Chronic Daily Headaches

Many people get headaches occasionally. However, if you have headaches most days, you might have a condition called chronic daily headaches.

Chronic daily headaches aren't one particular type of headache. Instead, they're a group of different kinds of headaches. "Chronic" means the headaches happen frequently and last for a long time.

Because chronic daily headaches happen so often, they can really interfere with daily life. Treating them early and effectively, and then managing them consistently over time, can help reduce the pain and make the headaches less frequent.

Chronic daily headaches are headaches that happen 15 or more days a month for over three months. These headaches aren't caused by another medical problem. They come in different types, some lasting only a short time, and others that are persistent.

Long-lasting chronic daily headaches usually last for more than four hours. They include:

• Chronic migraine: These headaches can affect one or both sides of your head and feel like a throbbing or pulsing pain, ranging from moderate to severe. They often cause nausea, vomiting, or both, and are usually sensitive to light and sound.

• Chronic tension-type headache: These headaches typically affect both sides of the head and cause a mild to moderate, pressing or tightening pain (not throbbing).

• New daily persistent headache: These headaches start suddenly, usually in people who haven't had headaches before. They become constant within three days of the first headache and are typically a mild to moderate pressing or tightening pain, often on both sides of the head. They sometimes have features of chronic migraine or tension headaches.

• Hemicrania continua: These headaches primarily affect only one side of the head and are constant, with no pain-free periods. The pain is moderate but can have intense spikes. They often respond well to a medication called indomethacin (Indocin). As they progress, they can sometimes develop migraine-like symptoms. Hemicrania continua headaches are frequently accompanied by one or more of these symptoms on the affected side: watering or redness of the eye, a stuffy or runny nose, drooping eyelid, or a narrowed pupil. A feeling of restlessness is also sometimes reported.

When to See a Doctor:

Most headaches don't need medical attention. However, if you experience headaches frequently, you should talk to your doctor if:

• You have two or more headaches a week.
• You take pain relievers for headaches most days.
• You need more than the recommended dose of over-the-counter pain medication to relieve your headaches.
• Your headache pattern changes or gets worse.
• Your headaches are significantly interfering with your daily life.

Urgent Medical Care:

Seek immediate medical attention if your headache:

• Is sudden and severe.
• Comes with a fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizure, double vision, weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking.
• Follows a head injury.
• Gets worse despite rest and pain medication.

It's important to remember that this information is for general knowledge only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have concerns about headaches, always consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Headaches are a common experience, and many are easily managed at home. Most headaches don't need a doctor's visit. But there are times when you should see a doctor.

You should make an appointment if:

• You get headaches frequently: If you have two or more headaches a week, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor.
• You rely on pain relievers too much: If you take pain medicine for headaches most days, it might be worth checking in with your doctor. Taking too much pain medicine can sometimes actually make headaches worse.
• You need extra medicine: If you need more than the recommended dose of over-the-counter pain relief to get rid of your headaches, it's a sign you should talk to your doctor.
• Your headaches change: If your headaches start happening more often, are getting worse, or are different than usual, it's important to see a doctor.
• Your headaches are very bothersome: If your headaches are so bad they make it hard to do your daily activities, you should see a doctor.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have a:

• Sudden, intense headache: A headache that comes on quickly and is very severe could be a sign of a serious problem.
• Headache with other symptoms: If your headache is accompanied by fever, a stiff neck, confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness, or trouble speaking, get medical help right away. These are all signs that something more serious might be happening.
• Headache after a head injury: If you've had a bump or blow to the head and then get a headache, seek medical attention promptly.
• Headache that doesn't get better: If your headache continues even after resting and taking pain medicine, it's important to see a doctor.

Remember, this information is for general knowledge and doesn't replace advice from a healthcare professional. Always talk to your doctor about any health concerns.

Many everyday headaches that last a long time are still a mystery to doctors. Some of these, called "primary" chronic headaches, don't seem to have a clear reason behind them.

However, there are other medical conditions that can cause chronic headaches. These aren't the "primary" kind. These conditions can involve:

• Problems with blood vessels near the brain: Things like inflammation or even a stroke can cause headaches.
• Infections: Infections like meningitis can lead to headaches.
• Brain tumors: A brain tumor can cause a persistent headache.
• Head injuries: A traumatic brain injury can sometimes result in chronic headaches.

Sometimes, chronic headaches develop in people who already get occasional headaches, like migraines or tension headaches. Taking too much pain medicine can also trigger this type of chronic headache. If you're taking pain relievers, even over-the-counter ones, more than twice a week (or more than nine days a month), you could be at risk of developing a headache that's caused by taking too much medicine. This is called a "medication overuse headache."

Several things can make you more likely to get frequent headaches. These include:

• Being a woman: Women are more prone to headaches than men. This difference may be due to a combination of hormonal factors and other biological influences.

• Feeling anxious: Anxiety and stress can trigger headaches. When you're stressed, your body releases chemicals that can tighten the muscles in your head and neck, leading to pain.

• Trouble sleeping: Lack of sleep or poor sleep quality can make you more susceptible to headaches. Getting enough rest is important for overall health, including headache prevention.

• Carrying extra weight: Obesity is linked to a higher risk of headaches. Extra weight puts extra strain on your neck and head, potentially contributing to pain.

• Loud night breathing (snoring): Snoring, especially if it's severe, can disrupt sleep and lead to headaches. It can also contribute to breathing problems during sleep, which might be a factor.

• Too much caffeine: Drinking too much caffeine can cause headaches, especially if you suddenly stop. Your body can become dependent on caffeine, and then withdrawal can result in headaches.

• Taking too many headache pills: Using pain relievers for headaches too often can actually create a cycle where you need more and more medicine to get relief. This can lead to more frequent or more intense headaches.

• Other health issues: Having other chronic pain conditions, like arthritis or back pain, can also increase your chances of getting headaches. These other conditions can put extra stress on your body, which might trigger headaches.

People who frequently experience daily headaches are more likely to also struggle with depression, anxiety, trouble sleeping, and other mental and physical health issues. This means that headaches aren't just a pain in the head; they can be a sign of underlying problems that affect overall well-being. If you're experiencing chronic daily headaches, it's important to talk to a doctor. They can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment for both the headaches and any related conditions.

Managing Chronic Headaches: Simple Steps for Relief

Chronic daily headaches can be tough to deal with, but taking care of yourself can make a big difference. Here are some practical ways to potentially ease your headaches:

1. Identify Your Headache Triggers:

Keeping a headache journal is a helpful tool. Write down details about each headache, including when it started, what you were doing, how long it lasted, and what you ate or drank before and during the headache. This record can help you pinpoint specific things that seem to trigger your headaches. These triggers could be foods, drinks, activities, or even stress levels. Once you know your triggers, you can consciously avoid them.

2. Avoid Medication Overuse:

Taking pain relievers for headaches more than twice a week can actually make your headaches worse and more frequent. Taking too many pain relievers can create a cycle where you need more and more to get relief. Talk to your doctor about gradually reducing your use of these medications. This is crucial because stopping abruptly can have side effects. Your doctor can help you create a safe and effective plan to reduce your reliance on these medications.

3. Prioritize Sleep:

Most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Try to establish a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up around the same time each day. If you're experiencing sleep problems, like snoring, talk to your doctor. Poor sleep can definitely worsen headaches.

4. Maintain a Healthy Diet:

Eating healthy meals at regular times is important for overall health and can help with headaches. Notice if certain foods or drinks, like those with caffeine, seem to trigger your headaches. If you are overweight, losing weight can also help reduce headache frequency. A balanced diet can significantly improve your health and help manage headaches.

5. Incorporate Regular Exercise:

Regular physical activity, like walking, swimming, or cycling, is beneficial for both your physical and mental well-being, and it can reduce stress. Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts to avoid injury. Find activities you enjoy, and make exercise a regular part of your routine.

6. Manage Stress:

Stress is a common headache trigger. Try to organize your life, simplify your schedule, and plan ahead to reduce stress. Positive thinking and stress-reduction techniques like yoga, tai chi, or meditation can be very helpful. Learning to manage stress is an important step in preventing headaches.

7. Reduce Caffeine:

While some headache medications contain caffeine to ease pain, too much caffeine can actually worsen headaches for some people. Try to minimize or eliminate caffeine from your diet to see if this helps reduce your headaches. Pay attention to how caffeine affects you.

Your doctor will check for signs of illness, infection, or problems with your nervous system. They'll also want to know about any headaches you've had in the past. If the cause of your headaches isn't clear, your doctor might suggest tests like a CT scan or MRI. These tests look for any hidden medical issues that could be causing the headaches.

Mayo Clinic doctors are experts in treating chronic, everyday headaches. They offer compassionate care and support. To learn more about getting help for your headaches at Mayo Clinic, please visit [link to Mayo Clinic information].

To help diagnose your headaches, your doctor may use the following tests:

• CT scan: A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed images of your brain and surrounding structures. It can help find tumors, blood clots, or other abnormalities.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain and spinal cord. It's often used to identify soft tissue problems that a CT scan might miss.
• EEG (Electroencephalogram): An EEG measures the electrical activity in your brain. It can help detect seizures or other neurological problems that might be causing your headaches.
• Urinalysis: This test examines your urine to check for possible infections or other medical conditions that could be linked to your headaches.

If you're experiencing chronic daily headaches, Mayo Clinic offers specialized care.

Dealing with Frequent Headaches: Treatment and Coping Strategies

Frequent headaches can significantly impact your daily life. Sometimes, a hidden medical problem is the cause. If doctors find no underlying condition, treatment focuses on preventing future headaches.

Preventing headaches involves several strategies, depending on the type of headache and whether you overuse pain relievers. If you take pain medication more than three times a week, reducing this use with your doctor's help is often the first step.

Once you're ready, your doctor might suggest these prevention methods:

• Medications:
  • Anti-seizure drugs: Certain anti-seizure medications, like topiramate (Topamax), divalproex sodium (Depakote), and gabapentin (Neurontin), may help prevent migraines and chronic daily headaches.
  • NSAIDs: Prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen sodium (Anaprox) can be helpful, particularly while reducing other pain medication use. They can also be taken when headaches are severe.
  • Botulinum toxin (Botox): Botox injections can be effective for some people, especially those with chronic migraine-like headaches who don't respond well to other daily medications.

Sometimes, using just one medication is enough. If a single medication doesn't work well enough, your doctor might combine different ones.

• Complementary and Alternative Therapies:
  • Acupuncture: This ancient Chinese technique involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body. Studies show mixed results, but some people find it helpful in reducing the frequency and intensity of chronic headaches.
  • Biofeedback: This involves learning to control your body's responses, like muscle tension, heart rate, and temperature, to help manage headaches.
  • Massage Therapy: Massage can reduce stress and promote relaxation, possibly easing headaches, especially if you have tight muscles in your neck, shoulders, or head.
  • Herbs, Vitamins, and Minerals: Some herbs, like feverfew and butterbur, and certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B2 (riboflavin), may help prevent or lessen migraines. Coenzyme Q10 and magnesium supplements might also help some people, though research isn't conclusive. It's crucial to talk to your doctor before starting any of these supplements, and to avoid certain ones if you're pregnant.
  • Electrical stimulation of the occipital nerve: This newer technique involves surgically implanting a device near the occipital nerve in the neck to send electrical impulses to reduce pain. This is still considered experimental.

It's important to discuss any complementary or alternative therapy with your doctor before trying it. This helps you understand the potential risks and benefits, as well as whether it's a good choice for you.

Coping with Chronic Headaches:

Living with chronic headaches can be difficult, but you can take steps to manage the challenges:

• Take control: Develop a treatment plan with your doctor and actively work to maintain a fulfilling life. Take care of yourself by doing things that make you feel better.
• Communicate: Discuss your needs with friends and family. Let them know how you're feeling and what you need from them.
• Connect with others: Support groups can offer valuable connections with others experiencing similar challenges.
• Consider therapy: A therapist or counselor can offer emotional support and strategies for managing stress and the psychological impact of chronic pain. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown promise in reducing headache frequency and severity.

Remember, it's crucial to work closely with your doctor to find the best treatment plan for your specific headaches.

Dealing with chronic daily headaches can be tough, impacting your work, relationships, and overall well-being. But you can take steps to manage the challenges and reclaim a fulfilling life.

First, work closely with your doctor to create a personalized treatment plan. This plan should address your specific needs and symptoms. It's crucial to actively participate in this process.

Taking good care of yourself is essential. Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax. This could be anything from a relaxing bath to spending time in nature. Finding healthy ways to manage stress is vital.

Don't hesitate to reach out to friends and family, but also be clear about what you need. Chronic headaches can be isolating, so it's important to communicate your needs. Perhaps you need some quiet time, or you'd appreciate less focus on your headaches from those around you. Communicating these needs directly will help those around you understand.

Support groups can offer valuable connections with others who understand what you're going through. Sharing experiences and strategies with people facing similar challenges can be incredibly helpful. Learning from others' coping mechanisms can give you new insights.

Consider therapy or counseling. A therapist can provide support and guidance in managing stress, which is often linked to headaches. They can also help you understand how your headaches might affect your mental health. Some types of therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), have been shown to help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Remember, taking control of your situation is key. Be proactive in seeking support and making lifestyle adjustments. Your well-being is important, and you deserve to live a full and satisfying life, even with chronic headaches.