What are headaches and migraines?
Headaches and migraines are pain conditions that originate in the head.
Headaches
A headache is a general term that includes any condition that causes head pain. Headaches may be primary or secondary.
Migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches are examples of primary headaches. They occur on their own, not from any underlying medical condition.
Secondary headaches, on the other hand, are pain conditions that occur from an underlying medical problem, such as a brain tumor or head injury.
Migraines
Migraines are a neurological condition that causes throbbing pain on one side of the head. Migraine headaches may last hours or days.
No matter the cause of your head pain, chronic headaches or migraines affect quality of life. Southern Pain and Spine specializes in managing chronic pain conditions like headaches and migraines and can help you develop a plan that eases your pain and improves quality of life.
How are headaches and migraines different?
A migraine is a type of headache. However, headaches and migraines are different and may require different approaches for pain management.
Headaches include any pain condition that affects the head. Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and cause mild to moderate pain. Cluster headaches cause severe stabbing pain behind one eye. The pain occurs in clusters, coming and going over days, weeks, or months.
Migraines cause head pain. However, these types of headaches also have other symptoms, such as sensitivity to light or nausea. Migraines may also cause symptoms before and after the head pain.
How are headaches and migraines diagnosed?
The Southern Pain and Spine team conducts comprehensive exams when you come in with concerns about ongoing head pain. To diagnose the type of headache causing your pain, they ask detailed questions about your symptoms.
The team also reviews your medical and family history and performs a physical exam.
How are headaches and migraines treated?
The team at Southern Pain and Spine customizes your headache or migraine treatment plan based on your diagnosis and severity of symptoms. The team takes a comprehensive and conservative approach to care, focusing on restoring health and function through rehabilitation.
Your treatment plan may include:
- Medication management
- Stress management
- Biofeedback (recognizing triggers and early symptoms)
- Stretching exercises
- Botox® injections for migraines
- Sympathetic nerve injections
The Southern Pain and Spine team work closely with you designing a plan that eases the frequency and intensity of your head pain to improve your quality of life.
Call Southern Pain and Spine or request a referral online today.
