Frequent headaches are a serious issue for millions around the world, detracting significantly from quality of life.  The medical community has defined headaches in three distinct categories, with primary headaches making up the majority of cases.  Cluster and secondary headaches are far rarer, but present patients with more severe issues.  Although never life threatening, primary headaches can nonetheless be very serious, damaging quality of life in many cases.  Frequent headaches, even milder primary headaches, can possibly hinder daily life. 

How can frequent headaches be treated?  That depends on the source of the headaches.  Primary headaches are sometimes a result of physical or emotional stress in the patient, and can become frequent if the cirumstances responsible are a regular part of life.  Stress Headaches are brought about when the patient undergoes significant emotional or physical stress.  This kind of stress causes contraction in the muscles of the cranial area, resulting in pain from the pressure.  This can be hard to treat at times.  Over the counter medications typically do a good job in treating this kind of primary headache when it occurs.

Prevention is more about circumventing the kind of situations that prompt serious physical and emotional stress.  This kind of stress results directly in contraction of the skull muscles, subsequently causing sometimes serious headaches.  Frequent headaches should be a signal that some life adjustments are needed.  If emotional stress is thought to be behind the frequent headaches, consider visiting a doctor about this stress, or taking steps in personal life to reduce the stress.

Frequent headaches that strike at random can be a sign of a more serious secondary problem.  In these situations, a deeper neurological issue might be at play.  This can signify a serious issue, such as a tumor growing in the brain.  Although this is rarely the cause, frequent headaches should be cause for a visit with the doctor.

Over the counter medications usually do a great deal to relieve a primary headache.  Aleve and ibuprofen work equally well to treat primary headaches.  In more serious cases, some therapy may be needed to overcome the pain associated with frequent headaches.  If none of these measures provide a remedy for the pain, consider seeing a specialist about the pain.