Headaches are one of the most common pain-related disorders worldwide, with nearly 45 million annual sufferers. While we tend to think of headaches as passing inconveniences, over 8 million Americans visit medical professionals for headache-related concerns every year. When tension headaches occur repeatedly, it could be an indication of a headache disorder; ongoing headache disorders must be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional – they may night resolve on their own as a regular headache would. While tension-type headaches are the most common, individuals may also suffer from migraines or cluster headaches. Migraines can be severe and devastating, and while they may be improved by simple lifestyle changes, pharmaceutical treatment is often necessary. Cluster headaches may require more intensive treatment, and ongoing preventative therapy is usually recommended. The type of headache you suffer from will dictate the level of treatment necessary. Many headaches can be self-cured with over-the-counter pain medications; however, this is not always the case.
Symptoms of Headaches
Seeing as there are several different types of headache, symptoms may vary significantly. If you suffer from a tension headache, your symptoms may include a dull, aching pain and sensations of pressure across your temples or on the sides and back of your head. Tension headaches are often easily eliminated with over-the-counter medications and a bit of rest. If you suffer from migraines, you are liable to experience:
- Intense, throbbing pain in the face and/or neck
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Fatigue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Irritability
- Nausea and vomiting
If you suffer from cluster headaches, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Intense pain in the head and/or neck
- Increased sweating
- Runny nose
- Increased body temperature/flushing
- Puffy, watery, and irritated eyes
- Potential drooping of one or both eyelids
Treatment for Headaches
Most everyone has suffered a headache at one point or another. In most instances, headaches are mild and short-term, and can be easily cured with over-the-counter pain medications and minor adjustments made to nutrition, water intake, and sleep patterns. However, some headaches are ongoing and crippling, and will require more intensive treatment. If you suffer from migraine headaches, you may require prescription medications. In severe cases, treatment methods such as transcranial magnetic stimulation may be necessary (this method of treatment involves using electrical currents to stimulate neurological nerve cells). If you experience chronic headaches (headaches on a daily or near daily basis), even more intensive treatment methods may be required.
How Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches Heals Headaches
When treating pain related to headaches, we carefully evaluate the symptoms and medical history of each individual patient before beginning to develop an initial treatment plan. Depending on what kind of headache you suffer from and how intense your pain tends to be, we will begin with non-invasive treatment methods and utilize trial and error until we find the perfect solution for you.
If you are suffering from headaches, we can help. Call (561) 434-7577 and let the caring staff at Comprehensive Pain of the Palm Beaches get you on the path to healing.
