There are several important factors to consider when suffering from these constant low-grade headaches.
What is Causing the Constant Daily Headache?
When trying to treat constant daily headaches, one of the most important factors to consider is the cause of the headaches.
According to National Guidelines, there are a number of primary types and secondary causes of constant daily headaches:
Primary Types of CDH
- Chronic tension-type headache
- Chronic migraine (formerly known as transformed migraine with or without analgesic rebound)
- New daily persistent headache
- Chronic cluster headache
- Hemicrania continua
- Chronic paroxysmal hemicrania
- Hypnic headache
- Idiopathic stabbing headache
- SUNCT (short-lasting, unilateral neuralgiform headaches with conjunctival injection and tearing)
- Cranial neuralgias (e.g., trigeminal neuralgia)
Secondary Causes of CDH
- Post-traumatic (may mimic any primary headache)
- Cervicogenic (especially C2, C3 upper root entrapment)
- Temporomandibular joint syndrome
- Sinus disease
- Arteriovenous malformation
- Arteritis (including giant cell arteritis)
- Subdural hematoma
- Vascular dissection
- Neoplasm
- Infections
- Intracranial hypertension
- Intracranial hypotension
Note: All diagnoses may be confounded by medication overuse.
In less technical terms, some of the most common causes of constant low-grade headaches are mild dehydration, long-term or excessive stress, mild allergic reactions, such as to pollen or mold, low grade carbon monoxide poisoning, needing glasses, sinusitis, dental problems, high or low blood pressure to the head and brain, and food reactions, such as:
- Too much caffeine (excess consumption of coffee or tea)
- Aged cheese
- Nuts and seeds
- Red wine (sulfides)
- Lunch meats (nitrates)
- Artificial sweeteners
If the cause of the headache can't be easily determined, a doctor should be consulted, especially if combined with any other symptoms, such as fever, dizziness, vomiting, or disorientation.
Treating Constant Daily Headaches
Treatments for low-grade constant headaches are as varied as the causes for them. If nothing is immediately obvious, either medically or in the environment, some people find the cause by keeping a combination headache and food diary. Always be sure to stay well hydrated, drinking plenty of plain water, and get plenty of sleep. Stiff neck headaches can sometimes be helped by reducing the number or thickness of pillows when sleeping; also, some report that their head being cold while asleep can cause headaches, so sleeping with a cap to keep the crown of the head warm may help.
Try to avoid overusing pain medications, even over the counter medications, as they can make the condition worse in the long run, if for no other reason than that it avoids finding and treating the actual cause of the headaches.
Read Quick Headache Relief for more ideas on ways to deal with headaches naturally, without using medications, Which Pain Reliever is Best for Headaches? for a discussion on the best OTC medications to take for headaches, and Common Hidden Headache Causes.
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