Headache And Migraine
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Texas Star Pain & Spine
Gonzalo Gonzales, DO
Pain Management Specialist & Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician located in Plano, TX
The pain associated with chronic headaches and migraines can be debilitating. Gonzalo Gonzales, Jr., MD is an experienced pain management physician providing headache and migraine treatment at Texas Clinic Pain & Spine in Plano, Texas. Call the office or schedule an appointment online to learn how Dr. Gonzales can relieve your chronic headache pain.
Headache and Migraine Q & A
What is a headache?
When you experience pain in your head, you’re suffering from a headache. A headache can affect one or both sides, radiate from one area to another, or have a viselike grip on your entire head.
Headache pain can vary in severity from a dull ache to a sharp pain to constant throbbing. Some headaches, especially migraine headaches, involve the nerves and blood vessels around the skull and cause additional symptoms, such as visual disturbances and tingling in the face or arm.
Depending on the type of headache you’re having, your symptoms can last for a short period or several days.
What causes headaches and migraines?
Headaches are organized into two different types, primary and secondary, based on what causes them.
Primary headaches
Migraines are one of the most well-known primary headaches. This type of headache is caused by problems or overactivity with the structures in your brain that are sensitive to pain. Several factors play a role in primary headaches, including:
- Genetics
- Head and neck muscles
- Chemical activity in the brain
- Nerves and blood vessels around the skull
Several lifestyle factors can trigger primary headaches such as stress, sleep changes, certain foods, and poor posture.
Secondary headaches
Other conditions trigger secondary headaches. Common secondary headaches include sinus and spinal headaches. Conditions that can lead to secondary headaches include:
- High blood pressure
- Acute sinusitis
- Ear infections
- Dehydration
How are headaches and migraines treated?
Dr. Gonzales tailors his headache and migraine treatments to your unique situation.
Depending on your headache type, symptoms, and frequency, Dr. Gonzales might suggest lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques, and dietary changes to manage your headache triggers and reduce their frequency. For pain management, Dr. Gonzales offers medications and Botox® therapy.
Botox is a preventive migraine treatment. When given every 12 weeks, regular Botox injections prevent an average of eight or nine headache days each month. This relatively painless therapy uses a tiny needle and takes a matter of minutes.
If you’re looking for relief from chronic headaches and migraines, call Texas Clinic Pain & Spine or schedule an appointment online today.
