The most common cause of headaches in children is the same as for adults – soft tissue contraction in the neck, shoulders and head.  Poor posture, stress at school or at home, anxiety, and depression can affect soft tissue which contracts and produces headaches in young people.  Poor posture is a most common cause of muscle tension and resulting headaches. Repetitive actions such as playing a video game for a long period of time or working

on a computer with the head tilted down can bring tension/contraction headaches. As with any chronic headache pain, a medical evaluation should be the first step.

Headaches in young children are sometimes difficult to identify, because the child may not be able to explain what he or she is feeling. Children 10 and older are the most likely to experience headaches caused by stress and the resulting soft tissue contraction. These headaches are often described as a tight band around the head, or a soreness or tightness in the neck muscles.

Prevention may be as important as treatment in relieving a child’s headache pain. 

Teaching a child to sleep on his or her back with only one pillow under the neck will keep the lower spine flat to the mattress for good support and less stress. A roll under the knees is also beneficial. While children generally move about in their sleep, a roll about 36 inches in length will help keep the child from turning onto his or her side or stomach.

Sitting posture is also important, especially with the long hours children spend at a desk in school or at home doing homework. Good posture habits learned in the early years can help prevent posture-related headaches through the adult years.