It’s common to experience a headache now and then. Most people will have a headache occasionally, perhaps brought on by stress, dehydration, or a long day. However, if you find yourself asking “Why Does My Head Hurt Everyday,” it’s crucial to understand that this is not normal and could indicate a more significant underlying issue. Experiencing headaches more days than not might point to chronic daily headaches, a condition encompassing various types of headaches, many of which can be significantly debilitating and impact your quality of life.
Chronic daily headaches are defined as headaches that occur 15 days or more per month, for a period lasting longer than three months. If this sounds familiar, it’s important to understand the potential causes and seek appropriate medical advice.
There are generally four primary categories of chronic daily headaches:
Types of Chronic Daily Headaches
Understanding the different types of chronic daily headaches is the first step in figuring out “why does my head hurt everyday” and finding effective relief. Each type presents with distinct characteristics:
Chronic Migraine Headaches
Chronic migraines are often characterized by intense throbbing pain that can affect one or both sides of the head. The pain associated with chronic migraines is typically moderate to severe and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia). These headaches can significantly disrupt daily activities and make it difficult to function normally.
Chronic Tension Headaches
Chronic tension headaches are the most common type of headache and often feel like a constant pressure or tightening around the head, as if a band is squeezing it. The pain is usually mild to moderate and typically affects both sides of the head. Unlike migraines, tension headaches are less likely to cause nausea or vomiting. Many people describe the pain as pressing or tightening, rather than throbbing.
New Daily Persistent Headaches (NDPH)
New daily persistent headaches are unique because they start suddenly, often in individuals who don’t have a history of headaches. The onset is memorable, with people often recalling the exact day their headache began. NDPH usually affects both sides of the head, causing a pressing or tightening pain that is mild to moderate in intensity. The persistent nature and sudden onset are key features of this type of headache.
Hemicrania Continua
Hemicrania continua is a continuous headache that always affects only one side of the head. Unlike other chronic daily headaches, hemicrania continua is characterized by its continuous nature, with no pain-free periods. Individuals with this type of headache experience a baseline level of pain with occasional sharp spikes of severe pain. A key diagnostic feature of hemicrania continua is its responsiveness to a specific prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug called Indocin (indomethacin). Furthermore, hemicrania continua is often associated with at least one of the following symptoms on the affected side of the head:
- Tearing or redness of the eye.
- Nasal congestion or a runny nose.
- Drooping eyelid or narrowing of the pupil (Horner’s syndrome).
- A sense of restlessness or agitation.
What Could Be Causing Your Daily Headaches?
Pinpointing the exact cause of “why does my head hurt everyday” can be challenging. The reasons behind chronic daily headaches are not fully understood, but several conditions and factors are believed to play a role. These can range from underlying medical conditions to lifestyle factors. Some potential causes include:
- Blood Vessel Issues: Inflammation or other problems affecting the blood vessels in and around the brain can contribute to chronic headaches. These vascular issues can disrupt normal blood flow and trigger pain signals.
- Stroke: A stroke occurs when blood vessels in the brain become blocked, reducing blood supply. This can lead to various neurological symptoms, including chronic daily headaches.
- Infections: Certain infections, such as meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord), can cause persistent headaches.
- Intracranial Pressure Imbalances: Both high and low pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord) can result in chronic headaches.
- Brain Tumors: Although less common, brain tumors can cause persistent headaches as they grow and put pressure on surrounding brain tissues.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Head injuries, even seemingly minor ones, can sometimes lead to the development of chronic daily headaches that persist long after the initial injury.
- Medication Overuse: Paradoxically, overuse of pain medications, especially over-the-counter pain relievers, can lead to a condition called medication overuse headache (MOH), also known as rebound headache. Regular use of pain relievers can alter pain pathways in the brain, making headaches more frequent and severe.
How to Prevent or Reduce Daily Headaches
While the precise causes of chronic daily headaches are not always clear, research suggests several preventive measures and lifestyle adjustments that can help reduce their frequency and intensity. If you are asking “why does my head hurt everyday,” consider incorporating these strategies:
- Identify and Avoid Headache Triggers: Keeping a headache diary can be incredibly helpful. Track potential triggers such as specific foods, drinks, activities, environmental factors (weather changes, strong smells), and stress levels. Once you identify your triggers, try to avoid them as much as possible. Common headache triggers include aged cheeses, processed meats, caffeine withdrawal, alcohol, and skipping meals.
- Medication Management: Be mindful of your medication use. Overuse of headache medications, even over-the-counter ones, can worsen headaches. Limit the use of pain relievers to less than two or three days per week, unless specifically directed by your doctor. If you believe you are experiencing medication overuse headaches, consult your doctor about gradually and safely weaning off these medications.
- Prioritize Sleep: Adequate and consistent sleep is crucial for overall health and headache prevention. Aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night. Maintain a regular sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up around the same time every day, even on weekends. If you have sleep problems like insomnia or sleep apnea, seek medical evaluation and treatment.
- Maintain Regular Meals and Healthy Diet: Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast. Eat regular, balanced meals throughout the day to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Dehydration can also trigger headaches, so drink plenty of water throughout the day. Consider adopting a healthy dietary pattern rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve both physical and mental well-being and can be an effective stress reducer, which in turn can help prevent headaches. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Choose activities you enjoy, such as walking, swimming, cycling, or dancing, after getting your doctor’s approval, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
- Stress Reduction Techniques: Stress is a significant headache trigger for many people. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine. Effective methods include yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, tai chi, mindfulness practices, and spending time in nature.
- Caffeine Awareness: Caffeine can be a double-edged sword when it comes to headaches. While caffeine is found in some headache medications to enhance their effectiveness, it can also aggravate headaches or trigger withdrawal headaches if consumed in large amounts and then reduced or stopped abruptly. Be mindful of your caffeine intake from coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks. If you suspect caffeine is contributing to your headaches, try gradually reducing your consumption.
When Should You Seek Medical Help for Daily Headaches?
Occasional headaches are usually not a cause for concern. However, if you are experiencing daily headaches or frequently asking “why does my head hurt everyday,” it’s essential to know when to seek professional medical advice. Consult a doctor if you:
- Experience headaches two or more times per week regularly.
- Need to take pain relievers for your headaches on most days.
- Find that over-the-counter pain medications are no longer effective or you need to exceed the recommended dose for relief.
- Notice a change in the pattern of your headaches, or if they become more severe or frequent.
- Find that your headaches are disabling and interfere with your daily life, work, or personal activities.
Seek immediate medical attention if your headache:
- Is sudden and severe, often described as a “thunderclap” headache.
- Is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking.
- Occurs after a head injury, even if it seems minor initially.
- Worsens despite rest and taking pain medication.
Get The Care You Need
If you experience a sudden, severe headache accompanied by any of the emergency symptoms listed above, call emergency services immediately. For more common chronic daily headaches, it’s crucial to schedule an appointment with your doctor for proper diagnosis and management. If you don’t have a primary care physician, reach out to a healthcare provider to get connected with appropriate medical care and start addressing “why does my head hurt everyday.”
