Tension Headaches

Information from Chicago’s leading tension headache treatment specialist. Four words no one should utter: “It’s just a headache.” At the Chicago Headache Center and Research Institute, we specialize in treatment and preventative measures for headaches of all kinds.

Frequent tension headaches don’t have to be part of your life.

A dull, aching pain. Tight neck and shoulder muscles. That feeling like someone is slowly tightening a band around your whole head. Even your scalp is sensitive to the touch.

Sound familiar?

If so, there’s a good chance you’re afflicted by episodic tension headaches or even chronic tension headaches.

Left untreated, severe cases of tension headaches can last for hours at a time and impact their victims’ lives on a near-everyday basis. That’s no way for anyone to live. 

Don’t make excuses or downplay it as “just a headache.” The experts at the Chicago Headache Center and Research Institute can help you leave those aches and pains in the past.

We’ve done it for these people and for many, many more:

Anna Militello
Anna Militello
2023-10-19
Excellent bedside manner. Very efficient, spends time listening to patient. Very caring and has same goal as patient, to assist to treat Migraines most effectively & quickly. So happy I was referred to Dr. Brad Torphy
Wendi ALONZO
Wendi ALONZO
2023-10-19
Dr. Torphy and all the staff are very friendly, caring and attentive. Dr. Torphy is very knowledgeable and concerned for my issues. It is always a pleasant experience when I have an appointment.
Katrina H.
Katrina H.
2023-10-19
Life changing. I started suffering from 24 hour Chronic tension headaches behind my eyes and forehead. They never went away and started in Jan. This staff changed my life. I am no longer having “when am I dying because i cant function like this?” Thoughts to getting my life back. Not thinking about them. Living!! The receptionist is the sweetest person. The doctor is Amazing!!! My PA is Amazing!!! I love them all
Cathy Chitwood
Cathy Chitwood
2023-10-16
Dr Torphy offers hope!
Gabrielle Noe
Gabrielle Noe
2023-10-12
Staff is just wonderful and Dr. Torphy is amazing!
Susie Elaine Bullock
Susie Elaine Bullock
2023-10-10
Dr Trophy is an amazing headache specialist! He’s always attending conferences and is up to date on the latest treatments! His bedside manner is unsurpassed. Dr Trophy listens well , is kind , compassionate and empathetic. He truly has his patients” best interests in mind! Dr Trophy is the best of the best! I rate him ten stars! He gave me a treatment plan that should help my chronic daily headaches! Thanks Dr Trophy ! I look forward to seeing improvements at my follow-ups! Thanks! Susie. Edited review .. follow up with Dr Torphy and I had a second appt. He was just as amazing and gave me a new course of action and I so appreciate Dr. Trophy’s expertise ! He’s such a great Dr.
Debbie Tralmer
Debbie Tralmer
2023-10-09
During my appointment with Dr Torphy, I felt heard. He took the time to understand my experiences and concerns and we have a plan that was explained thoroughly. It was a very good experience.
Alice Schane
Alice Schane
2023-10-04
Dr. Torphy and his staff are truly amazing.
Tracie
Tracie
2023-09-26
My first time at this office. The host was very kind. The doctor communicated very well, stating things multiple times and asking if I had any questions multiple times. I found the visit to be very calming and open. I felt able to talk about myself and my concerns and left feeling good and clear about the plan for my health going forward.
edy david
edy david
2023-09-21
Of the dozens of doctors I have visited, Dr. Torphy is among the best. His bedside manner is impeccable. Dr. Torphy's patience, caring and understanding underline his professionalism. As part of my recent initial treatment, he made a follow-up call -- a rarity among today's medical providers -- the following day to ensure my recovery. His high standards extend to staff, including Anne. After she brought me to the examination room during the previously mentioned appointment, Anne dimned the light to ease my dizziness. Dr. Torphy and staff are why I am getting better.

Learn about your triggers.

It’s understandable to focus on immediate tension headache relief, and at the Chicago Headache Center, we have many treatment options for your current pain.

It’s arguably even more important, however, to know what caused your tension headaches in the first place. Countless factors can trigger an episode, and we can’t know the optimal plan for tension headache treatment unless we learn the source of your pain.

Stress, diet and muscular tension can all be triggers. Limiting alcohol and caffeine, avoiding tobacco, exercise and a proper sleep schedule can all help to prevent tension headaches.

We’re experts when it comes to pinpointing triggers and formulating a plan to avoid tension headaches in the future.

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Get back on your feet, and back into your routine.

Just like a severe migraine, a bad tension headache can have you canceling plans with friends, skipping workouts and calling in sick to your job.

We aim not only to provide tension headache relief, but to prevent chronic attacks so you can stay on top of your professional game, get to the gym, catch that movie with friends, and experience all that the great city of Chicago has to offer.

An expert wholly dedicated tension headache treatment.

Dr. Brad Torphy has dedicated his entire professional career to learning about various types of headaches, their wide-ranging series of triggers, and the various methods not only achieving headache relief but preventing future instances.

You couldn’t put your quest for a tension headache remedy in better hands.

tension headache treatment

Frequently Asked Questions about tension headaches:

Tension headaches are the more common of the two. Tension headaches tend to cause moderate pain that can make your whole head feel as though it’s being squeezed by a tight band. Migraines can carry more severe, pulsing pain.

No one should have to live with either, and at the Chicago Headache Center, we pride ourselves on our ability to help our patients overcome both.

Absolutely. Tension headaches can be broken down into episodic or chronic – the latter of which can impact you for hours at a time, for more than 15 days every month.

Even episodic tension headaches can eventually develop into chronic cases, so if you’re in the need of even occasional tension headache relief, it’s best to contact an expert.

There’s a wide range of treatments. Some cases may be best-suited for medication. Other patients might benefit from vitamins and supplements, acupuncture, dietary changes or physical therapy.

Dr. Torphy is a headache expert who can help every patient determine their best course of treatment.

While any individual tension headache might be able to be resolved quickly, there’s no simple cure for chronic tension headaches.

There are many preventative measures that you can take to limit your tension headache frequency moving forward, however. We’d love to help start you down that path.

If you find yourself taking medication for headaches two, three, or even more times per week, you’re not doing all you can. You can take the power away from your pain, and that starts with a consultation from our tension headache relief experts.

Take your first step: schedule an appointment with Chicago Headache Center and Research Institute today!

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