Chronic Headaches Treatment in Mooresville and Salisbury, NC

At Carolina Pain and Weight Loss, we understand that chronic headaches can be both physically and emotionally draining. At our pain management clinic in Mooresville and Salisbury, we are here to offer specialized treatment and relief from the persistent pain and discomfort that chronic headaches bring.

Our dedicated team of medical professionals is committed to providing compassionate care and effective solutions to help you with chronic headaches. Call our clinic in Mooresville and Salisbury today to speak with a staff member.

What are Headaches?

A headache is a pain or discomfort in the head or face. Headaches can develop gradually or suddenly, and may last from less than an hour to several days. Headaches are very common and in most cases are no reason for concern. In some cases, headaches may be a sign of an underlying condition.

What are the Types of Headaches?

Headaches are often described with pressure that is throbbing, constant, sharp or dull.

Headaches may occur:

On one or both sides of the head
Be isolated to a certain location
Radiate across the head from one point
Bring a feeling of tightness or firmness
In connection with another medical condition

Types of headaches include:

Migraine headache

Most common type of headache
Usually on one side of the head
Lasts from two to seventy-two hours
Often associated with nausea and/or vomiting
Brings a sensitivity to light and/or sound
Typically a throbbing pain
Is a chronic disease or genetic condition
May be experienced alongside an “aura” which can be flashes of light, blind spots, and other vision changes or tingling in your hand or face

Tension headache

Second most common headache type
Often referred to as “hatband” headaches because they typically painful around the back of the head, the temples and forehead, as if a tight hat were in place
May feel pressure at onset and can last from hours to days
Can co-exist with migraine, and one can transform or trigger the other
Often responsive to physical therapy, relaxation therapy and anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants

Cluster headache

Relatively short-lived lasting usually between 20 minutes and two hours
Always one-sided and is associated with symptoms such as a stuffy nose on one side, tearing, an enlarged pupil, or a droopy lid
Occur several to many times a day for a period of days to weeks, and then disappear for a variable amount of time, usually weeks to months
Some of the most painful headaches imaginable

Hypnic Headache

Rare and occurs in people between the ages of 40 and 80
Occurs exclusively at night, typically lasting between 15 and 60 minutes and usually at the same time each night
Pain is not exclusive to one side and does not have cluster headache patterns
Specific treatments are designed for hypnic headaches

What May Cause Headaches?

When headache triggers are known, avoiding the triggers can prevent a headache. Reducing stress can minimize or prevent headaches caused by stress. Migraine and cluster headaches may be prevented by taking a daily preventive medicines.

What is the Treatment for Headaches?

The treatment for your headache may depend on the type of headache you are experiencing.

Some common treatment options include:

Over-the-Counter Medications

Aspirin
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)
Caffeine

Rest

In a quiet, dark room
Hot or cold compresses
Massage
Muscle relaxants

Other Medications

Tricyclic antidepressants
Injectable medications
Prescription nasal sprays
Preventive medications
Calcium channel blockers (increase blood and oxygen supply to the heart)

Therapy

Transcranial magnetic stimulation, a therapy that uses electrical currents to stimulate nerve cells in the brain
Physical therapy
Oxygen therapy (breathing pure oxygen via mask)

Each type of headache has different treatment methods that can be effective in treating headache pain. It is important to be open and honest with your healthcare provider to find what works for you.

You may undergo some testing like blood tests, X-rays, or an MRI to properly diagnose your type of headache and to get relief for your symptoms. We often need a process of trial and error to find effective treatment options.

When to Get Help

Almost everyone gets headaches and many are nothing to worry about.

If headaches are disrupting your activities, work or personal life, it’s time to see your doctor. Headaches can’t always be prevented, but your doctor can help you manage the symptoms.

Your age, lifestyle, and personal preference will all determine which treatment is best for you. The goal of treatment is to stop headaches from occurring, avoiding triggers, and get control quickly if they do occur.

Schedule Your Headache Consultation Today

Our dedicated team of medical professionals are committed to providing compassionate care and effective solutions to help you with chronic headaches. Call our clinic in Mooresville and Salisbury today to speak with a staff member.