Everyone will experience a headache at some point in their lives. Chronic daily headaches can be extremely disruptive and debilitating because sufferers often feel as if they get little relief. Headaches often vary in severity and can be caused by a number of factors. The Mayo Clinic indicates that cluster headaches, migraines and tension headaches are the most common types of headaches. Understanding the cause of the headaches will indicate which method of treatment should be used.
Pain Relievers
Pain relievers are the most common treatment method for headaches. Mild headaches are typically treated with over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are two commonly available NSAIDs that are effective in treating headaches. When taking an OTC pain medication, patients should take the recommended dosage on the drug information label or the dosage recommended by their physician, if different. The Mayo Clinic states that OTC medications are designed to treat pain up to a certain level. The body develops a tolerance over time, therefore OTC medications may become ineffective. Additionally, the overuse of OTC pain relievers can actually cause headaches, warns the Mayo Clinic. Severe headaches and even cluster headaches may require a prescription pain medication. Combination pain relievers, such as aspirin and acetaminophen, contain elements such as caffeine, which is effective in treating migraine headaches.
Injections
Patients who experience chronic daily headaches sometimes benefit from injections. Injections of a local anesthetic or corticosteroid are administered to the pain site as a direct form of treatment. These injections are typically administered by the patient's physician. Some patients have also found relief by receiving Botox injections in various trigger points or pain sites. Botox injections are usually administered through a referral to a plastic surgeon or dermatologist.
Herbs, Vitamins and Minerals
Some patients find relief in alternative forms of treatment such as herbs, vitamins and minerals. These options may not be effective for all patients, and patients should always get their physician's approval before using these methods. Feverfew and butterbur are two herbs that have been used to treat chronic daily headaches. Oral doses of riboflavin or vitamin B-2 as well as coenzyme Q10 have been identified in the treatment of headaches. Magnesium sulfate may also be used and can be administered intravenously by a physician in severe cases.
Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen therapy has been identified as a primary choice in the treatment of cluster headaches, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. Oxygen therapy is administered through a face mask, providing patients with exposure to pure oxygen in 15-minute increments. As the patient inhales the oxygen, the blood vessels in the head and nasal passages relax, relieving the headache.
