Pain in its many forms is at best a nuisance and at its worst, makes us question if we even can make it through the day. Approximately 20% of adults suffer from chronic pain, with more than 45 million Americans suffering from some form of migraines, tension or other headache types. Be it headaches, facial, neck or back pain, its effects are far-reaching; limiting us from being present with our loved ones, taking part in activities we once loved, or simply being able to work.
Types of Headaches
Migraines
Typically, migraines have a throbbing pain that is often localized to one side of the head or the other. The pain can be associated with nausea, light and noise sensitivity.
Tension Headaches
These are the most common headaches. Typically, the onset is slow, hurts on both sides, and often feels like a band or vice around the head.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches get their name since they come in clusters before temporarily going away for most people. The headaches usually last between 30-45 minutes.
Cervicogenic Headaches
These headaches occur in association with neck pain or those that arise from a disorder of the cervical spine.
Headaches are divided into primary and secondary headaches. Primary headaches are caused by overactivity of, or problems with, pain-sensitive structures in your head, not a symptom of an underlying disease. These are the ones we are familiar with, such as migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches. A secondary headache is a symptom of a disease that can activate the pain-sensitive nerves of the head. A number of conditions — varying greatly in severity — may cause secondary headaches, including sinusitis.
Disorders of the nose and sinus, although not the most common causes of headache, can often be a trigger. Although there can be many different areas of pain throughout our bodies, pain within the head and neck region can often be triggered by a single source.
Common things that can cause primary headaches:
- Alcohol
- Caffeine withdrawal
- Dehydration
- Eyestrain
- Harmful foods
- Hunger
- Sleep patterns
- Smoking
- Stress
- Sugar crashes
Depending on the cause, conservative measures are initially taken, including: staying hydrated, taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and resting. If the pain is new, different in quality, or of significantly increased in intensity, seek professional advice.
At Resolve ENT, we take an integrative approach by treating the body as a whole, rather than focusing only on the area of pain. We work with you to address the underlying causes of your headaches, whether it is the sinuses or another source.
Treatments:
Resolve ENT is your state-of-the-art center specializing in breathing, sinus, and sleep solutions. Dr. Siva Elangovan practices the timeless art of medicine while offering advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments that make your journey with us simple and straight-forward. Our expert medical team is proud to offer innovative solutions for ear pressure and fullness. We are happy to serve patients located in Chicago, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Ravenswood, North Center, Logan Square, Avondale, Lincoln Square, Uptown, Edgewater Albany Park, Irving Park and the neighboring communities and Illinois.
Contact us at (773) 828-3001 to schedule your private consultation with our expert medical team and start your journey with us today.