Migraines or severe headaches are a common problem that affects about 12% of Americans. At Restore Health in Spokane and Richland, Washington, the pain management specialists offer numerous pain-relieving solutions for migraine relief. Schedule an appointment with Restore Health by phone or book online to learn more about your options.
Migraines FAQ’s
Migraines are debilitating headaches that cause moderate to intense throbbing pain. You might feel migraine pain on one side of your head or experience light and sound sensitivity. Seeking treatment for migraine pain can drastically improve your quality of life.
Some common symptoms associated with migraines include:
- Intense pain in your head
- Seeing bright spots or flashes
- Other vision problems
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Throbbing or pulsing head pain
- Pain on one or both sides of your head
- Nausea and vomiting
If left untreated, migraine pain might last 4-72 hours. It can occur several times monthly or more often in some cases, as everybody is different.
Anybody can develop migraines, but certain people have a higher risk of experiencing them. Migraine triggers can include:
- Hormone fluctuations
- Alcohol
- Certain foods
- Skipping meals
- Dehydration
Other triggers include some medications, stress, sleep deprivation, too much exercise, tobacco, and caffeine withdrawal. Similarly, you may be more likely to experience migraines if you have a family history of them.
Women are also three times more likely than men to experience migraines.
To diagnose migraine headaches and develop a treatment plan, your pain management specialist reviews your medical history and symptoms. They complete physical and neurological examinations and might recommend you undergo a CT scan or MRI to detect or rule out specific medical problems.
The type and severity of migraines you have often determines which treatment is right for you. Your Restore Health provider might recommend:
Lifestyle changes
Making lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of developing migraines. Examples include relaxation techniques, eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, regular exercise, and good hydration.
Alternative medicine
Alternative medicine strategies that may help reduce headache pain include biofeedback, acupuncture, massage, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and taking a multivitamin or herbal supplements.
Medications
Taking certain medications can relieve migraine pain or prevent migraines from occurring. Your doctor recommends a medication regimen that matches your needs.
Injections
Occipital nerve blocks, trigger point injections, and Botox® are also effective migraine pain-relief options.
Don’t live with debilitating migraines when simple pain-relieving treatments are within reach at Restore Health. Schedule an appointment by phone or book online today.