Treating Your Migraines and Headaches

Your head is throbbing. You can’t concentrate at work. You wish you could just close the door to your office and lie down. Does this scenario sound familiar? It might be if you deal with frequent headaches. While over-the-counter pain relievers might work for the occasional headache, if you are dealing with serious migraines or persistent headaches turning to a pain management specialist can help you figure out the root cause so they can provide you with more effective relief.

Recognize the Cause of Your Headaches

Headaches and migraines can occur for a variety of reasons, which is why it’s important to see a doctor, as they can run the appropriate testing to rule out certain conditions and to figure out what’s causing your headaches. Once a doctor determines the cause of headaches and migraines, then they can create a custom treatment plan that will more effectively manage your symptoms. Causes of migraines and headaches include:

• Chronic health problems
• Stress
• Dehydration
• Viral infections
• Low blood sugar
• Certain foods
• Poor sleep
• Poor posture
• Genetics (e.g. family history of migraines)
• Smoke, chemicals, perfumes, and environmental pollutants
• Allergens
• Changes in weather

Know When Headaches are Chronic

Chronic headaches refer to headaches that occur for 15 days or more out of each month for more than three consecutive months. If you are dealing with chronic headaches or migraines, it’s time to speak with a pain management specialist.

Treating Headaches and Migraines

A pain management specialist will perform the appropriate testing to diagnose the specific type of headache you’re dealing with. From there, they can determine the best treatment options for managing your pain. The goal of treatment is to prevent new headaches and migraine attacks while also providing relief from current symptoms. Medications are a common go-to when it comes to treating both headaches and migraines.

While over-the-counter medications can work for people dealing with milder or occasional headache symptoms, most people are turning to pain management specialists because these over-the-counter medications aren’t effective. Luckily, several prescription medications can alleviate migraines symptoms such as nausea, light sensitivity, and pain. There are also certain medications and treatment options such as antidepressants or Botox that can reduce future migraine and headache attacks.

Alternative therapies may also be useful for those dealing with migraines and headaches. These alternative options include:

• Massage therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Acupuncture
• Dietary changes
• Supplementation
• Biofeedback

If headaches or migraines are ruling your life, it’s time to talk with a pain management specialist who can provide you with a wide range of treatment options to help provide you with the relief you deserve.