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Head Pain

Headaches are the most common cause for head pain. Migraines affect millions of people. Other causes for pain in the head area (not due to trauma) include occipital neuralgia and trigeminal neuralgia. There are many different types of headaches, some very common and others caused by serious cases such as a brain tumor or aneurysm.

Common Types of Headaches:

  • Allergies
  • Tension
  • Cluster
  • Sinus
  • Rebound
  • Migraine
  • Arthritis

Minor headaches can be relieved easily by taking over the counter pain medications,consuming caffeine, relaxing for some time or simply by getting some rest. However if you have a severe headache that does not improve with any of these remedies and last longer than a normal headache, it may be a symptom of a serious medical problem such as a stroke, tumor, blood clot or aneurysm.

Headaches for most are simply an annoying distraction and irritation that differs from your normal daily life. An easy way to reduce the depth and the frequency of headaches is to make a change in your lifestyle habits. Even small changes in your daily life can make large improvements with your headaches and pain. Reduce headaches with relaxation techniques, yoga, massages, rest, or by eliminating sources of stress.

If you change your lifestyle and still feel the persisting pain and ache of headaches, there are medications that will help to relieve the symptoms. If you experience any severe and lasting symptoms it is critical that you consult your physician to ensure that you are properly taken care of and can take the proper steps to eliminating your head pain.

Conditions Associated with Head Pain

  • Migraine Headaches
  • Occipital Neuralgia
  • Trigemina Neuralgia

Diagnosing Head Pain

  • Blood Chemistry
  • Urinalysis
  • CT Scan
  • MRI Scan
  • Sinus X-Ray
  • Electroencephalogram
  • Eye Exam
  • Spinal Tap

Common Treatments for Head Pain

  • Epidural Nerve Block
  • Medication Management
  • Radiofrequency Neuroablation
  • Rehabilitation

Head Pain FAQs

Over-the-counter pain medications can cure simple headaches. However, OCD medication may be ineffective if the headache isn't gone. Certain treatments like Epidural Nerve Block, Medication Management, Radiofrequency Neuroablation, and Rehabilitation can lower the frequency or severity of your headaches. Antidepressants have also helped some persons with persistent tension headaches. Opioids should be avoided.

There are many types of persistent headaches and various underlying reasons for them. Stress, medications, food, jaw problems, and disorders of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat can all trigger headaches. Other symptoms include-

 

  • Certain Drugs.
  • Ear, nose and throat problems.
  • Nervous system dysfunction.
  • Head, neck or spine Injury.
  • High Blood Pressure.
  • Poor posture puts unnecessary strain on the back and neck muscles.
  • A hangover from alcohol or drug abuse.
  • Extreme hot or extreme cold temperature.
  • Dehydration.
  • Loud noises.

It depends. Tension headaches can last 30 minutes or sometimes months. In general, the symptoms of a tension headache come on gradually and go away quickly. They usually occur in the middle of the day. Cluster headaches usually last no more than a week. Chronic tension headaches can cause symptoms to last for months. Although infrequent, these headaches can hurt your quality of life.

Please see your doctor if you have headaches that are more frequent than usual, are more severe than usual, do not improve with over-the-counter medications, or prevent you from participating in typical activities. Other common danger signs include-

 

  • Headache that comes out of nowhere (thunderclap headache).
  • First-time severe headache or sharp pain, stiff neck and high temperature between 102 and 104°F.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Disorientation or loss of balance.
  • The pain wakes you up.
  • The pain gets worse when you change position.
  • Speech is unclear or difficult to understand.

Head pain can be of several types. However, these are the 4 most common types of pain-

  • Tension
  • Cluster
  • Sinus
  • Migraine

Mild headaches can be cured quickly by using over-the-counter pain relievers, drinking coffee, relaxing briefly, or simply resting. However, severe headaches don't improve with any of these treatments and last longer than a normal headache. It could signify a serious medical condition such as a stroke, tumor, blood clot, or aneurysm.

Patient Testimonials

  • The care they give is amazing. The front desk gals are so friendly and helpful assisting with anything I've asked. My PA Nathan is very knowledgeable, personable and has been amazing in assisting me with my pain issue's along with other problems. I would and do recommend them to my friends and family.

    SanDee Rhett Avatar SanDee Rhett
    February 16, 2024

    I recently had a visit and hip injection by Dr. Sneddon. He is brilliant. Very nice man who figured out a problem I didn't even know I had. Would recommend to anyone. The team is also very pleasant and professional.

    Becky Leighton Avatar Becky Leighton
    February 5, 2024

    Always helpful and great to see. Once again they came through for me with amazing help! I couldn't leave another 5 star review so I would like to add and just let everyone know how amazing Emily M. and Melissa F. are! The reception are always so friendly and helpful, everyone I've had contact with have always been incredible and positive and make every visit great! I referring to the North side location, as I've never been to the other one, they know how to hire the right people!

    Brandon K Avatar Brandon K
    January 19, 2024

  • I have been a patient with Spine Team for about the last two years and have to say they are number one! Dr. Emily has been a great listener and really pays special attention to my needs also the other team members Angel and Laicy do a fine job of keeping my appointments on time and checking me in. Life is a journey and not a destination and with the help Spine Team North my quality of life has improved greatly.

    ryan kunz Avatar ryan kunz
    December 19, 2023

    I've been very impressed with the care Emily and her MA Laicy has given me. From the beginning Emily has done everything that she can to see that I go in the right direction for the pain that I've been in. I'm so grateful for my knee injections. I'm starting to feel like a normal person. I will continue recommending Spine Team.

    Kathleen Hartshorn Avatar Kathleen Hartshorn
    November 19, 2023

    Kellie is a knowledgeable and effective therapist for physical pain. She not only diminishes alot of the pain at the visit but she has so much information on any specific part of my body that we are working on at the time that I get educated which helps me understand. She is a positive person. She has an upbeat and outgoing personality. I always look forward to seeing her. She is definitely a bright spot in my day! And...my pain is always better the day she treats me. Win -win.

    Jillybean Avatar Jillybean
    November 19, 2023

  • I want to comment on my visits to see Emily and Laicy at the north office; they are so professional and caring! I feel so comfortable with talking to them about the issues I may have at the time and know that when I leave my appointment that we have gone over everything with answers. It is a great feeling that when you walk in the receptionist are so kind and easy going and to go to your appointment and you have the most upbeat and professional healthcare; it just makes your day!

    Brenda B Kastelein Avatar Brenda B Kastelein
    November 19, 2023

    I have have been going to Spine Team for 2 1/2 years. I cannot say enough good things about Emily and Laicy. They know me know my case and are so helpful with anything I need. Even though I have moved farther south in Idaho I will still continue to keep my care with them Thank you

    Candi Rosco Avatar Candi Rosco
    November 19, 2023

    Emily and Laicy @ Spokane Spine Team are great!! All the staff are wonderful! I love working with Emily. She is such a caring and compassionate Doctor and is always trying to find ways to get rid of my pain or make it more manageable. And great big THANK YOU to everyone, especially Emily, at Spokane Spine Team, for all that you do for everyone!! 😊❤️

    MARGIEANN PENNINGTON Avatar MARGIEANN PENNINGTON
    November 19, 2023
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