Plagued by Chronic Headaches? It Could Be More Than Just a Migraine

Millions of Americans experience chronic headaches that make it difficult to work, exercise, and perform other daily activities. While everyone experiences an occasional headache, those that occur on a near-daily basis make identifying the cause essential.

Many people assume their chronic headaches are migraines or closely related to migraines, but headaches can occur for many reasons. Educating yourself about potential causes can help you determine when to seek professional help and how to find relief.

At Hudson Specialty Care, with offices in Cliffside Park, Elizabeth, and Edison, New Jersey, and in Manhattan in New York City, our team of interventional pain management specialists regularly treats chronic headaches.

Read on to learn more about chronic headaches, what causes them, and when to ask a doctor for help.

What counts as a chronic headache?

Headaches are considered chronic when they occur 15 or more days each month for at least three months. Although chronic headaches have many causes, studies suggest they affect 3%-5% of adults and more commonly affect women than men.

Without professional treatment, many patients find they must scale back on activities such as work and spending time with friends. The good news is that with the right diagnosis and treatment, you can reduce the number of headache days per month and return to your routine.

Common causes of chronic headaches

One of the most common causes of chronic headaches is migraine, a complex neurological disorder. Migraine headaches typically cause throbbing pain on one side of the head and occur with other symptoms, such as visual disturbances or increased sensitivity to light and sound.

Migraine triggers include certain foods, smells, and environmental factors, like smoke. They typically take several hours to improve and can strike at any time.

Other causes of chronic headaches include:

Tension headaches, from stress, poor posture, or muscle strain
Sinus headaches, from congestion or an upper respiratory infection
Cervicogenic headaches, from musculoskeletal issues (e.g., herniated disc, whiplash)
Medication overuse, taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication too often
Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), from jaw clenching or teeth grinding
Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and insomnia
High blood pressure or other vascular issues
Hormonal imbalances

Because these conditions can trigger ongoing headaches, pay attention to other symptoms. If your headaches occur alongside neurological symptoms, such as difficulty speaking or loss of balance, or if the pain gets worse, don’t wait to get screened.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of complications and help minimize the frequency of your headaches.

How we diagnose chronic headaches

Diagnosing chronic headaches is a multistep process that includes physical and neurological exams, and in some cases, diagnostic imaging.

To ensure we get a full picture of your situation, we review your health records and ask about your headaches, including their frequency, intensity, and whether certain triggers, such as light exposure or environmental factors, seem to bring them on.

We also check for symptoms that may point to underlying neurological issues. We may order a CT scan or MRI to check for tumors, aneurysms, or other issues that could explain your headaches.

How we treat chronic headaches

Treatment for chronic headaches typically includes a combination of lifestyle changes, prescription medication, and complementary therapies. Depending on your needs, we may recommend:

Beta blockers to help prevent migraines and manage blood pressure
Anti-seizure medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Botox® injections for neurological-based headaches
Acupuncture
Biofeedback
Regenerative stem cell therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
Spravato®, a nasal spray that can help relieve migraines and other chronic headaches
Massage
Stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or talk therapy
Eating a nutritious, balanced diet
Avoiding alcohol and other substances that may trigger headaches

Some people find immediate relief with treatment. If you don’t, be patient, follow your provider’s instructions, and attend your scheduled appointments.

We can help you manage chronic headaches

If you struggle because of chronic headaches, partnering with a pain management specialist who can pinpoint the underlying cause may provide peace of mind. To get started, schedule an appointment by phone or online today at the Hudson Specialty Care office nearest you.