What It Really Means When You Get Headaches Every Day

It's common for people to get headaches every once in a while. They may be triggered by dehydration, stress, or hormonal changes. Headaches that occur daily are not normal and may be caused by a variety of issues.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, doctors aren't sure what causes many of the headaches people can suffer from. There are over 300 types of headaches and only about 10% have a clear cause. Those include tension headaches, which feel like someone is squeezing both sides of your head, and migraines, which are severe headaches that are usually chronic. These headaches often have triggers, like stress or fatigue, that will vary from person to person.

Other types of headaches include those brought on by medication, sinus infections, cold foods, high blood pressure, or exercise. Some people may experience headaches because of these factors while others will not. You can usually determine your triggers by keeping track of when you get your headaches and what you were doing at the time.

Headaches can sometimes point toward an underlying health condition

If you get frequent headaches, you may be concerned that they are caused by a brain tumor or something else serious. This is usually not the case. However, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor about recurring discomfort, especially if you notice extreme pain or changes in your headache patterns (via Self). You should also contact your doctor if your headaches are significantly interfering with your daily life.

There are many treatment options for frequent headaches. If your doctor has determined a more serious issue isn't at play, they will probably prescribe medications to help prevent pain (via Healthline). These may include antidepressants, beta-blockers, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Other treatment options will be based on your headache triggers. These treatments may include therapy, acupuncture, biofeedback, or massages. Your doctor may recommend that you make lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, exercising more, or changing your diet if they believe these factors contribute to your headaches.