Frequent Headache that is not Migraine — See Your GP Promptly

Understanding frequent non-migraine headaches

Not all persistent headaches are migraine. Some headaches feel dull, tight, pressure-like, or constant rather than throbbing. Others feel like a band around the head or ongoing heaviness. When headaches happen often, change from your usual pattern, or begin to affect daily life, it is important to see your GP promptly. Early review helps clarify causes, support safer management, and reduce the chance of headaches becoming chronic.

What you may notice

You may experience steady head pressure, neck or scalp tightness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or headaches that fluctuate but never fully disappear. Even when discomfort feels manageable, recurrent headaches are not “just something to live with.”

Why frequent headaches matter

Frequent headaches may relate to muscle tension, posture, eye strain, sleep problems, stress, dehydration, sinus issues, jaw clenching, blood pressure changes, hormonal influences, medication effects, or occasionally neurological or systemic causes. Many are manageable once identified — but clarity requires assessment, not guessing.

Medication-overuse headache — an important reminder

Using pain relief medicines too often can actually cause more frequent headaches over time. This includes frequent use of over-the-counter pain relief. Your GP can help review what you are taking, reduce reliance safely, and plan better long-term approaches.

Mental health, stress, and headache links

Ongoing stress, anxiety, burnout, poor sleep, and emotional strain can contribute to headaches and how strongly the brain processes pain. This is not “imagined pain” — it is a real biological response. Supportive care may include mental-health strategies alongside medical treatment, helping your whole wellbeing rather than treating headaches in isolation.

When urgent review is needed

Seek urgent medical care immediately if a headache occurs with:
• sudden severe “worst ever” pain
• weakness, confusion, speech difficulty, or vision changes
• fever with neck stiffness
• head injury with worsening symptoms
• sudden new headache during pregnancy
• rapidly worsening neurological symptoms

These signs require urgent care. Most headaches are not serious — but these situations need quick medical attention.

When to see your GP promptly

Arrange a GP review soon if:
• headaches are frequent or ongoing
• symptoms are new or different from your usual pattern
• headaches affect sleep, work, driving, or daily life
• you rely regularly on pain relief medicine
• headaches are accompanied by dizziness, neck stiffness, or scalp tenderness

Do not simply “push through” ongoing symptoms.

How your GP helps

Your GP considers your health, lifestyle, medication use, sleep, stress, posture, and blood pressure. Examination may review your nerves, eyes, jaw, neck, and sinuses. Blood tests or imaging are arranged only when clinically needed. Treatment is individualised, focusing on meaningful relief, safe medication plans, lifestyle support, and referral to neurology or other services when needed.

Australian care pathway

In Australia, your GP is your first point of care. Many headaches are managed safely in general practice. Your GP may refer to a neurologist, pain specialist, ENT, ophthalmologist, or physiotherapist depending on findings. Shared-care ensures safety and continuity.

A culturally safe and respectful note

Some people delay care due to stigma, fear, or feeling they “should cope.” Your concern is valid. Primary care aims to be compassionate, confidential, and supportive. Early review helps protect health and peace of mind.

A reassuring message

Most frequent headaches have manageable explanations, and many improve with the right plan. Seeing your GP promptly provides clarity, reassurance, and safer care. You do not need to manage ongoing pain alone.

This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.