Overview:
Constant Headaches: We’ve all experienced the symptoms of headaches at some time throughout our life. Most of the time, they’re just minor inconveniences that can be alleviated with OTC (OTC) medications for pain.
But what happens if you have constant headaches that occur nearly every day?
Chronic headaches occur when you experience a headache for more than 15 days each month over a three-month period. Adults and children alike may endure chronic, or ongoing headaches. They can be chronic and cause problems with your everyday activities.
The phrase “chronic day headache” is quite broad and encompasses a number of different types of headaches that may be encountered on a daily basis:
A tension headache, that is like feeling like a band is placed over your head.
Migraines, which can appear to be a severely painful headache, that can happen on either or each side of the head. It can occur in conjunction with a set of symptoms referred to as an aura
Cluster headaches, which may occur intermittently over the course of weeks or even months, and may cause extreme pain on one side of your head, usually in the region around or behind the eye
Hemicrania perpetual, also known as the term used to describe a continuous, or everyday headache that is felt on the opposite side of your head. It could feel similar to a migraine
New daily persistent headache with headache-related discomfort that is sudden and is repeated each day, for several months with no relief
Learn more about the causes of constant headaches and the causes and the best way to control these headaches.
What are the other signs and symptoms of a Constant Headache?
The signs of a Constant headache can differ based on the kind of pain you are suffering from. The head pain could include:
- Both or one side of your head
- Feel like a pulsing, tense, or throbbing sensation
- The intensity varies from mild to extreme
Other symptoms:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating
- Sensitivity to light, sounds, or smells
- A runny nose or a stuffy nose
- Tears or redness of the eyes
- Lightheadedness
- Experiencing agitation or restlessness
These are the reason you may experience frequent headaches.
Constant Headache:
Doctors aren’t sure of the exact cause of headaches. One of the possible causes is or more among the above:
Trigeminal Nerve activation:
It’s a significant nerve found in your face and in your head. One of its main functions is to transmit sensory information from various tissues and structures within these regions into the brain. The stimulation of this nerve could cause symptoms of various types of headaches.
Muscle tension:
Tensing the muscles around the neck and the head may cause tension and eventually headache pain.
Hormones:
Increases in levels of specific hormones, including estrogen, can be linked to the onset of various kinds of headaches. For instance, natural fluctuations in the levels of estrogen could contribute to the rising incidence of migraine in females.
Genetics:
Although further research is required experts believe that genetics may impact your risk of being susceptible to specific types of headaches, specifically migraine.
Whatever the reason, it’s well-known that headaches can be caused by environmental or lifestyle circumstances.
A few examples include:
- Stress
- Sleep deprivation
- Missed meals
- Physical exertion
- Changes in the weather
- Caffeine or alcohol use
- Depression or feelings of anxiety
Certain types of medicines:
When pain medication is used to reduce headache pain, it can result in a continual headache. This is known as an overuse headache, also known as a headache that is a rebound.
The risk of developing this kind of headache if taking OTC or prescription pain medications more than three times per week, as per The National Institute of Neurological Disorders as well as Stroke.
Experts believe that continuous or chronic headaches are the result of an episodic disorder of headaches becoming a chronic condition. Although the causes of the change are not fully known, some of the potential risk factors that could trigger the change from episodic to chronic headaches include:
- The use of pain medications
- Obesity
- Disturbed sleep
- High caffeine intake
- Constant high-stress levels
Treatments for Constant Headaches:
There are a variety of treatments for chronic headaches. A doctor will consult with you to decide the best treatment for you. The treatment you receive will be based on the kind of headache that you’re experiencing.
Medical Treatment:
Medicines can be used to alleviate or treat constant headaches. If you are using too many OTC or prescription painkillers that cause constant headaches, your doctor may suggest you stop using this medication to stop the cycle of headaches.
The treatment for frequent headaches is designed to stop headaches from occurring. This may reduce the requirement for the use of painkillers. A few examples of medicines that could help in preventing constant headaches are:
- Antidepressant drugs, like Nortriptyline and Amitriptyline, are able to stop headaches and could assist in reducing depression or anxiety that can be caused by constant headaches.
- Antiseizure drugs, such as Gabapentin (Neurontin) and Topiramate (Topamax)
- Beta-Blockers, such as Propranolol (Inderal) along with Metoprolol (Lopressor)
- Botox injection can be injected with a neurotoxin that is made by the bacteria that cause botulism. (Botox could also be an option for those who don’t seem to be able to tolerate daily medications.)
In general, however, you should take the pain medication only when it is unbearable. This is due to the fact that they could result in medication overuse or rebound headaches.
Non-medication therapies:
Your doctor might recommend alternative therapies and possibly in conjunction with medicines.
Other non-medical therapies comprise:
Therapy:
Therapy is available by a professional in mental health either on your own or as a group. The therapy can assist you in better understanding the psychological effects of headaches, and also discuss strategies to manage them.
Biofeedback:
Biofeedback makes use of sensors to aid you in understanding and controlling your bodily functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension.
Nerve stimulation:
This technique involves the delivery of electrical impulses that stimulate nerves. Occipital nerve stimulation could assist with migraine, while vagus nerve stimulation could assist in the treatment of cluster headaches.
Acupuncture:
This therapy involves the insertion of tiny needles in specific areas of the body.
Massage:
Massage can help relax and relieve tension in the muscles.
Supplements:
Options like butterbur and feverfew can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
Lifestyle Changes:
A physician might suggest certain lifestyle changes to reduce your headaches. This could include things such as:
- Avoiding things that could cause headaches
- Be sure to have enough rest
- Try to eat your meals more often
- Managing weight when you’re an excess or obesity
- Looking for ways to reduce your stress levels
- Getting regular exercise
- Limiting or avoiding drinking alcohol or caffeine
- Quitting smoking
Takeaway:
Constant or chronic headaches occur when you experience headaches for more than 15 days in one month. Different types of headaches can develop into a constant state, including migraine headaches and tension headaches.
There are a variety of treatments are available for treating headaches on a regular basis. Consult a doctor regarding your symptoms in order to receive an accurate diagnosis and what treatment is the most efficient option for you.
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