Headaches & Migraines

What Causes Headaches and Migraines?

Headaches and migraines can be the result of physical, emotional, or environmental issues that can affect the chemicals and nerve communication in your brain.

While the exact cause of frequent headaches and migraines isn’t well understood, your tendency to develop frequent, painful headaches could be influenced by:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Low blood sugar
• Hormone changes
• Lack of quality sleep
• Use of caffeine and alcohol

Environmental factors like bright lights and strong smells can also cause headache pain.

What Treatments are Available for Headaches and Migraines?

Initially, your Comprehensive Pain Center physician reviews your medical history to rule out underlying health issues that could be causing headaches and migraines. They then can recommend interventions in addition to over-the-counter or prescription medications to reduce the severity and frequency of head pain. 

Nerve Blocks

1. Occipital nerve blocks

Occipital nerve blocks target the nerves at the back of the head and help relieve pain caused by migraines, tension headaches, and occipital neuralgia. 

The procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic around the occipital nerves, which can provide relief for several weeks to several months.

2. Supraorbital nerve blocks

Supraorbital nerve blocks target the nerves located above the eye. They are used to treat pain caused by migraines, tension headaches, and trigeminal neuralgia. 

The procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic around the supraorbital nerves, which can provide relief for several weeks to months.

3. Greater occipital nerve blocks

Greater occipital nerve blocks target the nerves located on the back of the head, just above the neck, and are used to treat pain caused by migraines, tension headaches, and occipital neuralgia. 

The procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic around the greater occipital nerves, which can provide relief for several weeks to months.

Trigger Point Injections

Myofascial trigger point injections

Myofascial trigger point injections involve injecting a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, into the trigger point. 

This helps to reduce pain and muscle tension in the affected area. The injection is usually given directly into the muscle, and patients may experience discomfort during the procedure. However, the pain relief that follows is often worth the temporary discomfort.

Cervical Facet Blocks

Another joint that may contribute to migraine pain is a little lower than your jaw — it’s in your neck. To be specific, we’re talking about your cervical facet joints positioned on either side of your upper spine. When these joints become inflamed, you may experience pain in your upper back, shoulders, and neck, and this pain and tension can trigger a migraine attack.

Cervical facet joint injections contain lidocaine and a touch of anti-inflammatory medication, a fast-acting pain-reliever, and has a longer-lasting effect on your neck pain and migraine headache status, and are safely performed under live x-ray image guidance

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is a form of neuromodulation used for pain management in patients suffering from chronic migraines and headaches. 

This minimally invasive procedure involves using high-frequency electrical currents to heat up and destroy targeted nerve tissue, causing pain. 

By disrupting the pain signals sent to the brain, this technique can provide long-lasting relief for patients. 

It is often used when other forms of treatment, such as medication, have proven ineffective. Overall, radiofrequency ablation is a promising option for those seeking effective and minimally invasive pain management solutions.