What Are Tension Headaches?

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They often feel like:

• A tight band around the head

• Pressure in the temples or forehead

• Aching in the neck, shoulders, or jaw

• Headaches that worsen with stress, fatigue, or clenching

 

These headaches are often caused or worsened by tight, overactive muscles in the jaw, face, neck, and scalp — especially if you grind your teeth, clench your jaw, or sit in poor posture for long periods.

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What Causes Tension Headaches?

​Some of the most common triggers include:

• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching (bruxism)

• TMJ disorder – joint or muscle problems in the jaw

• TMJ hypermobility – unstable jaw movement straining the muscles

• Myofascial pain – tight knots in the jaw and neck muscles

• Stress and poor posture – especially from long hours at a desk or device

 

You may not always feel jaw pain — but the jaw muscles are often where the tension starts.

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Tension Headache Treatment Options

At Colorado TMJ and Facial Pain, we specialize in identifying muscle-driven headache patterns and treating the root cause — often without medication or surgery.​​

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We offer evidence-based, non-surgical care to reduce muscle tension and prevent future headaches:

• Custom Oral Appliances
  Nightguards designed to reduce clenching and jaw pressure while you sleep

• Trigger Point Injections
  In-office treatment to release muscle knots in the jaw, head, and neck

• Botox for Chronic Tension Headaches
  Reduces overactive muscle activity and provides long-term headache relief

• Laser Therapy
  A gentle, non-invasive light therapy that relieves inflammation and speeds healing

• Stress Management & Postural Coaching
  Practical changes to reduce daily jaw strain and improve long-term comfort