Common Causes of Constant Headaches

Headaches can range from being mild to painful depending on what caused it in the first place.

There are instances that headaches can become chronic wherein it can go on for about 15 days or longer per month, with a minimum of 3 consecutive months. Even if you've been having recurring headaches for 2 weeks already, it doesn't mean you should discount the pain and that a visit to the doctor should be done right away.

If you've been suffering from constant headaches, there are many causes that you can rule out for it. These headaches can also be an indicator on what's going on with your health right at that moment. To help you get an idea, these are some of the common causes of your constant suffering from a headache.

1. Stress - If your stress remains unresolved, it can offset a headache later on. Tension headaches happen when your neck and scalp muscles tense up and as a result, your body has to undergo stress and anxiety. To cope with this, try to stop and think about what's going on with your life. Are you getting stressed with all that's been happening lately? If so, find ways on how to deal with each situation to prevent the onset of stress and headaches.

2. Anemia - Anemia is a condition where there's not enough red blood cells to help transport oxygen to the tissues throughout your body. You will feel symptoms like fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and many others. Anemia is caused by many different factors including iron deficiency, chronic health conditions, and low levels of B-12 and/or folic acid. If your anemia is becoming severe, this will start off a series of headaches.

3. Dehydration - Having poor health habits will make a person suffer from constant headaches. An important habit you should take a look at is your water intake since dehydration can cause headaches. There's no exact connection as to why this happens but experts believe that it is due to the volume drop of blood when you're dehydrated is what causes it. If you're having a low blood volume, it means that there's not enough oxygen traveling to your brain thus the reason for your headaches.

4. Hormonal issues - When a woman is having her period, the estrogen levels drop then they experience PMS-related headaches. In fact, the biggest migraine triggers for women is their menstruation. Apart from menstruation, both perimenopause and postpartum periods can also make estrogen levels drop which will also cause headaches. Pregnancy can also affect the estrogen levels so there's a chance that headaches will worsen during this period.

5. Sinus problems - Sinus headaches aren't that common, and it's sometimes referred to as migraines with sinus symptoms. If you're having recurrent headaches around the sinus or facial area, it's possible that it could be a migraine. Studies have shown that about 90% of people who went to see a doctor for their headaches have been diagnosed to actually have migraines. But if your headache comes with fever, phlegm, or any symptoms that you might be sick, it could instead be an underlying sinus infection.

6. Too much caffeine - Caffeine can create vasoconstriction in the blood vessels which makes them a little narrower. If you're an avid drinker of coffee or other caffeinated beverages, your body will be accustomed to it. So, if you skip even just a day of it, your blood vessels won't become constricted and as a result, your head will start to hurt. This will go on a vicious cycle which will make you go back to drinking a cup just to relieve it and may even deepen your need for caffeine.

If you're new to headaches or it just gets worse over time, it might be time to see a specialist. Making this go unresolved can become uncomfortable and may even affect your way of life.