Treatment for Chronic Headaches in Coral Springs, FL

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.

If you’re tired of living with chronic headaches in the Coral Springs area, contact Optimize Medical today to speak to a medical provider. Give us a call at 954-780-8685 or schedule an appointment online.

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 more painful headaches 

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 avoided by taking  daily preventive medicines, when deemed necessary.

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. Sometimes  a process of trial and error is needed to find effective treatment options.

When to Get Help

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

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 daily preventive medicines.

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

You don’t have to live with chronic headaches. For patients in the Coral Springs area, the team at Optimize Medical is here to help. Give us a call at 954-780-8685 today to schedule an appointment, or easily schedule an appointment online.

Request an Appointment