Headaches Every Day? Common Causes and GP Advice

• 03 Oct 2025

Almost everyone experiences a headache from time to time, but if you’re getting headaches every day, it can be worrying, frustrating, and disruptive to your life. Daily headaches are surprisingly common, and while many are caused by lifestyle factors such as stress, poor posture, or dehydration, persistent or severe headaches may be a sign of an underlying health condition that requires medical attention.

If you find yourself asking “Why do I get headaches every day?”, this guide will walk you through the common causes of daily headaches, when to seek professional help, and what a GP in London can do to help diagnose and treat your symptoms.

When Is a Headache Considered “Chronic”?

Occasional headaches are normal, but if you’re experiencing them on 15 or more days per month for at least 3 months, this is considered chronic daily headache. For many people, this can feel like a constant ache or repeated migraines that interfere with work, sleep, and daily life.

Recognising the difference between occasional tension headaches and persistent headaches every day is important for seeking the right medical care.

Common Causes of Headaches Every Day

There are many possible reasons why you might experience constant headaches. Some of the most common include:

1. Tension Headaches

The most frequent cause of headache every day is tension headache. Often described as a dull, tight band of pressure around the head, tension headaches are usually triggered by:

• Stress and anxiety
• Poor posture or long hours at a desk
• Lack of sleep
• Eye strain from screens

2. Migraines

Migraines can cause daily or frequent headaches in some people. Symptoms include:

• Throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Nausea or vomiting
• Visual disturbances (aura)

A daily migraine can be highly disabling and may require long-term treatment from a GP or specialist.

3. Medication Overuse Headaches

Ironically, using painkillers too often can make headaches worse. Known as “rebound headaches,” this condition develops when headache medication is taken more than two to three times per week.

4. Dehydration and Diet

Not drinking enough water, skipping meals, or consuming too much caffeine or alcohol can all contribute to persistent headaches every day.

5. Poor Sleep and Sleep Apnoea

Chronic lack of sleep or sleep apnoea (where breathing stops temporarily during sleep) can lead to morning headaches and daytime fatigue.

6. Other Medical Causes

Some health conditions may cause constant headaches, including:

• High blood pressure
• Sinus infections
• Hormonal changes
• Neurological conditions (rare but serious)

When Should You See a GP for Daily Headaches?

Not every headache requires a doctor’s visit, but there are times when seeking medical advice is essential. You should see a GP for headaches if you experience:

• Headaches lasting more than 3 weeks.
• Headaches that are getting worse or changing in pattern.
• A sudden, severe headache (sometimes described as the “worst ever”).
• Headaches with fever, stiff neck, or rash.
• Headaches with vision changes, dizziness, weakness, or numbness.
• Headaches after a head injury.

If you’re worried about costs, you can find details of consultation and treatment options through a private GP by checking the fees for private GP services in London.

What a GP Can Do for Persistent Headaches

A private GP in London can help determine the cause of your daily headaches through:

• A full medical history and examination.
• Blood tests or scans if necessary.
• Checking for triggers such as diet, stress, or medication use.
• Referral to a specialist if a neurological condition is suspected.

Treatment may include:

• Pain management strategies.
• Preventive medication for migraines.
• Lifestyle advice on sleep, posture, and hydration.
• Referrals for further investigations if needed.

Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Daily Headaches

While medical advice is essential for unexplained or severe headaches, small changes in your lifestyle can make a big difference. Try:

1. Stay hydrated – drink 6–8 glasses of water daily.
2. Improve posture – especially if you spend long hours at a desk.
3. Take screen breaks – follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
4. Manage stress – techniques such as meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises can reduce tension headaches.
5. Sleep regularly – aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night.
6. Avoid overusing medication – limit painkillers to prevent rebound headaches.

FAQs About Daily Headaches

Why do I get headaches every day UK?

Daily headaches can be caused by stress, dehydration, sleep problems, or medical conditions. A GP can help identify the underlying issue.

Could constant headaches be serious?

Yes, while most are benign, some daily headaches may indicate high blood pressure, neurological problems, or other health issues.

What tests will a GP do for persistent headaches?

Depending on your symptoms, a GP may recommend blood tests, blood pressure checks, or imaging scans.

Are daily headaches the same as migraines?

Not always. Migraines are more severe, often with nausea and light sensitivity, while tension headaches are more common in daily cases.

Can lifestyle changes really help?

Yes — better hydration, stress management, and improved posture can significantly reduce headache frequency.

Conclusion

Experiencing headaches every day can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to suffer in silence. From tension headaches and migraines to medical causes like high blood pressure, the reasons for daily headaches vary widely. Understanding when to seek help and what to expect from a GP can help you get the right diagnosis and treatment.

If you’ve been struggling with constant headaches and want fast, personalised care, booking an appointment with a trusted Private GP in London can provide clarity and peace of mind.