Constant Headache? Why Your Head Is Aching & Medical Next Steps

A headache is one of the most common health complaints in the world. Almost everyone experiences one at some point. But when your headache feels constant, keeps coming back, or interferes with daily life, it's natural to wonder what's going on.

The good news: most headaches are not dangerous. The important part is understanding why your head is aching and knowing when to take the next step.

Below, we'll break down common causes of headache, what your symptoms might mean, and when to speak to a doctor.

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What Is a Headache, Exactly?

A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. The brain itself doesn't feel pain, but surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and muscles do. When these structures are irritated or stressed, you feel pain.

Headaches can feel:

• Dull and aching
• Throbbing or pulsing
• Sharp or stabbing
• Tight or pressure-like
• On one side or both sides
• Mild, moderate, or severe

The pattern and type of pain often provide clues about the cause.

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Common Causes of Headache

Most constant headaches fall into a few main categories.

1. Tension Headaches (Most Common)

This is the most frequent type of headache.

What it feels like:

• Pressure or tightness around the forehead or back of the head
• A "band-like" squeezing sensation
• Mild to moderate pain
• Not usually worse with movement

Common triggers:

• Stress
• Poor posture
• Long hours at a screen
• Muscle tension in the neck or shoulders
• Lack of sleep

If your headache builds gradually and feels tight rather than throbbing, tension may be the cause.

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2. Migraine

A migraine is more than "just a bad headache."

What it feels like:

• Throbbing or pulsing pain
• Often on one side of the head
• Moderate to severe intensity
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light and sound

Some people experience warning signs (called aura), such as:

• Flashing lights
• Blind spots
• Tingling in the face or hands

Migraines can last hours to days. They often run in families and may be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, dehydration, or lack of sleep.

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3. Medication Overuse Headache

Ironically, taking pain relievers too often for headache can cause more headaches.

If you:

• Use over-the-counter pain medication more than 2–3 days per week
• Notice headaches becoming more frequent

You may be experiencing "rebound headaches." A doctor can help create a safer pain management plan.

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4. Sinus Headache

Sinus-related headaches are less common than people think.

They may include:

• Facial pressure
• Nasal congestion
• Thick nasal discharge
• Fever

If you have head pain with clear sinus infection symptoms, sinus inflammation could be the cause.

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5. Dehydration Headache

Not drinking enough fluids can trigger a headache.

Other signs include:

• Dark urine
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Hydration can often relieve this type of headache within hours.

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6. High Blood Pressure

Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms. However, severely elevated blood pressure may cause:

• Headache
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Vision changes

If you suspect very high blood pressure, seek urgent medical care.

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7. Cluster Headache (Less Common but Severe)

Cluster headaches are rare but extremely painful.

They typically:

• Affect one side of the head
• Cause intense pain around one eye
• Occur in "clusters" over weeks
• Cause tearing or nasal congestion on the affected side

These require medical evaluation and prescription treatment.

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When Is a Headache Serious?

Most headaches are not life-threatening. However, certain warning signs mean you should seek immediate medical care.

Call emergency services or go to the ER if your headache:

• Is sudden and severe ("worst headache of your life")
• Happens after a head injury
• Comes with confusion, fainting, or weakness
• Includes trouble speaking or vision loss
• Is paired with a stiff neck and fever
• Occurs during pregnancy with high blood pressure symptoms

These may signal serious conditions such as bleeding in the brain, infection, or stroke. While rare, they require urgent attention.

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Why Do I Have a Constant Headache?

If your headache feels constant, possible explanations include:

• Chronic tension headaches
• Chronic migraine
• Medication overuse
• Ongoing stress
• Sleep problems
• Anxiety or depression
• Hormonal changes
• Caffeine withdrawal

Keeping a simple headache journal can help identify patterns. Track:

• When the headache starts
• How long it lasts
• Pain intensity (1–10)
• What you ate or drank
• Sleep hours
• Stress levels

This information is extremely helpful when you speak to a doctor.

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Medical Next Steps

If your headache is:

• Happening more than 2–3 times per week
• Getting worse over time
• Affecting work or daily life
• Not improving with usual treatment

It's time to take action.

Step 1: Do a Symptom Check

If you're unsure what's causing your head pain or which type you may be experiencing, use a free Headache symptom checker to help identify potential causes and understand whether your symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.

This can make your medical visit more focused and productive.

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Step 2: Speak to a Doctor

A primary care doctor or neurologist can:

• Review your medical history
• Examine your nervous system
• Check blood pressure
• Order imaging (if needed)
• Prescribe preventive medications
• Adjust pain management safely

Most chronic headaches improve significantly with the right plan.

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Step 3: Lifestyle Adjustments

Many headaches improve with simple changes:

• Drink enough water daily
• Maintain consistent sleep
• Limit caffeine
• Take screen breaks
• Improve posture
• Practice stress management (deep breathing, light exercise)
• Avoid skipping meals

Small habits can make a big difference over time.

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Can Stress Really Cause Headaches?

Yes. Stress is one of the most common headache triggers.

When you're stressed:

• Neck and scalp muscles tighten
• Stress hormones rise
• Sleep quality drops

All of these can lead to recurring headache pain.

Managing stress is not just "nice to do"—it's medical treatment for many people.

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Imaging: Do I Need a Brain Scan?

Most people with a typical headache pattern do not need a CT scan or MRI.

Doctors usually recommend imaging if:

• There are neurological symptoms
• The headache pattern changes suddenly
• There are concerning red flags
• The patient is over 50 with a new type of headache

Avoiding unnecessary scans is often safer and more cost-effective.

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The Bottom Line

A headache is common, and most are not dangerous. However, a constant or worsening headache deserves attention.

The key steps are:

• Identify the pattern
• Look for triggers
• Rule out red flags
• Get professional guidance when needed

Do not ignore severe or unusual symptoms. If your headache is sudden, extreme, or associated with neurological changes, seek emergency care immediately.

For ongoing or frequent headaches, speak to a doctor. There are effective treatments available, and you do not have to live in constant pain.

If you're unsure where to start, consider doing a free Headache symptom check and then discuss the results with your healthcare provider.

Taking action early often leads to better relief—and peace of mind.