Anyone who has ever experienced a severe headache can tell you how debilitating it can be. Those who suffer from them chronically can experience years of this degree of pain without meaningful relief. Prescription medications may ease the severity of chronic migraines, but they often only provide limited results. If you’re among those who struggle with chronic migraines or headaches, Novacare Medical is here to help you find meaningful relief.
Headaches And Migraine Triggers, And How They Are Treated
Those who suffer from migraines and headaches often discover that there are specific triggers that can lead to their onset. Discovering these triggers and understanding the common ones can help identify meaningful ways of controlling or limiting their onset. Migraines and headaches are classified according to their symptoms, frequency, and locations where they appear. The common types of headaches and migraines include:
- Tension headaches: Show symptoms at the back of the head and across the forehead. Each time they appear, the specifics can vary. They may last for hours or only a few minutes. Sometimes, they may carry over from one day to the next. The underlying cause can be dehydration, inflammation, overindulgence in caffeine or alcohol, and tension forming across the neck and scalp.
- Sinus Headaches: These headaches typically occur throughout the nose bridge, cheeks, and nasal cavities. Anywhere the sinus cavity touches. Nasal and postnatal drip are common companion symptoms and frequently occur in those with airborne allergies.
- Migraines: A chronic form of headache that can be connected to digestion, hormonal fluctuations, and an extensive range of other triggers. While their underlying causes are still not well understood, it is known that some migraine sufferers have an imperfection in the Nitric Oxide Synthase enzyme. This enzyme is involved in the dilation of blood vessels. Another form of migraine is caused by a lack of Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin. This vitamin plays a major role in cellular metabolism, particularly those of the nerves and blood vessels.
Regardless of the type of migraine, they are often accompanied by nausea, photosensitivity, and sensitivity to loud noises. The pain from a migraine often appears in the back of the head, the eyes, and the temples. Some patients report “auras” or other visual disturbances with their migraines. Everyone will have their own list of symptoms and triggers when they experience a migraine. Migraines can last for an hour or more, sometimes persisting for days or weeks without relenting.
Is there anything I can do to feel better when I have a headache?
Yes. Some people feel better if they:
- Take non-prescription pain medicines (but check with your doctor first if you have a health condition or already take prescription medicines).
- Lie down in a cool, dark, quiet room (this works best for migraine headaches).
Should I see a doctor or nurse?
You should call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
- Your headache starts suddenly, quickly becomes severe, or could be described as “the worst headache of your life.”
- You also have a seizure, personality changes, or confusion, or you pass out.
- You have weakness, numbness, or trouble seeing (migraine headaches can sometimes cause these symptoms, but you should be seen right away the first time these symptoms happen).
You should see a doctor or nurse if:
- You get frequent or severe headaches.
- Your headache began after you exercised or had a minor injury.
- You have new headaches, especially if you are pregnant or older than 40.
- You have a fever or stiff neck with your headache.
What might be causing my headaches?
Some people find that their headaches are triggered by certain foods or things they do. To get an idea of what might be causing your headaches, you can keep a “headache calendar.” In the calendar, write down every time you have a headache and what you ate and did before it started.
Some common headache triggers include:
- Being stressed
- Skipping meals or eating too little
- Having too little or too much caffeine
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Drinking alcohol
- Eating/drinking certain foods or drinks
You can also write down what medicine you took for the headache and whether or not it helped.
Is there anything I can do to keep from getting headaches?
If you know what things trigger your headache, try avoiding those things if possible. For example, it might help to:
- Change your eating or sleeping patterns.
- Learn relaxation techniques and healthy ways to manage stress.
- Make healthy lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking and getting more physical activity.
If your headaches are frequent, severe, or long-lasting, your doctor can suggest ways to try to prevent them. In some cases, medicines can also help.
How are headaches treated?
There are lots of medicines that can ease the pain of headaches. You can try taking acetaminophen(sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve). There are prescription medicines that can help, too. The right medicine for you will depend on what type of headaches you get, how often you get them, and how bad they are. If you get headaches often, work with your doctor to find a treatment that helps. Do not try to manage frequent headaches on your own with non-prescription pain medicines. Taking non-prescription pain medicines too often can actually cause more headaches later
Get Migraine Or Headache Relief With Our Team At Novcare Medical
Two out of every hundred people suffer from chronic headaches or migraine. A range of treatment options can manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups. Even in those who suffer nearly daily migraines, it can be possible to reduce the number of occurrences sharply. Chronic migraines are defined as those that occur more than 15 times within one month. Severe cases like these can be severely disabling, but we can help. Reach out to our office to schedule your first step toward relief from chronic headaches and migraines.
Are there different types of headaches?
Yes. There are different types of headaches. The 2 most common types are:
Tension headaches – Tension headaches cause pressure or tightness on both sides of the head.
Migraine headaches – Migraine headaches often start mild and then get worse. They often affect just 1 side of the head. The pain often feels like it is pounding or throbbing. Routine activities like walking or climbing stairs can make the headache worse. Migraines can also cause nausea or vomiting, or make you sensitive to light and sound.
Is there anything I can do to feel better when I have a headache?
Yes. Some people feel better if they:
- Take non-prescription pain medicines (but check with your doctor first if you have a health condition or already take prescription medicines).
- Lie down in a cool, dark, quiet room (this works best for migraine headaches).
Should I see a doctor or nurse?
You should call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
- Your headache starts suddenly, quickly becomes severe, or could be described as “the worst headache of your life.”
- You also have a seizure, personality changes, or confusion, or you pass out.
- You have weakness, numbness, or trouble seeing (migraine headaches can sometimes cause these symptoms, but you should be seen right away the first time these symptoms happen).
You should see a doctor or nurse if:
- You get frequent or severe headaches.
- Your headache began after you exercised or had a minor injury.
- You have new headaches, especially if you are pregnant or older than 40.
- You have a fever or stiff neck with your headache.
What might be causing my headaches?
Some people find that their headaches are triggered by certain foods or things they do. To get an idea of what might be causing your headaches, you can keep a “headache calendar.” In the calendar, write down every time you have a headache and what you ate and did before it started.
Some common headache triggers include:
- Being stressed
- Skipping meals or eating too little
- Having too little or too much caffeine
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Drinking alcohol
- Eating/drinking certain foods or drinks
You can also write down what medicine you took for the headache and whether or not it helped.
Is there anything I can do to keep from getting headaches?
If you know what things trigger your headache, try avoiding those things if possible. For example, it might help to:
- Change your eating or sleeping patterns.
- Learn relaxation techniques and healthy ways to manage stress.
- Make healthy lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking and getting more physical activity.
If your headaches are frequent, severe, or long-lasting, your doctor can suggest ways to try to prevent them. In some cases, medicines can also help.
How are headaches treated?
There are lots of medicines that can ease the pain of headaches. You can try taking acetaminophen(sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve). There are prescription medicines that can help, too. The right medicine for you will depend on what type of headaches you get, how often you get them, and how bad they are. If you get headaches often, work with your doctor to find a treatment that helps. Do not try to manage frequent headaches on your own with non-prescription pain medicines. Taking non-prescription pain medicines too often can actually cause more headaches later
