Whether in the form of a dull ache, or pain so severe you have to stop and rest, headaches are frustrating and disruptive. Almost as maddening as the symptoms themselves is the struggle to pinpoint their cause.
For some people, headaches have an obvious trigger. But if you’re among those who can’t seem to identify a reason behind your chronic head pain, we’ve gathered some clues to help.
Investigating Chronic Head Pain Causes
Headaches are considered the most common form of pain people experience, often leading to absences from school or work. This is perhaps why they’re also one of the conditions doctors encounter most frequently. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean they’re always easy to diagnose. The challenge lies in the fact that there are many different types of headaches, as well as many possible contributing factors.
While the categories of headaches are numerous, here are a few of the most common:
- Cluster: Often characterized by a sharp pain in the eye, a cluster headache can be accompanied by congestion. Episodes can vary significantly in length and frequency, with some returning multiple times a day and others lingering for months.
- Tension: If your headache originates in your neck, and you experience tightness that moves upwards, it’s likely a tension headache. You may find that rest alleviates these symptoms.
- Migraine: The mother of all headaches, migraines produce a throbbing pain and are often accompanied by sensitivity to noise and light. You may experience nausea, and symptoms could persist for days.
Common Reasons for Headaches
Different types of headaches may have specific triggers. Keeping a journal of your symptoms, their severity, and your activities leading up to them might help determine if any of the factors below are contributing to your episodes.
Stress
Feeling the advance of a headache when you’re already in a stressful situation makes everything worse. But for 80% of people who experience migraines, stress is an unfortunate trigger for headaches. The most effective approach may be a proactive one: Aim to manage your stress through healthy relief practices, like meditation.
Insufficient Sleep
Researchers are finding an increased association between sleep issues and several types of headaches. While further studies are needed to better understand this relationship, one study found low levels of melatonin — a sleep-regulating hormone produced by the pineal gland — have been linked to migraines. If you suspect lack of sleep is a cause behind your chronic head pain, try sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding blue light exposure before bed, and keeping your bedroom cool and comfortable to encourage better rest.
Hormone Changes
Hormones and headaches often go hand-in-hand, especially for women. Nearly two-thirds of women who experience migraines report an onset of symptoms with their menstrual period. Further, changes in estrogen levels can lead to new or worsening headaches. From adolescence to pregnancy and menopause, many phases could intensify migraines for women. Your doctor can discuss treatment options such as NSAIDs, estrogen supplements, and magnesium, depending on your symptoms.
Environmental Triggers
For some people, loud noises, bright lights, or bold fragrances don’t just worsen headaches; they can bring them on, too. Smoke, humidity, and even cold weather have been linked to migraines, while people who experience cluster headaches often report symptoms during the change of seasons. Environmental triggers aren’t always avoidable, but identifying yours may help you limit your exposure or prepare with migraine medication.
Experiencing Chronic Headaches? Schedule an Appointment With Morgan Medical Center
Headaches are rarely serious, but your doctor can help you investigate the root cause of yours for more effective treatment and prevention. Allow our family medicine providers to assist with these and any other general health needs you may have. To schedule an appointment, call (706) 438-1275.