Migraine Pain Relief

Migraine Pain Relief Clinic Idaho Falls

Best Headache and Migraine Pain Management Clinic in Idaho

Roughly 36 million people, or 12% of the population, suffer from migraine headaches. Women are affected three times more than men. The presentation of headaches varies from person to person.

What Are Headaches And Migraines?

Headaches are unpleasant pains in your head that can cause pressure and aching. The pain can range from mild to severe, and they usually occur on both sides of your head. Some specific areas where headaches can occur include the forehead, temples, and back of the neck. A headache pain can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a week. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common headache type is tension headache. Triggers for this headache type include stress, muscle strain, and anxiety.

Migraine headaches are intense or severe and often have other symptoms in addition to head pain. Symptoms associated with a migraine headache include nausea, pain behind one eye or ear, pain in the temples, seeing spots or flashing lights, sensitivity to light and/or sound, temporary vision loss, and vomiting.

Headaches are unpleasant pains in your head that can cause pressure and aching. The pain can range from mild to severe, and they usually occur on both sides of your head. Some specific areas where headaches can occur include the forehead, temples, and back of the neck. A headache can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a week. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common headache type is tension headache. Triggers for this headache type include stress, muscle strain, and anxiety.

Migraine headaches are intense or severe and often have other symptoms in addition to head pain. Symptoms associated with a migraine headache include nausea, pain behind one eye or ear, pain in the temples, seeing spots or flashing lights, sensitivity to light and/or sound, temporary vision loss, and vomiting.

Migraine vs. Headache: How to Tell the Difference

Migraines and headaches are two different types of head pain with different characteristics. Migraines are typically more severe and often include other symptoms, while headaches are generally less severe and lack these additional symptoms. Here are some key differences between migraines and headaches:

  1. Severity: Migraines are usually more severe and intense than headaches.
  2. Duration: Migraines can last from several hours to several days, while headaches usually last only a few hours.
  3. Additional symptoms: Migraines are often accompanied by other symptoms such as sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting, which are not present with a simple headache.
  4. Location: Migraines are often felt on one side of the head, while headaches can be on both sides.
  5. Triggers: Migraine triggers include specific foods, stress, hormonal changes, and other factors, while headaches are often caused by tension, dehydration, or lack of sleep.

If you are unsure whether you are experiencing a headache or a migraine, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional who can help diagnose and treat your symptoms.

How Do They Affect Your Daily Life?

Headaches and migraines can significantly impact daily life by causing pain, discomfort, and other symptoms that can affect a person’s ability to concentrate, work, and participate in daily activities. They can cause fatigue, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and in some cases, vomiting. Migraines can also cause visual disturbances, such as seeing flashing lights or zigzag lines. These symptoms can make it difficult to function normally and may lead to missed work or school days, social isolation, and decreased quality of life.

What Are The Types Of Migraines And Headaches

There are several types of migraines and headaches, each with unique symptoms and characteristics. Here is a brief overview of the most common types:

Types Of Migraines:

  1. Migraine without aura: This is the most common type of migraine and is characterized by moderate to severe throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head, as well as sensitivity to light, sound, and certain odors.
  2. Migraine aura: This type of migraine includes visual disturbances, such as seeing flashing lights or zigzag lines, before the headache pain starts.
  3. Chronic migraine: Chronic migraine is a type of migraine where the headache occurs on 15 or more days per month for at least three months.
  4. Vestibular migraine: This type of migraine is characterized by vertigo, dizziness, and balance problems.
  5. Retinal Migraine: You may notice temporary, partial or complete loss of vision in one of your eyes, along with a dull ache behind the eye that may spread to the rest of your head.

Types Of Headaches:

  1. Tension-type headache: This is the most common type of headache and is usually characterized by a dull, aching pain on both sides of the head, often accompanied by muscle tenderness in the head, neck, or shoulders.
  2. Cluster headache: Cluster headaches are intense, severe headaches that occur in “clusters” over a period of weeks or months. They are usually located around one eye and are accompanied by other symptoms such as tearing, redness, or sweating on the affected side.
  3. Sinus headache: This type of headache is caused by sinus inflammation or infection and is usually accompanied by pressure and pain in the forehead, cheeks, and eyes.
  4. Rebound headache: Also known as medication overuse headache, rebound headaches are caused by excessive use of pain-relieving medications.

It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional if you experience frequent or severe migraines or headaches to determine an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

What Are The Symptoms Of Migraine And Headache

The symptoms of migraines and headaches can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Here are some common symptoms of each:

Symptoms of Migraines:

  • Throbbing or pulsating pain, often on one side of the head
  • Sensitivity to light, sound, or certain odors
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurred vision, flashing lights, or blind spots (known as aura)

Other Migraine Symptoms

  • Lightheadedness, fainting, or vertigo
  • Tingling or numbness in the face or extremities
  • Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally foggy
  • Fatigue or drowsiness

Symptoms of headaches:

  • A dull or aching pain, often felt on both sides of the head
  • Tension or pressure in the head or neck
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Muscle tenderness in the head, neck, or shoulders
  • Scalp tenderness

Headaches are typically less severe and shorter in duration than migraines. However, some headaches, such as cluster headaches, can be very intense and debilitating. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms to determine an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

What is a Chronic migraine

Chronic migraine is a neurological condition characterized by experiencing a headache on 15 or more days per month for at least three months, with at least eight of these headache days being associated with migraines. Chronic migraine is a subtype of chronic daily headache, and it can be a debilitating condition that significantly affects a person’s quality of life.

People with chronic migraines often experience more severe and longer-lasting symptoms than those with episodic migraines. In addition to the typical migraine symptoms such as throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound, chronic migraines can also cause depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

The exact causes of chronic migraine are not fully understood, but there are certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing this condition, including a family history of migraines, obesity, and high levels of stress. Treatment for chronic migraines may include lifestyle changes, medication, and other therapies to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Headache and Migraine Treatment

The treatment of migraines and headaches can depend on the severity and frequency of the pain, as well as the individual’s specific symptoms and triggers. Here are some common treatment options:

  1. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Mild to moderate migraine attack can often be treated with over-the-counter medicine which may help relieve migraine pain. This include acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen.
  2. Prescription medications: For more severe migraines and headaches, prescription medications may be recommended, including triptans, ergotamine, and anti-nausea medications. Some migraine medicines narrow the blood vessels. If you are at risk for having a heart attack or have heart disease, talk with your provider before using these medicines.
  3. Lifestyle changes: Certain lifestyle changes can help prevent headache and migraine attacks, such as getting enough sleep, reducing stress, exercising regularly, and avoiding triggers such as specific foods and drinks.
  4. Alternative therapies: Some people find relief from migraines and headaches with alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, biofeedback, and relaxation techniques.
  5. Medical procedures: In some cases, medical procedures such as nerve blocks or Botox injections may be recommended for people with chronic migraines.

It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment options for your specific symptoms and needs.

How can Pain and Spine Specialists help with headaches and migraines?

At Pain and Spine Specialist, we can help diagnose and tailor the correct treatment plan, from medication management to injections including nerve blocks and Botox® injections.