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They often cause discomfort and can even lead to missed work or school days. Numerous things, including lack of sleep, stress, infections, and underlying medical conditions, can cause headaches.
In this blog, we'll delve into the causes of head and neck pain, their symptoms, when to seek medical attention, preventive measures, and how expert care can provide effective relief. The insights have been taken from Dr. Dipty Mangla, renowned for head pain treatment in New Jersey. Continue reading for expert details.
Causes and Types of Head and Neck Pain
Headaches, whether mild or severe, can stem from a multitude of factors. They might be related to lack of sleep, incorrect eyeglass prescriptions, fatigue, exposure to loud noises, or even dental infections. Sinusitis and viral/bacterial infections can also lead to these discomforts. Some headaches may originate in the head, termed primary headaches, while others are linked to systemic illnesses and are termed secondary headaches. These secondary headaches often coincide with other health issues.
Neck pain is frequently associated with headaches. The proximity of nerves can result in a feedback loop between the two, where headaches lead to neck pain and vice versa. Both types of pain can be attributed to systemic medical conditions or local factors like migraines, cervicogenic headaches, or occipital neuralgia.
Expert Diagnosis and Treatment
If one is seeking effective treatment for head pain, one must consult a pain management specialist like Dr. Dipty Mangla, a renowned pain management physician in New Jersey, who offers comprehensive solutions. The first step in treatment is a thorough analysis to identify the root cause of the headaches and then offer the appropriate treatment options.
Common Symptoms
Headaches can manifest in various ways: dull aches, throbbing sensations, sharp pains, or even burning discomfort. Often, these headaches are accompanied by visual or auditory symptoms as well as nausea. Additionally, symptoms like a runny nose or redness of the eyes can be associated with headaches. However, neck pain can also cause numbness, tingling, shooting pains in the shoulders and arms, and a dull ache in the back of the neck.
When to Seek Medical Attention?
Certain circumstances warrant immediate medical attention when dealing with head and neck pain. These include sudden severe headaches, changes in mental functioning, speech problems, weakness in the extremities, and headaches following an injury, especially if one is on blood thinners. Differentiating between acute (lasting 7-10 days, up to 30 days) and chronic (lasting more than 3 months) pain is crucial for proper treatment.
Preventive Measures
Adopting certain lifestyle habits can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches and neck pain. Adequate sleep, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, staying hydrated, and maintaining regular meals are fundamental steps. Identifying and avoiding migraine triggers like loud noises, strong perfumes, alcohol (especially wine), and certain foods like cheese can also help. Regularly stretching neck muscles, maintaining good posture, managing stress, and treating sinus infections can significantly contribute to headache prevention.
Conclusion
Head and neck pain are shared experiences that can disrupt daily life. Individuals can take proactive steps toward managing their discomfort by understanding the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures. Seeking expert care from pain management specialists like Dr. Dipty Mangla at Mainland Pain Management in New Jersey ensures a comprehensive diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and effective relief. Book an appointment with her today and learn about the treatment in detail.
