What is head pain?
Pain in the head, face, or upper neck is commonly referred to as a headache or head pain. Depending on the specific source of the pain or the type of headache, the frequency or intensity may change. The pain could be faint, dull, severe, throbbing, or persistent. Concussions and other types of trauma or injuries can also result in head pain.
In Charlotte, Southern Pain & Spine Specialists provides specialized treatment for headaches. Non-invasive, non-opioid pain management techniques are part of our holistic approach. Based on the requirements of each patient, Dr. Alamarie creates individualized treatment plans.
HEADACHES AND HEAD INJURIES
Types of Head Pain
There are various headache types. Each is distinguished by the severity of its symptoms. Headaches can range in size and frequency. Treatment options include prescription drugs, stress reduction techniques, dietary adjustments, injections, and treatments.
Another cause of headaches is an injury, such as one received in a vehicle accident or during a sporting event. Trauma to the brain, scalp, or skull is referred to as a head injury. Mild to severe injuries can range in severity and include bumps, bruises, concussions, and other things.
HEAD CONDITIONS
The intensity, location, and types of headaches that a headache might induce can all vary.
Migraine
A migraine is different from a typical headache. It frequently comes with warning indications, including an aura of light, and symptoms like nausea, excruciating pain, and sensitivity to light or sound. The majority of migraine sufferers have pain triggers like caffeine, chocolate, or stress. Preventive and pain-relieving treatments may be used to manage migraine-related headaches.
Tension Headache
Tension headaches are among the most prevalent types of headaches and can range in severity from mild to severe. Patients report the discomfort as a squeezing sensation on both sides of their head. The head, neck, or even behind the eyes could be hurting. Tight muscles, TMJ dysfunction, long hours of driving or gazing at a computer screen, and sleep issues are some of the common causes of tension headaches. Pain from tension headaches can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a week or more, and they can be episodic or chronic.
Occipital Neuralgia
The scalp is traversed by the occipital nerves. Inflammation or irritation of them results in excruciating, throbbing pain in the upper neck, the back of the head, and behind the ears. Occipital neuralgia may result from trauma or pinched nerves. It could be a primary or secondary disorder, in which case it might be connected to diabetes, malignancies, osteoarthritis, disc disease, or another ailment.
Secondary Headaches Caused by Concussion or Injury
Traumatic brain damage known as a concussion is brought on by a blow to the head or body, frequently when playing sports or in a vehicle accident. The impact causes the head and brain to move or snap back and forth quickly, causing the brain’s chemical composition to shift. It might or might not involve going unconscious. Although a concussion often does not pose a life-threatening threat, it can have serious consequences, including brain damage, and requires adequate medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Head Pain