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Mild Headache (Tension-Type)

Most headaches are tension-type — a band of pressure that painkillers handle. But if you're reaching for those painkillers more days than not, they may be causing the headaches. At our Orleans pharmacy, a licensed pharmacist can assess your headache pattern, treat it correctly, and screen for medication-overuse headache and migraine. Free with your Ontario health card.

Tension-type headache is the most common headache: mild-to-moderate pain on both sides of the head, often a band of tightness across the forehead, sometimes extending into the neck and shoulders.

Tension headache, migraine, or medication overuse?

Unlike migraine, tension headache doesn't usually throb, isn't worsened by routine activity, and doesn't bring nausea or light sensitivity. Why does the distinction matter? Because treatment differs — and because using OTC pain relievers more than about 15 days a month (or caffeine/codeine combos more than 10) can create medication-overuse headache, a self-perpetuating cycle that affects frequent headache sufferers. Part of the pharmacist assessment is mapping your pattern and catching that cycle early.

Tension-type headache affects most adults at some point. The counterintuitive trap: treating headaches too often causes more headaches — medication-overuse headache develops with OTC analgesic use on 15+ days per month.

Common signs and symptoms

Dull, aching head pain on both sides — like a tight band
Pressure across the forehead or back of the head and neck
Tenderness in scalp, neck, or shoulder muscles
No nausea, and pain not worsened by walking or climbing stairs

Treatments our Orleans pharmacist can prescribe

For your information only: in Ontario, our pharmacist can assess this condition and, when appropriate, prescribe from the medications listed below. This information is provided for educational purposes — it is not an offer to sell. These are treatments that require a pharmacist assessment, and the right option is chosen for you.

Analgesics: Acetaminophen, Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), Ibuprofen, Naproxen

Self-care that helps

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve)
Limit pain relievers to under ~15 days a month to avoid medication-overuse headache
Rest, hydration, regular meals and sleep
Ease neck and shoulder tension — stretching, posture breaks, heat

Browse related over-the-counter options in our Mild Headache (Tension-Type) self-care collection, or ask us in store — our pharmacists will point you to what actually helps.

How the assessment works

1. Walk in or callNo appointment or referral needed. Drop by our pharmacy on St-Joseph Blvd in Orleans during opening hours, or call ahead.

2. Private consultationA licensed pharmacist reviews your symptoms, health history and medications in a short, private assessment.

3. Prescription in handIf appropriate, we prescribe and fill your treatment on the spot — you leave with what you need.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if it's migraine instead?

Migraine is typically one-sided, throbbing, worsened by activity, and accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. If your 'tension headaches' fit that picture, tell us — migraine benefits from different, specific treatment and we can point you to the right care.

What is medication-overuse headache?

A rebound cycle: frequent analgesic use (15+ days/month, or 10+ for caffeine/codeine products) gradually causes more headaches, which prompts more analgesics. The fix is a structured step-down — something we can help plan.

Can the pharmacist prescribe anything stronger?

For tension-type headache, evidence supports the standard analgesics — used correctly. The value of the assessment is confirming the headache type, optimizing dose and timing, and catching patterns that need a physician.

Is the pharmacist assessment covered by OHIP?

Yes. The minor ailment assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. You only pay for the medication itself if one is prescribed, and that is often covered by your drug plan.

Do I need an appointment at your Orleans pharmacy?

No. Walk-ins are welcome during all pharmacy hours — Monday to Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. You can also call 613-824-3111 ahead of your visit.

When to see a doctor instead: Seek emergency care for a sudden, severe 'worst headache of your life,' or headache with fever and stiff neck, confusion, seizures, weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking. See a physician promptly for a new or unusual headache, a changed pattern, headaches starting after age 50, or headaches more than 15 days a month.

Get ahead of the headache.

Skip the walk-in clinic wait. Our Orleans pharmacists assess and prescribe for tension headaches — free with your Ontario health card.

Call 613 · 824 · 3111 Hours & directions

Serving Orleans and east Ottawa — Fallingbrook, Avalon, Chapel Hill, Queenswood Heights, Blackburn Hamlet, Navan & Cumberland. 2746 St-Joseph Blvd, Unit 100, Orleans, ON K1C 1G5.