Chronic headaches are among the more common chronic pain conditions. According to the Mayo Clinic, headaches can be classified as chronic if they meet the following criteria: they occur fifteen days or more out of each month, they occur for at least three months in a row and they are not a symptom of another chronic condition. There are several different treatments for chronic headache, depending on its cause.
NSAIDs
NSAIDs, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are pain-relieving medications that are available both over-the-counter or in prescription strength. Some of the more common NSAIDs are ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen sodium. NSAIDs may be used as a primary headache treatment, to treat mild to moderate pain, or they may be used in combination with other treatments for breakthrough pain.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is another common painkiller that does not fall into the NSAID category, though it is used in much the same way. Like NSAIDs, acetaminophen is also available in prescription strengths or over-the-counter, and may be used as both a primary headache treatment or a treatment for breakthrough pain.
Antidepressants
Even a person who is not depressed may be prescribed antidepressants for pain control. Antidepressants help control chemical imbalances in the brain. They can be effective against certain types of headaches when taken daily as a preventative, including migraines, tension headaches and cluster headaches. The Mayo Clinic also reports that antidepressants have the added benefit of treating the type of anxiety that often accompanies chronic headaches. They add that antidepressants can help with associated sleep disorders as well.
Anticonvulsants
Like antidepressants, anticonvulsants were not originally designed to treat chronic pain conditions; however, they can be useful in the treatment of certain types of chronic headaches. The National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, or NINDS, reports that they may work by controlling brain impulses and certain brain chemicals. According to the Mayo Clinic, anticonvulsants can help prevent chronic migraines as well as chronic daily headache. They are taken regularly as a preventative measure.
Heart Medications
Believe it or not, some doctors prescribe heart medications such as beta blockers and calcium channel blockers to control chronic headache pain. The NINDS lists these two drug classes among other possible treatments for migraine and cluster headache prevention and reports that they work by changing the way the blood vessels constrict and relax, including those in the brain.
Alternative Treatments
Alternative treatments are growing in popularity, and there is no shortage of options for treating chronic headaches. The Mayo Clinic lists acupuncture, meditation and massage among the common alternative options for headache treatment. The NINDS adds that many stress-reducing approaches are also helpful, especially when it comes to tension headaches. These include massage, relaxation training such as guided imagery and cognitive-behavioral therapy. If all else fails, they also suggest taking a long, hot shower.
Headache Prevention
Sometimes, prevention is the best headache medication. Both chronic migraines and tension headaches have associated triggers, which may bring on a headache attack. Avoiding these triggers may not prevent all headaches, but may help decrease their frequency or severity. They include caffeine, alcohol and food additives such as MSG. Because many of the possible headache triggers are dietary, the NINDS recommends chronic headache sufferers keep a food journal. This can help identify foods that potentially bring on a headache, or make it worse. Other potential triggers for chronic headaches include stress, dehydration and lack of sleep.
