An occasional headache can be very common. There are all kinds of reasons for an occasional headache. However, if you find that the next headache arrives with a frequency that’s becoming a nuisance; you may have what’s known as chronic headaches. Chronic headaches can range from a dull throbbing in your head to a debilitating migraine-level pain that keeps you down, and in bed.
Chronic headaches should never be ignored. Daily headaches can interfere with your work, cause you to overuse pain relievers, and prevent you from living a peaceful life. More often than not, headaches can be solved. You just need to get to the bottom of your headaches and seek treatment.
Dull, throbbing pain or intense, blinding pain is often experienced by those who suffer from chronic headaches. The type of pain can be an indicator of the kind of headache you have. Among the different types of headaches, the most common ones are:
Tension headaches: The most common headache among adults and teenagers. The common noticeable indicators are tenderness in the head, neck, and possibly shoulders.
Migraine: Migraine is a neurological condition and probably the most severe of chronic headaches. Most often occurs on one side of the head, can cause intense pain, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, noise, and smell.
Cluster headaches: Cluster headaches, more common in men compared to women, causes intense pain, usually around or behind one eye. They can come very suddenly; lasting from a few minutes to hours, and can occur multiple times a day.
Exertion headaches: Similar to migraine, those who suffer exertion headaches feel a throbbing throughout the head, or even intense pain. This type of headache is caused by strenuous physical activity or even bouts of coughing. Exertion headaches can last from a few hours to even a few days.
Hypnic headaches: More prevalent in adults over 50, hypnic headaches strike during sleep and cause to wake you up. The pain is felt on both sides of the head and can be mild to severe. You may experience sensitivity to light and sound, as well as nausea and vomiting. These headaches usually last no longer than a few hours, but attacks can happen daily.
Get help for headaches! Although most headaches might cause no permanent damage, the pain alone can disrupt your life. Don’t ignore your chronic headache.