What causes headaches?

A headache is a pain that occurs in any part of your head. The pain varies and may be sharp or dull, constant or intermittent, or develop slowly or quickly. Headaches are very common and one of the leading causes of work absences.

You may develop a headache for any number of reasons, from not getting enough sleep to feeling too stressed at work. Medication, illnesses, and hunger may also lead to headaches.

What are the different types of headaches?

There are several types of headaches, but the most common include tension, sinus, and migraine headaches.

Tension headaches

A tension headache is the most common cause of head pain. It usually results from tightened muscles in your shoulders, neck, or jaw. A tension headache causes mild to moderate pain that can be felt throughout your head.

Sinus headaches

If you have allergies, you may develop sinus headaches, which generate pain in the front of the face near your nose and cheeks.

Migraines

Migraines cause moderate to severe head pain usually localized in one area of your head. Migraines may also cause other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. Factors, such as hormonal changes, stress, and certain foods, may trigger a migraine.

How are headaches treated?

The physicians at Pain Medicine Group individualize treatment for your headache based on the type. Treatment may include:

• Medication
• Massage therapy
• Acupuncture
• Trigger point injections
• Occipital nerve block

Your doctor may also recommend at-home treatments to reduce your pain or headache frequency, such as rest, use of a cold compress, or a warm bath to help you relax.

For migraines, your provider may help you identify your triggers and provide recommendations on ways to reduce exposure.

What is an occipital nerve block?

The experts at Pain Medicine Group offer occipital nerve blocks to provide headache pain relief. This in-office procedure involves an injection of a local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory into your occipital nerves located at the base of your head. When irritated, these nerves cause headache pain.

If the occipital nerves are the source of your headaches, an occipital nerve block may provide headache relief for several months.

For assitance in alleviating your headaches, call Pain Medicine Group today or schedule an appointment online.

What other medical issues do we treat?

At Pain Medicine Group, we treat a wide range of medical issues including:

• Arm Pain
• Arthritis pain
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
• Degenerative Disc
• Disc Herniation
• Fibromyalgia pain
• Foot pain
• Headache
• Hip pain
• Knee pain
• Leg pain
• Low back pain
• Migraines
• Neck pain
• Nerve pain
• Neuropathy
• Radiculopathy
• Sciatica pain
• Shoulder pain