Types of Chronic Headache

Most people suffer from a headache at one time or another. We generally take medication, get some rest or ride it out until the pain passes. For others, headache pain becomes a recurring problem that occurs at least half of the time. These people are dealing with a chronic headache condition that can be challenging to live with on many different levels. The consistent pain can make it difficult to concentrate and get through a day at work or home and it can affect you psychologically, keeping you from the activities and people you enjoy. Because a chronic headache can affect you in many negative ways, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about the type of chronic headache you might be dealing with and the best methods of treatment for your situation.

Chronic Migraine Headache
The migraine is one of the most common and debilitating types of chronic daily headaches. The pain of these headaches is often accompanied by vision disturbances, nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. They can be the result of genetics, particularly when they occur in children. They can also be caused by migraine triggers, like alcohol, certain foods, smoking or stress. If migraines are the type of chronic headache that you suffer with, your doctor has treatment options available that can effectively manage your condition and offer you many more pain free days.

Tension Headaches
Chronic tension-type headaches can be somewhat to migraines in the sense that they are often accompanied by nausea or sensitivity to sound or light. However, unlike migraines, this type of chronic headache is the result of tension that often originates in the muscles of the neck and works its way up to both sides of the head. You may also feel discomfort in the neck and shoulder area. While these types of headaches are rarely severe, the constant pain can be difficult to deal with. Many find that attacking the source of the tension will help relieve the discomfort, whether that means a visit to the chiropractor or gym, or a few simple lifestyle choices that reduce your stress level.

While there are other types of chronic headache, these are the two most common, and the first ones that doctors will look at when making an accurate diagnosis of your condition. Both of these chronic daily headache types can look similar in terms of frequency and symptoms, but each comes from a different cause and will respond to different treatment options. If you are suffering from headaches more than 15 days out of every month, talk to your doctor about the cause and possible treatment choices for your chronic headache condition today.