top of page

[Manhattan Pain Management] Why You Are Experiencing Chronic Headaches

Updated: Jun 6, 2023


chronic pain management

Do you experience chronic headaches and migraines? Good news! Our Manhattan pain management center can help. Chronic headaches or migraines are so common, affecting as many as a quarter of the population of world. Chronic headaches can have a major impact on your life, but their occurrence can be predicted and their results mitigated.


Many people have headaches for different reasons. However, most people get headaches from time to time. Here, we'll look at what causes chronic headaches.


Rebound Headache

This is a common condition that occurs when you take painkillers over a long period of time. In addition, many patients with chronic headaches have underlying conditions such as high blood pressure that make them more susceptible to side effects from these medications.


If you suffer from chronic headaches, talk with a pain specialist about options that may help reduce your symptoms without putting your health at risk.


Problems in the Body, Brain and its Structures

A headache is a symptom of an underlying problem. It can be caused by problems in the brain and its structures, such as the blood vessels that supply your brain with oxygen and nutrients. Or it can be caused by problems elsewhere in the body, such as muscle tension in your neck or shoulders.


chronic headache

There are many different types of headaches, and each type has a specific cause. Some are more common than others, but no matter what type of headache you're experiencing, it can be scary and disruptive to your life.


Chronic headaches are defined as headaches that occur 15 or more days per month over a period of three months or longer. This can include migraines and tension headaches, but it also includes other types of chronic head pain like cluster headaches.


If you have chronic headaches, you should see a health professional. Your doctor will do a physical examination, ask about your medical history, and perform testing to identify the cause of your headaches.


Head Injury

Head injuries are among the most common causes of chronic headaches. If you have recently experienced a head injury, it is possible that you will develop a headache as a result. The headache may be similar to your typical pain, or it may be more severe in nature.


If you have suffered from multiple head injuries in the past, it is possible that they will eventually lead to chronic headaches. This is because repeated trauma can cause damage to the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to impaired function and pain.


It is important to note that not all headaches are caused by head injuries; however, if you suspect that yours might be related, see a health professional right away in order to rule out any underlying problems.


High Blood Pressure

A chronic headache can feel like you're constantly in pain. You may have a throbbing sensation or experience pain on one side of your head. If you have chronic headaches, it's important to speak with a pain doctor about treatment options that may help relieve your symptoms.


Some people with high blood pressure may experience headaches as a side effect of their condition. This is because high blood pressure causes an increase in fluid build-up in your arteries that can cause pressure on your brain and result in pain. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor will work with you to treat it, so it doesn't lead to further complications like strokes or heart attacks.


Mental Factors

If you are experiencing chronic headaches, there is a good chance that you have been dealing with them for a while. Headaches can be caused by many different things, but some of the main culprits include stress and anxiety, as well as depression.


If you are feeling stressed about something in your life, this can easily cause you to experience headaches. This can be due to anything from financial issues or relationship problems to work-related stress.


headache pain relief

Stress may cause headaches by altering how your body responds to pain signals coming from the brainstem region that regulates muscle contraction in the head and neck area, including muscles used when chewing food. Chronic stress can also lead to physical changes in the body that contribute to headaches, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.


Another factor that contributes to chronic headaches is anxiety. Anxiety can result in headaches because it raises your blood pressure and makes your heart beat faster than normal. When your body goes into "fight or flight" mode in response to anxiety, it releases hormones that make your muscles tense up, including those in your neck and head area. This causes pain in these areas and can lead to chronic headaches if left untreated.


Depression is another common cause of chronic headaches. Depression can cause many different symptoms, including fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems - all of which can lead to frequent bouts of headache pain throughout the day or night time too.


Poor Sleep Habits

A headache is a pain in the head, scalp, or neck. The headache may be a symptom of a problem that needs attention. Insufficient sleep has been associated with chronic headaches, possibly because it causes hormonal changes that affect blood vessel function.


If you have a headache more than once a week for three months, you may have chronic headaches. You may need to see a pain specialist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.


Manage Your Chronic Headaches

While you can treat some headaches, other conditions may require more advanced treatment. In some cases, headaches stem from more serious conditions that must be addressed. Listen to your body, and don't ignore the headache's symptoms. Headaches, especially chronic ones, require a thorough evaluation by a qualified Manhattan pain management specialist.


Your headaches can be much improved when you know what causes them. The information in this article should have given you some good insight into the reasons why you suffer from headaches.


The more knowledge you have, the better equipped you'll be to fight back against your headaches. There are treatment options available, and it is important that you talk with our specialist about what might be right for you.

bottom of page