Experts in the treatment of tension type headache (TTH) are pointing to research that suggests muscles in the head and neck are a cause of TTH. It also says that many customers are dissatisfied with their treatment. According to the research, carried out by Nurofen Express, 40 per cent of customers experience headaches at least once a week, and 74 per cent wish they could manage their pain more effectively. The report – Rethinking Tension Headache – highlights the link between muscles and the onset of TTH, which is thought to be caused by trigger points or ‘knots’ in muscle groups.

The findings also reveal that 55 per cent of the 2,000 adults surveyed have never consulted a healthcare professional (HCP) about headache treatments, despite 53 per cent saying they would be happy for pharmacy staff to offer advice and support. Community pharmacist Dr Terry Maguire commented: “These findings illustrate the need for HCPs to intervene and offer advice to customers regarding their choice of medication.”