Headaches generally cause a dull, aching pain or pressure across the forehead or back of the head. Migraines are a neurological condition characterized by intense, throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, and can be accompanied by nausea, visual auras, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.
Virginia Joint & Spine Center is your ideal destination. Our team of medical providers and healthcare doctors collaborate together within a single facility to offer our patients the most effective combination of care for osteoarthritis patients.
Who Typically Suffers
Almost everyone experiences tension headaches at some point. Migraines are most common in adults aged 18 to 44, and women are three times more likely to experience them than men.
What Causes It
Tension headaches are often caused by stress, muscle tension, lack of sleep, or dehydration. Migraines can be triggered by hormonal fluctuations, specific foods (like aged cheeses or artificial sweeteners), weather changes, and intense sensory stimuli.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a headache and a migraine?
Migraines are usually much more severe, localized to one side of the head, and come with additional symptoms like nausea and light sensitivity.
How can I stop a migraine quickly?
Resting in a dark, quiet room, staying hydrated, and taking prescribed or over-the-counter abortive medications at the first sign of an aura can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes recurring headaches or migraines?
Recurring headaches or migraines can develop for several reasons, including migraine biology, tension, neck dysfunction, sleep disruption, dehydration, stress, medication effects, or other medical causes. The location of pain alone does not always identify the source. A focused history and examination can help distinguish a local joint or soft-tissue problem from referred pain, nerve involvement, or a condition that needs medical testing.
When should I seek care for recurring headaches or migraines?
Schedule an evaluation when head pain with neck tension, light or sound sensitivity, nausea, visual symptoms, or activity limitation persist, recur, limit sleep or daily activity, or follow an injury. Seek urgent medical attention for severe trauma, fever, unexplained weight loss, new weakness, loss of coordination, chest pain, or loss of bowel or bladder control.
How is recurring headaches or migraines evaluated?
An evaluation typically includes questions about when symptoms began, activities that worsen or relieve them, prior injuries, and relevant medical history. The provider may assess mobility, strength, sensation, balance, posture, or movement patterns. Imaging or referral may be recommended when the examination suggests it is necessary.
What non-surgical treatments may help recurring headaches or migraines?
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include education, activity modification, chiropractic or manual care, therapeutic exercise, rehabilitation, and medical treatments when appropriate. The plan should focus on identifying headache patterns, addressing musculoskeletal contributors when present, and coordinating medical evaluation for concerning symptoms. No single treatment is right for every patient.
How long does improvement from recurring headaches or migraines take?
Recovery time varies with the cause, severity, duration, overall health, work or activity demands, and consistency with the care plan. Some symptoms improve within a few visits, while long-standing conditions may require more time. Progress should be reassessed using pain, mobility, strength, and functional goals.
