Recurring headaches? No, that’s not normal
At a glance
- Headaches more than a few times a week is not “normal”
- Cause could be lack of water/food, but also consider family history or potential stressors
- If pain progresses into migraines or interferes with daily life, talk to your doctor
We’ve all felt it — a throbbing head, pain radiating behind the eyes or an ache working up the neck.
Headaches are one of the most common conditions we experience, but also one of the most under-treated.
“People think it’s normal to have these, but it’s not,” says Jennifer Rock, ARNP, with MultiCare Rockwood Clinic Neurology. “‘Normal’ is a minor headache a couple times a month, but generally, if you’re having them two or three days a week … those are definitely times I want people to get seen by a doctor.”
Headaches come in a variety of forms and pain levels, making it challenging to know what your own “normal” is, though.
What’s the difference between a headache and migraine? When should you see a doctor? And what can you do to lessen them?
Headache vs. migraine
The most common type of headache is a tension headache. Pain levels range from mild to moderate and can last from a few hours to a day if you’re treating with over-the-counter pain relievers, Rock says. The pain is usually described as an ache or tightness.
Migraines, however, occur more consistently and are often more debilitating, with the average pain reaching moderate to severe levels. Patients describe the pain as throbbing or pulsing.
Migraines can last anywhere from a few hours to days, depending on the severity and how you’re treating them, Rock says. Migraines are more likely to have lingering side effects even after pain has subsided, such as a “hangover” feeling, heavy head or aching. Migraine pain is often felt in only one side of the head, while headaches are felt on both sides.
Other indicators of a migraine include visual auras (seeing spots or blurred vision) or sensitivity to smells, noise or light before the pain hits. Some people may also experience nausea and/or vomiting.
Why does my head hurt?
Unfortunately, the cause of a headache or migraine can be hard to pinpoint.
“The biggest thing I see is [people] just don’t drink water or they’re not eating regularly,” Rock says. “You need at least 64 ounces of water or sugar-free beverage in a day.”
The range of triggers can be overwhelming, she adds. Rock encourages patients to track their headaches to see if they can spot any patterns. You can typically identify a trend within about a month if you’re consistent with tracking.
Some causes are out of your control, such as family history, sex (women have increased risk), and changes in weather or barometric pressure. Other causes are within your control, though, such as sitting at a desk for prolonged periods, making repetitive motions, clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth at night.
Specifically for migraines, stress and hormone fluctuations can be a major factor, as well as drastic changes in sleep patterns, Rock adds. Some dietary choices — foods high in preservatives or sugar, and alcohol — can trigger migraines as well. People with gluten or dairy intolerances may notice a reduction in headaches if following a restrictive diet.
“We can really frustrate people about why they have [headaches] when they’re trying to take care of themselves,” she says. “There isn’t usually a specific injury or brain abnormality associated with it — sometimes people can just get them.”
When head pain becomes chronic
While headaches are something we all experience, it’s important to remember you don’t have to suffer.
Migraines are likely to hit more often, but headaches can also become chronic if they happen 15 or more days a month. Most people can manage chronic headaches with heat/ice and over-the-counter medications, but Rock still encourages patients to bring the concern to their primary care provider.
If your headaches are interfering with work, school or attending social events, or if they’re new and becoming more consistent, it’s time to see your doctor or other health care provider, she says.
In addition to the above lifestyle changes, your provider may discuss preventive measures for chronic headaches or migraines such as blood pressure, anti-seizure or antidepressant medication, a once-monthly injectable or Botox.
Most important, you need to listen to your body and act fast.
“The sooner you take medicine when you feel it coming on, the better it’s going to work,” Rock says. “A lot of patients don’t want to run out of their medications, so they wait or take over-the-counter first, but generally it’s more difficult to treat at that point.”
Pain is personal
Even though Rock knows she can’t prevent every headache or migraine, her goal is to get patients back to living a normal life.
“I always take their pain seriously and how it affects their life,” she says. “Pain is subjective … one patient has a three out of 10 on the pain scale and has to stay in their room all day, while another is seven out of 10 and still doing all their normal stuff.”
Headaches and migraines don’t have to be a constant thought or worry in your life, Rock adds. Talk with your doctor, keep your medication on hand and remember you’re not ruining anyone’s day with your pain.
