Weekend Doctor: Headaches
By Loreen Morris, APRN-CNP
Certified Nurse Practitioner, Blanchard Valley Pain Management
Although cephalgia (headache) is considered one of the most prevalent health complaints, the substantial societal and individual burden associated with headaches is often overlooked.
In fact, it is estimated that headaches account for approximately 20 percent of lost workdays and cost an average of $100 million per year.
Knowing the different types of headaches and their treatment modalities can help manage and potentially prevent headaches.
Types of headache pain
Tension headaches - The most common type of headache, often described as a tight band around the head. These headaches typically result in mild to moderate pain and are often stress related.
Migraine headaches - This is a more severe headache lasting hours to days. Oftentimes this type of headache is accompanied by other debilitating symptoms such as nausea and sensitivities to lights and sound. Triggers can include factors such as stress, dietary choices, hormonal changes and environmental exposures.
Cervicogenic headaches - These headaches are caused by underlying neck conditions with pain radiating into the head. The pain can be felt on one or both sides of the head and is often triggered by certain neck movements. Neck pain and stiffness often accompany this type of headache.
Cluster headaches - This rare condition occurs in “clusters” or cycles of headache pain. Typically described as very intense, sharp, stabbing, burning pain on one side of the head coming in waves of pain.
Treatment modalities
Lifestyle modifications - Ensuring quality sleep, managing stress, eating a healthy diet, regular exercise and avoiding triggers can help prevent headaches.
Medications - Over-the-counter medications are often effective in managing mild to moderate headaches. For more severe headaches, prescription medications are often utilized. However, medications should be used under the direction of a healthcare provider and with caution. Medications can often cause other side effects or even rebound headaches.
Alternative therapies - Additional treatment modalities can include massage, acupuncture and injections such as Botox for migraine prevention. In addition, cervical (neck) injections may be utilized to help with cervicogenic-type headaches.
Conclusion
Headaches are a common health complaint caused by varying factors such as stress, environmental triggers, injury and more. The different types of headaches are associated with specific symptoms and causes which often overlap. Treatment modalities range from over-the-counter medication to injection therapies. The best treatment modality for specific headache types should be discussed with a qualified health professional.
Stories Posted This Week
Saturday, May 3, 2025
- Pirate baseball win vs. Tigers
- Bluffton softball edged in battle of Pirates
- Committee meetings scheduled for Bluffton Council
- #1 recommended attraction in NW Ohio is in Ada
- Mental Health Awareness event with Seth Gehle
- Ohio highway patrol promoting motorcycle safety
- Recap of Bluffton Board of Education meeting for April 2025
- Weekend Doctor: Antidepressants in the long term
Friday, May 2, 2025
- BHS seniors exhibit art at Gallery 323 through May 7
- What's in your weekend?
- Pirate softball blanked by Lancers
- Pirate baseball blanked by Lincolnview
- Laman Promoted to VP Retail Credit Manager by CNB
- Local land conservancy hires first Executive Director
- Steiner to present Swiss Family Migration program on May 21
- 850 Days of Caring volunteers will pitch in for Hancock County
Thursday, May 1, 2025
- Angel M. Langhals owned LFE/API Meters
- Allen Co. task force targets target sex and human traffickers
- Blessing of the Bikes, May 4
- Metzger honored at 2025 Black Swamp Council meeting
- Volunteer invitation for Bluffton Pathway Count in May
- Pirate tennis edges Ottawa-Glandorf
- Bluffton EMS station staffing goes 24/7 on May 1
- You are what you eat: Link to immune system
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
- Observation deck added to Motter Park cascading pools project
- Bluffton Women in Business meet May 15
- Four sportsmen stock 200 trout at Buckeye Lake
- Pirate girls, boys 2nd at Minster track quad
- Pirate baseball win vs. Riverdale
- Pirate softball loss vs. Riverdale
- Field reports from NW Ohio wildlife officers