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Most people have felt what it's like to have a headache. It's the kind of pain that makes your head pound and can interfere with productivity. They're common and bothersome — but what causes them? It helps to know what causes severe headaches because sometimes your headache could be related to more serious underlying causes that could have been avoided.
You do not need to go through the pain and wish it to disappear. Here at our Bergen County pain management center can help treat painful conditions, such as headaches. And in this blog, we will help you gain some insights about the causes of headaches and what treatment options are available for headaches without relying on meds. So if you're interested in finding out what causes your headaches and how to treat them effectively without medication, then read on.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache experienced by people who do not suffer from migraines or cluster headaches. Tension headaches are a common cause of headaches and are often caused by muscle tension in the scalp and neck. They can be triggered by stress, anxiety, or even poor posture.
Tension headaches often feel like a tight band around your head and can be accompanied by pain in the muscles of your face, neck, and shoulders. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. Tension headaches are generally not dangerous but can be very painful and disruptive to your daily life if left untreated.
Migraine headaches
Migraine headaches are severe headaches, usually frontal and unilateral, of moderate to severe intensity. The pain is generally aggravated by physical activity and strong odors.
Migraine headaches are a type of headache that many people have. They are characterized by moderate to severe pain and can last for hours. They may be disabling, making it difficult for the person to go about daily life.
Migraines are believed to be caused by changes in the blood vessels surrounding the brain, which then causes nerve cells in the brain to fire more quickly than usual. This sends messages through the brain and leads to pain. The pain can spread into areas around the head and face and even down an arm or leg. Migraines can be triggered by stress, bright lights, loud sounds or odors, or certain foods like chocolate or caffeine.
Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches are the worst. In the worst case, they can ruin someone's life, making them unable to function normally due to the sheer pain of the headaches. Cluster headaches are type of headache that comes in cycles. It can last for hours to days, often getting worse at night.
Cluster headaches are typically characterized by stabbing pain on one side of the head, near or behind an eye, and frequently wake people up at night with excruciating pain. They are less common than other types of headaches, but people who suffer from these headaches talk about them like they're the worst thing that could ever happen to them.
Rebound headaches
Although headaches can be quite painful, the causes aren't usually serious. One common source of headaches is the overuse of painkillers, especially ones containing caffeine or aspirin, which can lead to rebound headaches that make the original problem worse.
Rebound headaches are caused by taking medication for headaches too often, which can make the headaches more frequent and harder to manage. The most common medications used to treat migraines can also cause rebound headaches to occur.
When you're taking painkillers regularly, your brain gets used to the extra chemicals in your system. It begins producing fewer natural endorphins (the chemicals that regulate pain) than it did before you started taking the pills. And when you stop taking the pills suddenly, your body becomes accustomed to the lower levels of endorphins and has trouble functioning without them. As a result, your brain starts sending out signals that are much stronger than they were before—this is what produces rebound headaches.
Other causes of headaches
• Dehydration
• Caffeine withdrawal
• Poor sleep habits
• Overconsumption of alcohol
• Allergies and sinusitis
• Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar
• Menstrual cycle
• Hunger-induced headaches.
• Stress, anxiety, and depression
• Eye strain
• Muscle tension and poor posture
When Should You be Concerned About a Headache?
Headaches can be a very frustrating problem to deal with. If you're one of the people who suffer from them, you probably know what it feels like to have a nagging pain behind your eyes that won't go away. It's hard enough to live with sometimes, but the worst thing about headaches is that they can make you feel trapped inside your head.
It might be helpful to think about what kind of headache you have and what type it is so that you know how best to get relief. While some headache causes are more common than others, it's important to note that any headache can be the symptom of a more serious medical issue. Therefore, it is always important to consult with a pain specialist if you find yourself suffering from a headache that doesn't seem to go away after a few days.
How to Treat Headaches?
Most of us have experienced a headache at one point or another, and for most of us, it was just something we had to put up with. When you're dealing with a headache, you just want to get it over with as quickly as possible. But headaches, especially chronic ones, can be signs of something more serious. Headaches can have many different causes and symptoms depending on what type you have and how severe your symptoms are. They can also be the result of a serious problem in the body that needs attention.
Some types of headaches may be more difficult to treat than others due to their complexity or severity. In some cases, medications may not completely stop your headache pain. In those cases, other treatments such as physical therapy or lifestyle changes may help relieve your symptoms so you can get back to feeling better more quickly. There's no reason to suffer from headaches when there are plenty of ways to prevent them. Here are some of the treatment options for headaches:
Botox injections
When injected in small doses, this protein is very good at blocking nerve signals. It can block the nerve signals that are linked to some headaches. When these are blocked, you won't feel a migraine.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is a treatment option for chronic headaches without medication. Physical therapists treat patients to help them improve their mobility, strength, and function. They also help patients manage pain caused by muscle imbalances and joint dysfunction. In addition, physical therapists provide exercises and stretches that can help relieve the pain associated with headaches.
Physical therapy can help reduce muscle tension in your neck and shoulders. It may also teach you how to relax your muscles during a headache so that you don't tense up as much when one starts.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves putting very thin needles into specific points of your body. It's been shown to be effective at relieving some types of headaches. Although it does not always work for everyone, it's worth the try.
Medical massage
Medical massage therapy has proven effective in treating a variety of health conditions, including those related to chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, low back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. It can also help reduce stress levels, improve circulation, and increase muscle flexibility throughout the body.
Chiropractic care
Chiropractic care is a safe, drug-free, and effective way to treat headaches without medication. Instead, the chiropractor uses gentle manipulation of your spine to correct misalignments in the joints and bones of your back. This helps relieve nerve pressure and improves blood flow, reducing pain and inflammation.
Don't Ignore Your Headache
If you are experiencing a headache, it is best not to ignore it. The most important thing to do is listen to your body and pay attention to what's going on. The key is to diagnose the exact cause of your headache and treat it properly.
No matter what type of headache you are experiencing, It is important to see a Bergen County pain management specialist if your headaches are prolonged or you experience severe pain or migraines that last longer than thirty minutes. They are health professionals who can diagnose correctly and ensure the right treatment for your headache problems.