Defining Chronic Headaches
Most headaches occur on an intermittent basis, usually as a result of physical illness, mental stress, and even food triggers. But, many people suffer from debilitating and daily chronic headaches.
Fortunately, there is hope, as doctors can recommend a plan of aggressive initial treatment followed by steady, long-term management to reduce the frequency, severity and duration of chronic daily headaches.
Doctors define chronic daily headaches as headaches that occur 15 days a month or more for a minimum of three months. There are two types of chronic headaches: short-lasting and long-lasting. A long-lasting chronic headache can last up to4 hours.
Long-lasting headaches are also classified into:
- Chronic migraines
People with episodic migraine history are more likely to experience chronic migraines, which happen 8 or more days a month for 3 months at least. Chronic migraines affect either or both sides of the head, give a pulsating, throbbing sensation, and cause moderate to severe pain, which can worsen after everyday physical activity. These headaches can cause high sensitivity to light and sound as well as nausea and vomiting.
- Chronic tension-type headaches
These headaches can affect both sides of the head, usually resulting in mild to moderate pain with a pressing or tightening sensation. These are not worsened by routine physical activity though skull tenderness may be present.
- Hemicrania continua
These headaches are characterized by moderate pain in one side of the head, occur daily in a continuous pattern with little to no pain-free periods, and cause moderate pain coupled with spikes of severe pain, which can sometimes result in migraine-like symptoms. Other symptoms include nasal congestion, drooping eyelids, and restlessness. These headaches can be relieved by indomethacin, a prescription pain reliever.
Patients in La Mirada and the surrounding areas can see a Healthpointe doctor if:
- You experience headaches two days a week or more.
- You take an over-the-counter pain reliever for your headaches most days of the week.
- Your headaches change pattern in duration, frequency, or severity.
- Your headaches become debilitating (i.e., interfere with your ability to live a normal life).
Don’t wait for your headaches to worsen – seek medical attention right away! Don’t just seek any kind of medical attention. Go to the headache specialists at Healthpointe in La Mirada, which is near Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park, and Santa Fe Springs.
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including La Mirada, which is conveniently located by Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park, and Santa Fe Springs. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit www.Healthpointe.net.