Headaches

While nearly everyone gets a headache from time to time, if you experience them regularly, headaches and migraines can interfere with the quality of your life. At Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC, in Wilmington, North Carolina, Francis Pecoraro, MD, DAPMR, SAAPMR, specializes in pain management. He can determine the underlying cause of your headache pain so he can treat it effectively for long-term relief. Call the office to schedule an evaluation, or book an appointment online today.

What causes headaches?

There are a variety of reasons you could be suffering from frequent headaches and most of them fall into two categories: primary and secondary.

Primary headaches

Primary headaches occur when you have overactivity or problems with pain-sensitive structures in your head. Primary headaches don’t indicate the presence of an underlying disease or illness, but rather are stand-alone conditions. Brain activity, nerves, blood vessels, and the muscles in your neck may all play a contributing role in primary headaches.

Cluster headaches, tension headaches, and migraines are common types of primary headaches. In some cases, these headaches are so severe that you are unable to participate in your usual daily routine.

Secondary headaches

Secondary headaches are the result of any number of underlying conditions, from a sinus infection to dehydration to a brain aneurysm. Other conditions that cause secondary headaches include:

• Concussions
• Dental problems
• Ear infections
• Hangovers
• Strokes
• Medication overuse
• High blood pressure
• Colds and flu

If you’re suffering from chronic daily headaches, Dr. Pecoraro first determines if you have an untreated condition that could be contributing to your pain.

What causes migraines?

A migraine is a neurological condition that can be debilitating and disruptive to your life. While the exact cause isn’t clear, migraines are often triggered by environmental factors or may occur because you’re genetically predisposed to them. Researchers do know that serotonin, a brain chemical, drops during a migraine attack, so that could play a role in developing symptoms.

Common migraine triggers include:

• Hormonal changes
• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Dairy
• Sodium
• Food additives
• Environmental changes
• Medications
• Stress
• Physical exertion

If you have a family history of migraines, you have a higher chance of suffering from them, as well.

How does a pain management specialist treat headaches?

Dr. Pecoraro begins with a thorough evaluation of your headache pain, health history, and any other symptoms you may be experiencing. He treats any underlying conditions that are contributing to your pain and customizes a headache treatment plan based on your specific health issues. He may recommend a combination of therapies.

Once you find the treatment protocol that works best for you, these therapies can help manage pain and other symptoms long-term.

Take the first step toward getting your life back without chronic headaches and migraines. Schedule an appointment by calling Coastal Spine & Sports Medicine, PLLC or request an appointment online today.