Whether it's mild discomfort or debilitating pain, headaches can significantly impact the daily routine of anyone. As a result, treatment of this ailment becomes necessary. But before moving towards headache treatment it is indispensable to learn about the types and causes of headaches. 

Dr. Dipty Mangla is a pain management specialist renowned for head pain treatment in New Jersey. Based on insights shared by the doctor, in this blog, we will explore the various factors that contribute to headaches and discuss some tried-and-tested treatment options that can provide relief.

Causes of Headaches

• Tension and Stress

Tension headaches are often triggered by stress, anxiety, or emotional strain. These headaches typically result from muscle tension in the head, neck, and shoulder areas. Adopting relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, can help alleviate tension headaches.

• Migraine

Migraine headaches are characterized by intense, throbbing pain usually on one side of the head. They can be triggered by various factors, including hormonal changes, certain foods, dehydration, lack of sleep, and sensory stimuli like bright lights or strong smells. Identifying triggers and avoiding them, along with prescribed medications, can help manage migraines.

• Sinusitis

Allergies, infections, or colds can cause the sinuses to become inflamed or congested, which leads to sinus headaches. The underlying cause of sinus headaches may be treated with antibiotics, nasal decongestants, or saline nasal sprays.

• Headaches in Clusters

Cluster headaches usually affect one side of the head and are severe headaches that come in cyclical patterns called clusters. Symptoms like red or watery eyes, nasal congestion, or restlessness are frequently present in conjunction with them. Cluster headache treatment options include high-flow oxygen therapy, pharmaceutical drugs, and lifestyle changes.

• Herniated Disc 

A herniated disc in the cervical spine can cause headaches. The pressure on the nerves in the neck from the herniated disc can radiate pain to the head, leading to headaches. 

• Arthritis in Neck 

Headaches may be a symptom of neck arthritis. Head pain may be brought on by the stiffness and inflammation of the neck joints, which may in turn cause stress on the nearby muscles. The symptoms of both neck pain and headaches might be reduced with proper arthritis diagnosis and treatment.

• Cervicogenic Headache

Cervicogenic headaches are a particular kind of headache that starts in the cervical spine and are typically brought on by problems with the neck or upper spine. Cervicogenic headaches can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, neck injuries, and diseases like arthritis. Usually, the pain in the neck extends to the head. Cervicogenic headaches can be managed and relieved with the help of a proper diagnosis and focused treatments such as physical therapy, medicines, or nerve blocks.

• Occipital Neuralgia

Chronic pain in the occipital nerves, which are found near the base of the skull, is the hallmark of the illness known as occipital neuralgia. Frequently, the discomfort is felt behind the eyes, on the scalp, or as a severe headache or acute, shooting pains. Common triggers include neck stress, occipital nerve damage, or inflammation. To treat the pain and enhance the quality of life, treatments may include medication, nerve blocks, physical therapy, or in some circumstances, surgical intervention.

Treatments for Chronic Head Pain Treatment 

1. Radiofrequency Ablation

A minimally invasive treatment called radiofrequency ablation utilizes heat to interfere with nerve signals and relieve chronic neck and head discomfort. Radiofrequency ablation can provide long-lasting pain relief for several months or even years by specifically targeting the nerves that are producing the pain.

2. Epidural Angioplasty

To minimize inflammation and relieve pain, corticosteroids and local anesthetics are injected into the epidural area during epidural injections. Chronic headaches and neck discomfort brought on by ailments like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or nerve root compression are frequently treated with these injections.

3. Botox Injection

Botox injections are an FDA-approved treatment for chronic migraines. The injections contain a purified form of the botulinum toxin, which helps relax the muscles and reduce pain associated with migraines. These injections are administered every few months and have been shown to significantly decrease the frequency and intensity of migraines in many patients.

4. Trigger Point Injection

Trigger point injections involve the injection of a local anesthetic, saline, or corticosteroid into specific trigger points in the muscles to relieve pain and relax the muscle fibers. These injections are commonly used to treat tension headaches and myofascial pain syndrome, which involves the presence of trigger points or knots in the muscles.

Understanding the causes of headaches and seeking the right treatment choices can help reduce the pain and suffering they bring. Headaches can drastically lower one’s quality of life. Finding the best method may need some trial and error, whether it be through medicine, lifestyle changes, or alternative therapy. To identify the underlying cause of headaches and create a customized treatment strategy, it is imperative to speak with a healthcare practitioner like Dr. Dipty Mangla-an anesthesiologist for the best chronic pain treatment in New Jersey at Mainland Pain Management Clinic.