Learn 10 natural ways to ease tension headache pain, such as hot or cold compresses, massage, exercise, sleep, and hydration. Find out what causes tension headaches and how to prevent them with lifestyle changes and stress management. A tension headache is the most common type of headache . It is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck, and is often associated with muscle tightness in these areas. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache , causing mild to moderate pain behind your eyes and in your head and neck. They may be triggered by stress, poor posture, dehydration, or other factors. Learn how to prevent and treat them with medications, home remedies, or therapy. Tension headache , stress headache , or tension -type headache (TTH), is the most common type of primary headache . The pain usually radiates from the lower back of the head, the neck, the eyes, or other muscle groups in the body typically affecting both sides of the head.