Everyone gets headaches from time to time, but if they become a regular occurrence, identifying the cause is essential. At Health Advantage Physical Medicine in Pasadena, California, the team offers complete care for primary and secondary headaches and migraines. Call Health Advantage Physical Medicine today to schedule treatment for headaches, or book your appointment online.
There are more than 100 different types of headaches, but they all fall into one of two categories:
These headaches occur due to the over-activity of the pain centers in your head. They occur suddenly and usually aren’t cause for concern. Most people who experience primary headaches have genes that make them more susceptible. For example, migraines are a type of primary headache.
These headaches occur due to an underlying medical condition, like dehydration or sinusitis. Once the underlying condition is treated, these headaches usually improve and don’t come back.
Make an appointment at Health Advantage Physical Medicine if you have frequent headaches that occur alongside neurological symptoms, such as:
Even though most headaches aren’t serious, identifying the cause is crucial so you can prevent them from recurring.
Your practitioner reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including what the headaches feel like, how often they occur, and how much pain they cause. They also ask about your lifestyle, including if you drink caffeine or alcohol and what your sleep habits are like.
Next, a physical exam checks for underlying illnesses or conditions that might trigger your headaches. A series of neurological tests check for disorders of the central nervous system.
Most headaches are easy to diagnose, but if your chiropractor suspects a neurological issue, they might refer you to a radiology facility for a CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
At Health Advantage Physical Medicine, headache treatments take a conservative and minimally invasive approach. Options include:
It might take a combination of treatments to provide lasting relief. Follow all provided instructions, and attend each of your checkups to ensure a positive treatment outcome.
Call Health Advantage Physical Medicine today to schedule headache treatment, or book your appointment online.