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

Our Charlotte, North Carolina pain management clinic provides a range of treatments for treating head pain. A few of the therapies we provide to lessen or get rid of head discomfort include occipital nerve blocks, selective nerve block injections, and trigger point injections.

Many headaches go away on their own with time, rest, and over-the-counter painkillers, but severe or persistent headaches could not. In the event that your quality of life is being negatively impacted by severe, persistent, or incapacitating headaches, seek medical attention. A physician with expertise in pain management, like Dr. Alamarie, can assess your mental health.

It’s time to see a doctor if your headache is severe or does not go away with rest, at-home remedies including ice, heat, and over-the-counter pain reliever. Contact your doctor if you have any new or unusual symptoms. To ascertain the origin, existence, and severity of your headache, you must undergo an evaluation.

Mild to severe headache is possible. The discomfort could be subtle or intense, piercing or throbbing, ongoing or passing. Depending on the underlying cause, different patients have different head pain symptoms.

Different treatments may be effective for various types of headaches. Try painkillers, hot or cold compresses, dimmer lights, air conditioning, or drinking water if you get a headache at home. Some people can get relief from head discomfort through caffeine or relaxation techniques. Contact your doctor if your headaches are severe or persistent.

Migraine headaches can cause throbbing, pulsing agony that is incapacitating. Nausea, weakness, and sensitivity to light and sound are some migraine symptoms. However, some migraines could be preceded by symptoms of a more serious problem. Patients may have a higher risk of stroke if they have an aura or flashing lights along with their headaches. Speak with a medical practitioner if you have migraine symptoms or migraine auras and are concerned.

Although people of all ages can suffer from migraines, women under the age of 40 are more likely to have migraine discomfort. Hormones and migraines are related to one another. Migraines start to go away on their own around the age of 50 to 55. The precise timing, however, varies from patient to patient based on risk factors and triggers.

Even while many people get headaches occasionally, they don’t usually happen every day. You may experience persistent headaches if they last for more days than not. Make an appointment with your pain management team so they can assess you and find the source of your headaches.