Chronic headaches are persistent and recurring head pains that occur over an extended period. They can last for more than 15 days a month.
There are several factors that may lead to the development of chronic headaches. However, the key contributors include; stress, muscle tension, eye strain, dehydration, poor posture, or underlying health conditions like migraines, medication overuse, or even certain foods.
Patients are advised to treat chronic headaches if the condition begins to disrupt their daily life, impact work, mood, and overall well-being. In this guide, we will discuss some of the best treatment options to stop chronic headaches. We will also explain which specialist to see for chronic headaches treatment and when to see them. But first;
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Do Chronic Daily Headaches go away?
If you do not fancy getting into a chronic headaches treatment plan, a common question that could be bugging you is this one; is it normal to constantly have headaches every day? Or, do chronic headaches ever go away without treatment? Here’s the answer;
To begin with, it is not normal to constantly have headaches every day. While occasional headaches are common, persistent daily headaches like New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH) is not normal. NDPH is an unpredictable condition that happens as a result of unknown reasons. It causes headaches which are unresponsive to typical treatments.
These headaches persist incessantly, and can last for years or indefinitely for some patients. Considering the fact that chronic headaches can significantly impact your quality of life, your best bet is to seek timely medical attention to rule out any underlying causes and explore tailored treatments.
That said, although chronic headaches might not always go away without treatment, proper diagnosis and targeted management can significantly alleviate symptoms. A tailored treatment plan could be all you need to get that much-needed relief and get back on track.
How do I Stop Getting Headaches every day?
One of the main reasons why many people seek chronic headaches treatment is their debilitating nature and the extent at which they can affect your daily activities. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise that many people search online; “how do I stop getting headaches every day?” The good news is that there are several options for stopping chronic headaches.
If you’re working with a specialist like a neurologist for chronic headaches treatment, they will fist attempt to identify and address any underlying condition that could be causing the headache. In most cases, this approach significantly reduces the frequency of headaches.
In instances where no specific condition is found, preventing pain becomes the primary goal. The treatment methods often start with gradually reducing the use of pain relievers if they are being consumed more than three days a week, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
When initiating preventive therapy, your doctor might suggest several approaches tailored to the type of headache experienced and the potential contribution of medication overuse. These strategies include;
- Getting on Anti-Seizure Medications: Certain anti-seizure drugs, like topiramate, divalproex sodium, and gabapentin, have shown effectiveness in preventing migraines. So, they may also be beneficial in managing chronic daily headaches.
- Using Beta Blockers: Beta blockers are often used to manage high blood pressure. Options like atenolol, metoprolol, and propranolol have been found to be helpful in preventing episodic migraines. So, they can potentially help with daily headaches as well.
- Using NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): Prescription NSAIDs such as naproxen sodium might aid in headache prevention. This is especially true during the phase of transitioning from other pain relievers. They can also be used intermittently for more severe headaches.
- Getting Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections: Injections of onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) may provide relief for some individuals needing chronic headaches treatment. This is particularly true for those who may not tolerate daily medications well, mainly when chronic migraines are predominant.
- Using Antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline can be beneficial in treating chronic headaches. These medications can also address accompanying issues like depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances commonly associated with chronic daily headaches.
While other antidepressants, such as SSRIs like fluoxetine, might assist in managing depression and anxiety, they haven’t shown greater efficacy compared to placebos in headache treatment. Typically, it’s preferred to use a single drug for treatment. However, if the initial medication doesn’t sufficiently alleviate symptoms, you may need to combine drugs but under careful medical supervision.
Which Doctor to Consult for Continuous Headache?
To begin with, you should see a specialist for a thorough assessment and chronic headaches treatment if your headaches are severe, persist continuously for more than a couple of days, suddenly escalate, worsen with exertion, commence early in the day, or lead to changes in vision or seizures.
These signs might indicate underlying conditions that demands for a thorough assessment by a specialist before getting on any chronic headaches treatment plan. A skilled provider cannot only conduct comprehensive evaluations to discern potential triggers, but also offer a tailored treatment plan for managing chronic headaches effectively.
If you’ve made the decision to find a specialist for chronic headaches treatment you may also wonder, which doctor to consult for continuous headaches? Well, there are so many options when it comes to the doctors to consult for continuous headaches but the neurologist is in many cases, the best option.
This is largely due to their specialized knowledge in the nervous system, which includes the brain and related organs. Their in-depth understanding of potential neurological causes of headaches and various types allows for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.
If you visit a neurologist for a chronic headaches treatment, you can expect them to firstly conduct thorough evaluations to pinpoint specific triggers and potential underlying conditions causing chronic headaches. With this expertise, they offer comprehensive approaches which may include medications, lifestyle adjustments, or advanced therapies to ensure precise and effective management.
In the hands of an experienced neurologist, you can rest assured of specialized knowledge which is crucial for alleviating chronic headaches. Essentially, you can trust them to help you with a comprehensive treatment plan to improve your overall well-being, and quality of life.
It’s a Wrap!
The only way to stop getting chronic headaches once and for all especially if you’ve tried over-the-counter medications without any success is to see a specialist for a thorough assessment. Based on the findings from their assessment, they can then create a tailored treatment plan to help with the headaches.
If you’re already looking to see a specialist, the Chou Neuroscience Clinic is one of the best options in Singapore. With experienced neurologists, you can rest assured of thorough exams and tailored treatment plans based on the assessment results and your own unique needs. To schedule an appointment today, call or visit the clinic at;
Chou Neuroscience Clinic
1 Farrer Park Station Road
#08-06 Connexion
Singapore 217562
OR
6 Napier Road
#08-08 Gleneagles Medical Centre
Singapore 258499
+65 6694 7942
