Some information provided by the Mayo Clinic.

It’s common for people to experience headaches from time to time. However, if you have a headache more days than not, you may be experiencing chronic daily headaches. The incessant nature of chronic daily headaches makes them among the most disabling headaches. The Headache Center offers treatment that may reduce pain and lead to fewer headaches. Some headaches are mild and nagging while others can be severe and debilitating. Headache pain can lead to:

• Lost time at work
• Poor job performance
• Missed time with family and friends

By definition, chronic daily headaches occur 15 days or more a month, for at least three months. True (primary) chronic daily headaches aren’t caused by another condition. Headaches can be frustrating and difficult to treat and can be caused by a number of issues including:

• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Stress
• Medications
• Food allergies

Types of Headaches

• Migraine headaches
  Pain may be generalized, or on one side or both sides of the head
  Can cause mood swings, fatigue, food craving, nausea, vomiting or vertigo
  May also cause visual disturbances or sensitivity to light and sound, flashing lights or floaters
  Usually last 4-72 hours
• Tension headaches
  Usually occurs at the base of your head and is usually on both sides of your head
  Dull, vice-like pressure around the head
  Can be triggered by stress or muscle tension, poor ergonomics or body mechanics
  Can be intermittent and lasting throughout the day
• Cluster headaches
  Pain may affect the eye, temple, face and/or neck areas
  Sudden and excruciating pain that can happen at night waking you up from sleep
  May be accompanied with a runny nose on one side or nasal stuffiness
  May cause watering in one eye
  Can occur at the same time for several days
• Chronic daily headaches
  Daily or nearly daily headache for more than 3 months
• Medication overuse headaches
  Use of an analgesic more than 3 times weekly for more than 3 months
• Sinus Headache
  Pain or pressure occurring behind the brow bone or cheek bone
  Often accompanied with nasal or sinus congestion
  Ear fullness

Treatment

You should seek treatment if:

• Sudden onset of excruciating pain
• First or worst headache of your life
• Worsening pattern of headaches
• Fever associated with a headache
• Rapid onset of headache with strenuous exercise
• Any change in mental status or level of consciousness
• New headache in patients under 5 or over 50

Your doctor will likely examine you for signs of illness, infection or neurological problems. He or she will ask about your headache history. If the cause of your headaches remains uncertain, your doctor may order imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to look for an underlying medical condition. If you think you might be experiencing signs of chronic headaches or if you have any questions, contact us.

It’s time to take control of your health. Contact us if you think you might be experiencing signs of chronic headaches or if you have any questions.