Headaches are one of the leading causes of chronic pain along with back pain and arthritis. A headache can seem like a daily, minor pain, but when these occur everyday they can disrupt your quality of life.
In order for a headache to be considered chronic it is usually present for at least 15-days out of the month for at least 3-months. Chronic headaches typically tend to come and go, but unfortunately they are present more often than not. There are over 300 types of headaches, but the most common types of headaches are migraines, cluster headaches and muscle tension headaches.
Migraines can cause both head pain in addition to other symptoms, which include visual disturbances, sensitivity to light and noise, nausea or a funny taste in the month. Researchers are still unclear the cause of migraine headaches, but believe they are neurologic in nature. More women tend to experience migraines than men and can be associated with "triggers" such as nitrates in meats/wine, weather changes or smells. These headaches can often last 24-hours.
Unlike migraines, tension headaches are believed to be caused by muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. Some believe they can also be caused from the pain control center in the spine receiving too much input from muscles in the head. A tension headache can cause both head pain and pain in the neck and shoulders.
Cluster headaches usually occur in short bursts over a period of time. It is not uncommon to experience one to eight headaches in a day. The attacks usually last 30-minutes to an hour and are more likely to affect middle-aged men, particularly those who smoke.
Headaches can be treated with a combination of therapies which include, medication, complementary and alternative treatments, along with lifestyle, and nutrition changes. Many people find relief from chronic headache pain with medication and therapies which include:
Daily life with chronic headaches can be challenging. Keeping a diary to identify trends and triggers can be helpful as you and your provider create a treatment plan uniquely tailored to you.
If you have been experiencing chronic headaches, call our office today to learn more about your treatment options.
