To better understand tension headache, it helps to understand the anatomy of the neck and head.

The muscles of the upper back and neck are responsible for most muscle tension headaches. Most of these muscles originate in the upper back and attach to the back of the head. Tension headaches may also be caused by muscles of the face or jaw.

Neck anatomy examples:

• The muscles and bones of the neck
• The trapezius is a common cause of tension headache
• The splenius capitis is a common cause of tension headache

Face and jaw anatomy examples:

• Bones of the face and skull
• Muscles of the face
• The orbit
• The jaw