Not everyone suffers from continuous headaches, but those who do often wonder why. Twenty-eight million people in the United States suffer from various forms of headaches, according to St. John Providence Chronic Headache and Migraine Institute. Although a headache may seem like a simple ailment—pain in any region of the head, including sinuses, muscles and blood vessels—the actual causes can be varied and sometimes preventable. A medical doctor should always be consulted for guidance, diagnosis and to rule out any serious condition.
Stress
Stress can sometimes be the cause of a tension or muscle contraction headache, which is called myogenic headache, according to "Clinical Methods," a handbook for physicians. The muscles of the head and neck become contracted, causing a headache. Sitting with bad posture, eyestrain at the computer or even poor lighting can cause stress resulting in a tension headache, as reported by the National Headache Foundation. Some people under stress grind their teeth during sleep, which places pressure on the mandibular joints in front of the ear, causing an early morning headache. Conflict at work or home can sometimes be the stress causing a continuous headache.
Over-Medicating
Continuous headaches can sometimes be the result of over-medicating for a headache. Drugs such as ibuprofen, acetaminaphen, aspirin, caffeine or even the prescription drug ergotamine can cause a rebound headache when they are used excessively, according to the National Headache Foundation. Over-the-counter pain medications as well as prescription medicines can cause this rebound effect, where the drug used to alleviate the headache actually causes a headache. It is important to seek medical advice when this situation occurs.
Genetics
Genetic predisposition is often overlooked in cases of continuous headaches. Three out of four migraine sufferers are women, as noted by the American Headache Society. Five to 10 percent of children under the age of 18 have migraine headaches, suggesting some genetic predisposition.
Since headaches are more common in women than men, a hormonal connection may be the cause, according to the American Headache Society. An increase in estrogen is known to cause vascular dilation and thus increase chances for headaches and recurring migraines. Women can experience headaches as part of pre-menstrual syndrome, or menopause, or they may even have menstrual migraines, according to the National Headache Foundation.
Diet
Specific foods are suspected to trigger 30 percent of migraine headaches, according to the National Headache Foundation. Chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, food additives such as nitrates and nitrites and monosodium glutamate are all possible causes. Some doctors have advised patients to avoid alcoholic beverages, peanuts, pickled foods, sourdough bread, aged cheeses, peas and lentils. A medical doctor that specializes in migraine treatments would be able to help identify specific causes.
Medical Conditions
Continuous headaches can sometimes be the symptom of a serious medical condition that would require immediate professional treatment. The most common of these overlooked conditions, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, include hypoglycemia, gastroenteritis and meningitis. In addition to recurring headaches, these conditions include symptoms of nausea, aches, neck stiffness, vomiting or nasal discharge. Chronic sinus infections can also cause headaches and need to be treated by a medical doctor. Headaches caused by medical conditions are difficult to diagnose, and any serious concerns should be directed immediately to medical professionals.
