A headache is a nuisance. The deliberating pain, often directly behind your eyes, is more than just a nuisance, it can send you to bed or even slowly drive you insane.
But, for most speople, headaches are simply something that you get occasionally. It’s often attributed to stress or working too hard in the sun without staying hydrated
However, for some, the concern is greater, especially if you’re getting a headache every day. It’s time to take action.
The first thing to understand is that, despite medical advancements, the cause of headaches is often not obvious. The skull and brain tissue do not have nerves so cannot register pain, meaning they cannot be the source of your headache!
Of course, the blood vessels and tissues surrounding the brain can feel pain, as can your muscles and tissues in your neck, face, teeth, and even your scalp.
If you have any concerns regarding your headaches you should see a reputable brain surgeon to have the problem properly diagnosed and treated, if necessary.
Fortunately, in most cases, it is not something to be concerned about. You should only be concerned if one of the following applies:
- A pattern of headaches which develop after you’re 50
- A significant change in your usual headache pattern
- Extremely severe headaches which you don’t usually get
- Headaches accompanied by coughing or feel worse when you move
- Pain that gradually and consistently increases throughout the day
- Any head pain that prevents you from doing your normal daily routine
- Headaches that arrive out of the blue, particularly if you were asleep
- Any headache if you are a cancer patient
- Red-eye developing alongside a headache
- A change in your personality while the headache is happening
- A significant change in physical abilities due to the headache
In general, having a headache every day is not, in itself, a cause for concern.
Understanding Your Headaches
Research suggests that only 10% of headaches have an identifiable cause. These are usually the cases where the headache is a secondary symptom of another condition.
If your daily headache is accompanied by no other symptoms it is unlikely to be a sign of illness. This doesn’t necessarily make it easier to deal with.
Occasional headaches can easily be dealt with via the use of painkillers. But, using painkillers to deal with daily headaches leads to two issues:
- Building of tolerance to painkillers, making them less effective in the long-term
- The possibility of developing a headache addiction.
There are approximately 300 different types of headaches. It may not be possible to identify which one you have. But, even if your headache is unlikely to be something serious, when you’re getting them every day it is important to get a professional opinion. They can help to locate and eliminate the issue before it becomes depressing attempting to live with the pain.
Painkillers, relaxation methods, even meditation, can all help deal with the pain. But a doctor can help you find and eliminate the cause, that’s preferable.