Has the New Year Brought Chronic Tension Headaches?

Has the New Year stormed in with persistent tension headaches? Along with the excitement of new beginnings, 2025 may have ushered in unexpected challenges, such as chronic tension headaches. If you’ve found yourself dealing with increased stress, tension and headaches since the start of the year, you could need help.

Understanding Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are characterized by a dull, aching pain that often feels like a tight band around your head. They can occur occasionally or become chronic, lasting 15 or more days per month. About 4% of the population suffers from chronic tension headaches, and 65% of these cases are women. Symptoms often include:

• Mild to moderate bilateral headache pain (usually on both sides of the head)
• A sensation of tightness or pressure across the forehead, temples or back of the head and neck
• Tenderness in the scalp, neck and shoulder muscles
• Fatigue and difficulty concentrating

Possible Triggers

The onset of these headaches can be linked to various factors, especially at the start of a new year, which can bring about lifestyle changes, increased stress and even seasonal effects.

1. Increased Stress Levels: The New Year often comes with new responsibilities, whether at work or home. Financial concerns, planning for the future or tackling unresolved issues can cause anxiety and stress, which are significant contributors to tension headaches.
2. Poor Posture: With the rise of remote work, many individuals may not have adequate ergonomic setups. Poor posture while sitting for long hours can strain neck and shoulder muscles, leading to tension headaches.
3. Changes in Routine: New Year resolutions often include trying new activities, such as starting an exercise regimen. Pushing your body too hard or not maintaining proper hydration and nutrition can lead to headaches.
4. Weather Changes: January typically sees colder temperatures and more indoor time, which can contribute to dehydration and affect your overall well-being.
5. Sleep Disruptions: Adjusting to a new schedule can often lead to poor sleep quality or shorter sleep duration, both of which are common triggers for tension headaches.

If your tension headaches persist despite self-care efforts, consider consulting a healthcare professional at Caliber Pain™. They can provide personalized treatment plans to alleviate your headaches.

NYC Tension Headache Treatment

Chronic tension headaches can often be classified as secondary headaches, indicating that they are a symptom of an underlying condition. Various factors, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, cervical spine issues, muscle spasms and nerve disorders, can contribute to their occurrence. At Caliber Pain™, our pain specialists conduct comprehensive diagnostic evaluations to identify any underlying conditions that may be causing chronic tension headaches.

Treatment options are diverse and tailored to address the specific source of the tension headaches. These may include therapies such as trigger point injections, acupuncture, relaxation techniques and other interventional treatments, all aimed at alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life.

If you suffer from chronic tension headaches, it can diminish your quality of life. For advanced chronic tension headache treatment and diagnosis in 2025, contact our team at Caliber Pain™ today.