What type of headache is characterized by neck tightness and a squeezing headache?

Tension headaches are typically characterized by a feeling of tightness or pressure around the head, which can often feel like a squeezing sensation. This type of headache is often associated with muscle tension, particularly in the neck and scalp areas, leading to the neck tightness that the question describes. This tension is commonly caused by stress, poor posture, or fatigue.

In contrast to migraines or cluster headaches, which involve more specific and severe symptoms (like aura or intense pain in one area), tension headaches tend to be milder in intensity and have a more widespread discomfort. Additionally, tension headaches usually do not cause the same level of incapacitation that migraines or cluster headaches can induce, further distinguishing them from the other types listed.

Recognizing the specific characteristics of tension headaches helps in understanding the common presentations and contributing factors associated with them, making it easier for EMTs and healthcare providers to assess and address headache-related complaints in patients accurately.