaches, other issues in your body can be likely culprits, such as back or neck injuries. So if you’re struggling with tension headaches, it may be a good idea to go see a chiropractor. With a personalized care plan, you can be on your way to a life that’s less painful and more productive.

Need a professional chiropractor to take a look at what’s wrong? Then book an appointment with us today.