Everyone suffers from headaches from time to time, but there are different types of headaches. Defining chronic headaches and the causes can help you find the appropriate treatment plan and possibly prevent chronic headaches before they start or at least when you feel one coming on.

Chronic headaches are typically divided into categories--primary and secondary. A primary chronic headache is when the headache is a disorder and needs to be treated. One type of primary headache is a tension headache. This often affects the left and right sides of the head. It may also involve the neck and back. The pain can travel to the front of the head as well. These types of headaches can be mild to moderate and sometimes severe. Primary headaches are not normally associated with exertion, sensitivity to light, or nausea that is often associated with some headaches, i.e., migraines.

Migraines, which can be chronic, do worsen with exertion, lasting from a few hours to a few days. In chronic cases of migraine headaches symptoms can last even longer. Migraine pain is typically experienced only on one side of the head. They can be moderate to severely debilitating and have a pulsating, throbbing sensation. If you are suffering from moderate to severe headache symptoms, and you have never had a migraine, it is recommended that you seek medical attention to determine the type of headache you are experiencing so appropriate treatment can be rendered.

Diseases Triggering Headaches

Aside from anemia, hypertension, depression-- just to name a few--some medical conditions can cause headaches.

Arthritis - It sounds odd, but certain types of arthritis (rheumatoid and osteoarthritis) are associated with headaches. Rheumatoid arthritis destroys the bony areas around the joints. It typically starts in the fingers and hands, but can also affect the second vertebra of the spine.

Osteoarthritis causes the ligaments to weaken and it can affect the fifth, sixth, and seventh vertebra in the neck region.

Headaches and arthritis are usually associated when the vertebrae 1-3 are involved. Since the nerves are connected to the scalp, this can trigger headaches.

Bruxism - Pain in the jaw or head can be a result of grinding your teeth either consciously or unconsciously. This is known as "bruxism," which can lead to jaw joint disorders, jaw pain, earaches, headaches, and damage to your teeth.

Glaucoma - A disease of the eye where pressure builds up in the eyeball and cannot be drained. This may happen because the fluid in the eye does not drain properly or because it is over-producing fluid.
Headache associated with glaucoma may be felt in and around the eyes or the forehead area. The pain can vary in intensity from mild to severe. Nausea and vomiting may also be associated. It is extremely important to get a proper diagnosis as headaches associated with glaucoma are often misdiagnosed as migraines.

If you are suffering from headaches that do not subside with over-the-counter medication, or are recurring in nature, medical attention is required as this could be the beginning stages of a serious condition. The earlier you receive a diagnosis, the earlier you can receive treatment and get relief of your headaches.