Headaches are often minor issues that don’t last that long. Many people feel a little bit of pain, throbbing, or pressure, but the headache subsides after taking OTC painkillers. Unfortunately, many others suffer from chronic headaches that interfere with their daily lives. It’s a challenge to drive, work, or perform routine tasks. The debilitating symptoms of chronic headaches can significantly diminish a person’s quality of life.
Living with chronic pain of any kind is problematic. It doesn’t only disrupt your routine but can also indicate a serious medical condition. When it comes to headaches, your symptoms could be your body’s way of telling you that you’re experiencing increased stress or not getting enough sleep. You need to pay attention to these signs and talk to your doctor to discuss available treatments that could manage or alleviate your pain.
Common Types of Headaches
It’s normal to have a headache now and then. However, if you get headaches at least 15 days a month for more than three months, you might suffer from chronic daily headaches. They fall into two categories: short-lasting and long-lasting. Long-lasting headaches last more than four hours.
Types of long-lasting chronic daily headaches include:
Chronic Tension-Type Headaches
This type can affect both sides of your head. It typically causes a pressing or tightening feeling, and the pain can range from mild to moderate.
Chronic Migraines
People that have a history of episodic migraines could experience chronic migraines at some point in their lives. Common symptoms include:
- Throbbing, pulsating sensations
- Pain on one or both sides of the head
- Pain ranging from moderate to severe
- Light and sound sensitivity
- Nausea, vomiting, or both
Hemicrania Continua
Chronic headaches of this sort only affect one side of the head and continue consistently without periods of relief. The pain is usually moderate with random spikes of severe pain. These headaches can lead to symptoms similar to chronic migraines.
Additionally, many people experience at least one of these symptoms:
- One pupil narrowing or a drooping eyelid
- Eye redness or tearing on the side of the head affected
- Runny nose or nasal congestion
- Feelings of restlessness
New Daily Persistent Headaches
Symptoms will typically appear out of nowhere in people who don’t have a history of headaches. They can become persistent in as little as three days of the first time someone exhibits symptoms. Common symptoms include:
- Mild to moderate pain on both sides of the head
- A pressing or tightening pain, but not pulsating
- Symptoms similar to chronic tension-type headache or chronic migraine
If you think you’re suffering from chronic daily headaches, you should immediately make an appointment with your doctor. Only a qualified medical provider can evaluate your condition and determine an accurate diagnosis.
Possible Treatment Options for Daily Chronic Headaches
The pain management treatment that can work best for you will depend on the type of headaches you get. For some, medications work wonders for the pain and allow people to resume their everyday lives. However, others might benefit more from alternative forms of treatment, such as acupuncture.
It’s crucial to discuss all symptoms with your doctor so they can recommend a treatment plan to manage your pain or alleviate your symptoms effectively. The most common treatments for chronic headaches are:
- Over-the-counter painkillers
- Prescription medications
- Acupuncture
- Massage therapy
- Chiropractic adjustments and manual manipulation
- At-home remedies, such as meditation, to reduce stress
Sometimes, it becomes necessary to combine various forms of treatment to reach a patient’s desired results. You might need to take an anti-inflammatory drug while also attending regularly scheduled massage therapy appointments. It might take some trial and error before discovering which options alleviate your pain the most.
Contact Jersey Premier Pain Today
At Jersey Premier Pain, we understand the physical and emotional consequences of living each day in agonizing pain. Our team of experienced and compassionate healthcare professionals wants to find the right pain management solution to cure or alleviate your symptoms.
Call us at 201-386-8800 today and start your journey towards a happier and pain-free life.
Call Us: 201-386-8800 
