How to Cope with Headaches That Won’t Go Away

If you’ve had a few minor headaches in the past, you probably know the basics of how to relieve them: pain relievers, rest, plenty of water, and so on. But what happens if that headache doesn’t go away like the others? What if it’s still causing pain after an extended period of time and you can’t find relief? Here are some symptoms to watch out for and effective coping strategies for prolonged headaches should you have a headache that just won’t go away.

How Long Do Headaches Last?

Many tension-type headaches last about four hours, but other types of headaches can last for much longer or recur in periods throughout the day. Any headache that lasts longer than a day can be disruptive. It could also indicate the presence of a headache disorder or other condition that’s causing the headaches.

Could It Be a Cluster Headache?

Sometimes people mistake headaches that don’t go away with what actually may be a cluster headache. These types of headaches are more common in men and involve peaks of pain that occur in short spurts, several times throughout the day or night. The telling signs that an ongoing headache could be a cluster headache include localized pain on one side of the head and intense pain around one eye. The pain will likely intensify within about five to ten minutes of the onset of the pain and last up to about three hours. This type of pain comes and goes throughout the day, and most people experience two or three cluster headaches per day, sometimes for several days in a row. Since cluster headaches appear several times in a single day, it may feel like the head pain is not really going away at all. A general headache could also be an undiagnosed migraine as well, which is why it’s important to see a doctor for a headache that won’t go away with over-the-counter treatment. Some migraines are known to last up to 72 hours. Prolonged headaches may occur if there is reliance on pain medication. These are called rebound headaches, and they strike when a consistent dose of medication wears off. Depression is also considered to be a cause of long-term headaches.

How to Cope with Prolonged Headaches

Prolonged headaches can take a toll on the body, mind, and mood, and people suffering from headaches that don’t go away can be more prone to anxiety. Vanquish is designed to address tension headaches. The specially formulated caplets deliver pain medication quickly to the source of the headache for long-lasting relief to getting headache sufferers back to the people and things they love. If long-term headaches are a side effect of another condition, it’s important to treat those health concerns as well. As always, it’s essential to relax throughout the day and get enough sleep each night. While a headache persists, it may be necessary to ask for help and support from friends and family members to handle matters that feel too overwhelming when experiencing a pounding head.

Preventing Long-Lasting Headaches

Although headaches can’t always be prevented, there are some prevention strategies that you can be incorporated into daily life to reduce your risk of long-lasting headaches. If you experience anxiety or depression, consult a trusted therapist to help you work through your issues and establish an effective treatment plan. These mental health conditions can make even the most common headaches become unbearable and prolonged. A nutrient-rich diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, getting enough sleep each night, and limiting your alcohol intake are other healthy habits that prepare your body to fight headaches when they strike.