Constant Headache: 10 Causes & What to Do

A constant headache is often linked to common factors such as stress, fatigue, or anxiety, but it may also be associated with conditions like migraine or sinusitis. When the pain is localized to a particular area of the head, it can point to a more specific cause that may need further evaluation.

A constant headache may also occur with symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or sensitivity to light, and can be associated with conditions such as high blood pressure, hormonal changes, vision problems, or infections like COVID-19. In some cases, it may even be linked to habits like poor diet, dehydration, or teeth grinding.

A constant headache that is severe, persistent, or lasts longer than 3 days may signal a more serious condition, such as a neurological disorder or, rarely, a brain tumor. Treatment depends on the cause and may include hydration, lifestyle changes, medications, or further evaluation to identify the underlying issue.

Why do I have a constant headache?

The most common causes of a constant headache are:

1. Heat

Excessive heat can cause mild dehydration and make blood vessels widen, including those in the head. This can trigger a headache.

What to do: A heat-related headache can improve with rest in a cool, well-ventilated room. Avoid intense activity and drink plenty of water to replace fluids lost through sweating.

2. Vision problems

Vision problems such as astigmatism, farsightedness (hyperopia), and nearsightedness (myopia) can cause headaches, especially in children. These headaches happen because the eyes have to work harder to focus clearly.

What to do: If vision problems are suspected, an ophthalmologist should be consulted for an eye exam. If needed, the doctor may prescribe glasses or contact lenses to help relieve and prevent headaches.

3. Stress or anxiety

During periods of stress or anxiety, an overactive mind can make it hard to sleep well and focus during the day. Poor sleep and mental fatigue can contribute to headaches, which may be a sign that the body needs rest.

What to do: Relaxation techniques, such as aromatherapy, yoga, and physical activity, may help reduce stress and relieve headaches. Talk therapy may also help manage anxiety in some cases, and headaches often improve as the body relaxes.

Check out some teas for anxiety that you can prepare at home.

4. Diet

In some people, stimulants like coffee, soda, and chocolate can trigger headaches. Skipping meals or fasting can also cause headaches due to low blood sugar.

What to do: If headaches are linked to specific foods or drinks, such as coffee or chocolate, these should be limited or avoided. Eating balanced meals at regular times can also help prevent blood sugar drops that may trigger headaches.

5. Bruxism

Bruxism is the involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, usually during sleep. This can strain the jaw joint and muscles, leading to headaches during the day.

What to do: A constant headache caused by tooth grinding may be relieved with pain medications, such as acetaminophen. A primary care provider or dentist can help diagnose the cause of bruxism and recommend treatment, which often includes wearing a mouth guard during sleep.

6. Menstruation

Menstruation can trigger hormonal changes that lead to persistent headaches. These headaches often last throughout the period, typically affect one side of the head, and may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting in some women. Other period symptoms may also occur.

What to do: If you regularly experience headaches during your period, consult an OB-GYN or other women’s health provider for evaluation. Treatment usually involves pain relievers, but your provider may also consider adjusting your birth control if you use it.

7. COVID-19

COVID-19 can also cause a constant headache, along with symptoms like cough, fever, and loss of smell. 

According to the CDC, some COVID symptoms can last for months or even years after infection. In some cases, the headache may continue after the infection improves, which can be a sign of long COVID.

What to do: If COVID-19 or long COVID is suspected, a doctor should be consulted for evaluation and diagnosis. Pain relievers may be recommended to manage symptoms, while severe cases may require hospital care.

8. Sinusitis

A constant headache may be caused by sinusitis. This condition often creates a feeling of pressure or tightness in the forehead and may also be accompanied by symptoms such as fever, phlegm in the throat, and cough.

Also recommended: Chronic Sinusitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Causes & Treatment tuasaude.com/en/chronic-sinusitis

What to do: If you think you may have sinusitis, consult a doctor for evaluation and treatment. They may prescribe medication to treat infection and help clear excess mucus. Learn more about the sinusitis medications your doctor may consider.

9. Migraine

A constant headache may be caused by a migraine, which is typically a throbbing pain that affects one side of the head. Other classic migraine symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound.

What to do: In these cases, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids and avoid skipping meals. A neurologist should be consulted to confirm a migraine diagnosis and start appropriate treatment, which may include pain relievers or specific migraine medications, and, in some cases, preventive drugs for frequent symptoms.

10. Brain tumor

A brain tumor can also cause a constant headache in some cases. Other brain tumor symptoms may include seizures, weakness in certain parts of the body, nausea, vomiting, and brief episodes of vision loss.

The pain is usually worse in the morning and may intensify when lying down, coughing, or during intense physical effort, such as lifting heavy objects.

What to do: If a brain tumor is suspected, consult a primary care physician or neurologist for evaluation. They may order imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to confirm the diagnosis. Headaches often improve with treatment, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, or other therapies.

How to relieve a constant headache

To relieve a headache that lasts all day, you can try gently massaging your head. Other strategies include:

• Applying a cold compress to the head, forehead, or back of the neck
• Resting in a calm, quiet, and dark room
• Drinking water to stay hydrated
• Avoiding prolonged sun exposure
• Taking a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen

Pain relievers should not be used for more than 3 days in a row unless recommended by a doctor, as frequent use can make headaches worse.

Learn more about the different types of headaches and how they are treated.