what causes chronic headaches

Chronic headaches can stem from various causes, often making them tricky to pin down without a detailed evaluation. Given your symptoms and lifestyle factors, there are several potential triggers and underlying conditions to consider. Stress and tension, often linked to prolonged screen time, can indeed play a significant role. Tension headaches are often related to muscle strain in the neck and shoulders, leading to a persistent dull ache. Light sensitivity could suggest migraines, which are a different beast altogether. Migraines can be triggered by factors like dehydration, skipping meals, lack of sleep, or even specific foods. A headache diary, where you log your symptoms, daily activities, diet, and sleep patterns, might offer some insight into any patterns or triggers. Consider minimizing known triggers such as extended computer use, ensure regular breaks, and stay hydrated with consistent meals. The fact that over-the-counter pain relievers are ineffective suggests that it could be worth exploring this further with a healthcare professional. Tests such as a CT scan or MRI might be recommended if the headaches are becoming disabling or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms like sudden onset, visual disturbances, or neurological deficits. For now, practicing good posture, ergonomic workspace adjustments, and relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation might help manage tension-type headaches. A detailed discussion with a healthcare provider could be beneficial, particularly regarding refractory headaches – they can assess the need for any specific medications or therapies designed for migraines or chronic tension-type headaches specifically.