Understanding Different Types of Headaches

Headache pain can range from a mild annoyance to a life-altering health concern. If you experience frequent headaches or need help managing chronic migraines, you can rely on the expert care we offer at DDS Concierge in Santa Monica and Arleta, California.

Experienced dentist Edward Delshad, DDS, specializes in several therapies that ease existing headache symptoms and prevent new headaches from occurring.

Dr. Delshad personalizes a treatment plan to address the type of headaches you experience and their frequency. He also provides educational resources to help you understand your headache triggers.

Headache classifications

Headaches are classified under two main categories: primary and secondary.

Primary headaches

Primary headaches cause occasional or chronic head pain for no identifiable medical reason, such as an underlying disease or an injury.

Common types of primary headaches include tension headaches and migraines.

Secondary headaches

Secondary headaches result when another condition stimulates pain centers in the head. These conditions can range from dehydration to more serious issues like a brain aneurysm.

Identifying the type of headache you have

At DDS Concierge, we can diagnose and manage several types of headaches that are common in people of all ages, including:

Tension headaches

Tension headaches can develop when overly tight muscles in your scalp, neck, and shoulders cause mild to moderate pain around the top of your head. Muscle tightness can stem from physical exertion, emotional stress, eye strain, and jaw clenching.

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches cause episodes of intense pain around the eye on one side of your head. The cluster of pain attacks can last for several weeks or months before going into remission. Common triggers of cluster headaches include weather changes, alcohol, and the use of certain medications.

Migraines

Migraines cause intense pulsing or throbbing pain on one side of the head, increased sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea. Symptoms can last for several hours or days and may be triggered by stress, hormone changes, lack of sleep, or physical exertion.

People with chronic migraines experience episodes of severe head pain 15 or more days a month. This can significantly interfere with their job and other responsibilities.

Exploring your options for headache relief and prevention

Managing headaches typically involves a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.

If you’re not getting relief from over-the-counter pain relievers, Dr. Delshad may prescribe medications that ease head pain and other symptoms. He can also recommend strategies you can use to reduce the frequency and intensity of your headaches, such as:

• Improving your nutrition
• Establishing a healthy sleep routine
• Reducing stress
• Getting daily exercise

We can also help you identify headache triggers in your environment so you can avoid them if possible.

For individuals with chronic migraines, Dr. Delshad can determine if you’re a candidate for Botox® therapy. Botox works by blocking chemical signals that contract muscles in your face and scalp. Injections of Botox can ease existing pain and prevent additional migraines.

Call the DDS Concierge office today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for headaches, or book an appointment online.