Headaches

Headaches can get in the way of important daily activities. Edward Delshad, DDS, and the DDS Concierge specialists offer various headache remedies to alleviate chronic head pain at the offices of Santa Monica and Arleta, California. Call today to schedule an appointment and learn about headache treatment options. You can also book through the secure online portal.

What are headaches?

Headaches affect millions of people daily. This pain includes throbbing, stabbing, and tight sensations throughout any part of the head.

You can classify headaches into one of several categories, including:

Tension headaches

This is the most common form of headache and brings mild to moderate pain around the crown of the head.

Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches incorporate a series of headaches, one after another, in quick succession. A headache may last up to 45 minutes, with people commonly experiencing eight within a single day.

Migraines

Migraines include symptoms such as light and audio sensitivity, pounding behind the skull, and confusion. Migraines feel extremely intense compared with a traditional headache. This headache type can last for several hours or sometimes even days.

Is a migraine the same thing as a headache?

While generally categorized under the same umbrella term, migraines are classified as a separate disorder. This is because the severity of migraines warrants more aggressive treatment options to alleviate painful symptoms.

What causes headaches?

The onset of headaches occurs for many different reasons. When doctors look to create headache treatments, they first assess whether your headache is primary or secondary.

Primary headaches occur when the headache itself is a significant health concern. For example, poor lifestyle habits lead to primary headaches, such as inadequate nutrition, poor posture, and lack of sleep. 

Secondary headaches typically occur in the presence of an underlying condition. Some underlying conditions may be benign and simple, such as dehydration headaches. Others may be more serious, and you should monitor a headache’s signs continually.

What are common headache treatments?

Headache treatments depend on the type of headache you experience and its unique onset. Generally speaking, common headache treatments include:

• Avoiding triggers
• Stress management
• Medication
• Treatment of the underlying issue
• Physical therapy
• Lifestyle modifications, such as adding more nutritionally dense foods

Monitoring and noting your headache symptoms helps the experts create a custom treatment plan.

When should I see a doctor about headaches?

You should always seek medical attention if headaches interfere with daily activities. Headaches may be dangerous if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Several headaches per week
• Sudden onset of a severe stabbing headache
• Reliance on over-the-counter medications
• A recent change in headache symptoms

If you experience frequent, cumbersome headaches, call the Santa Monica or Arleta office today or book through the online portal.