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Understanding the Causes and Impact of Headachesn

 

Headaches are a common condition that can affect people of all ages and genders. They result from interactions between blood vessels and surrounding nerves, which send pain signals to the brain. Headaches vary in intensity and duration depending on their underlying cause.

While often overlooked, frequent or persistent headaches can severely affect your daily life. If you notice an increase in their intensity or frequency, it’s important to seek professional care to address the root cause and avoid further complications.

Understanding the Causes and Impact of Headachesn

 

Headaches are a common condition that can affect people of all ages and genders. They result from interactions between blood vessels and surrounding nerves, which send pain signals to the brain. Headaches vary in intensity and duration depending on their underlying cause.

While often overlooked, frequent or persistent headaches can severely affect your daily life. If you notice an increase in their intensity or frequency, it’s important to seek professional care to address the root cause and avoid further complications.

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Types of Headaches

 

Headaches can differ significantly in symptoms, severity, and origin. Below are the main types:

Tension Headaches

The most common type, tension headaches occur when neck and scalp muscles contract. They’re often linked to stress, poor posture, or eyestrain. Signs include:

✔ Constant, dull pain on both sides of the head

✔ Pressure or tightness around the head

✔ Mild to moderate symptoms

✔ Not aggravated by physical activity

✔ Duration ranges from 20 minutes to several days

Migraines

Migraines cause intense, throbbing pain and may be triggered by hormonal changes, sleep issues, certain foods, or stress. Signs include:

✔ Severe throbbing pain, typically on one side of the head

✔ Nausea and vomiting

✔ Sensitivity to light and sound

✔ Duration may range from a few hours to several days

Cluster Headaches

Less common but extremely painful, these headaches often occur in cycles and are linked to environmental or lifestyle triggers like smoking or alcohol. Signs include:

✔ Severe, sharp pain on one side of the head

✔ Pain around or behind one eye

✔ Watery eyes and nasal congestion

✔ Insomnia or disrupted sleep

Cluster Headaches

Less common but extremely painful, these headaches often occur in cycles and are linked to environmental or lifestyle triggers like smoking or alcohol.

Signs include:

✔ Severe, sharp pain on one side of the head

✔ Pain around or behind one eye

✔ Watery eyes and nasal congestion

✔ Insomnia or disrupted sleep

Cervicogenic Headaches

These headaches originate from structural problems in the cervical spine and may be related to conditions such as arthritis, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis.

Signs include:

✔ Steady, one-sided head pain that starts in the neck and radiates forward

✔ Limited neck mobility

✔ Pain that worsens with certain head or neck movements

Diagnosing the Cause of Headaches

 

To diagnose what type of headache you have and its root cause, your doctor may perform the following tests and examinations:

✔ A full medical history review

✔ Physical examination

✔ Imaging studies (X-ray, MRI, or CT scan)

✔ Neurological evaluations

Treatment Options for Headaches

 

Once the root cause has been identified, treatment may involve one or more of the following approaches:

Conservative Treatments

Conservative treatments aim to reduce pain by using noninvasive techniques to treat headaches; these may include:

✔ Relaxation practices such as deep breathing and meditation

✔ Acupuncture

✔ Stress management strategies

Lifestyle Changes

Multiple lifestyle changes can contribute to the decrease in pain and headache frequency:

✔ Physical therapy focused on the spine and neck for cervicogenic headaches

✔ Massage therapy for tension headaches

✔ Performing regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet

✔ Having sleep hygiene by keeping a constant schedule and comfortable environment when going to bed

Medications

Some of the most common medications to treat headaches include:

✔ Over-the-counter pain relievers

✔ Prescription medications for migraines and cluster headaches

✔ Preventive medications for chronic headaches

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Care That’s Close to Home

 

We offer care from two convenient clinic locations, making it easy to access expert medical support close to home.

Each facility is designed to provide a welcoming, safe, and efficient environment equipped with advanced technology and supported by a compassionate team dedicated to your well being.

Tualatin Clinic

Newberg Clinic

Care That’s Close to Home

 

We offer care from two convenient clinic locations, making it easy to access expert medical support close to home.

Each facility is designed to provide a welcoming, safe, and efficient environment equipped with advanced technology and supported by a compassionate team dedicated to your well being.

Tualatin Clinic

Newberg Clinic

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Why Choose Spinal Diagnostics?

Patients choose Spinal Diagnostics for our comprehensive approach, accurate diagnostics, and compassionate care. We stay at the forefront of interventional procedures and are committed to improving your quality of life—without opioids or invasive surgeries.

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Proven Medical Expertise

We bring years of clinical experience in pain management and interventional procedures.

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Constant Innovation

We use the latest techniques and technology to ensure safe, effective treatment.

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Compassionate Care

We listen, understand, and treat every patient with empathy and respect.

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Personalized Plans

Each treatment is tailored to your condition, goals, and lifestyle.

Explore the treatments that bring real relief.

Learn how our non-invasive solutions and personalized plans can help you feel better, faster.

Explore the treatments that bring real relief.

Learn how our non-invasive solutions and personalized plans can help you feel better, faster.