Migraine & Tension Headache Treatment | Raleigh, NC
Do you suffer from chronic or frequent headaches? Have you been seen by doctor after doctor in Raleigh with no answers?
Dr. Keith A. Yount of the Raleigh Facial Pain Center is board certified and residency trained, and has limited his practice to treating orofacial pain which, including tension headaches and, indirectly, migraines. Through unique chewing system orthopedics, Dr. Yount works with patients to find the root cause of facial pain such as headaches, and then finds you treatment and relief.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Yount today to begin the process of becoming pain free. Don’t resign yourself to a life of pain.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type of headaches. Chronic tension headaches come and go over long periods of time, and are more common in women. In fact, 48% of women have frequent tension headaches, while only 38% of men experience them.
The two main causes of tension headaches are significant parafunction and stress-induced tension in the temple muscle, even though trauma (such as blows to the jaw and whiplash injuries) are fairly prevalent, causing the temple muscle to brace the injured joint.
Other minor contributors to tension headaches include:
- Inadequate rest
- Poor posture
- Emotional and mental stress
- Anxiety
- Fatigue, including temple muscle fatigue
- Pain the jaw and neck leading to muscle bracing
- Chewing gum (excessive)
Daily stress can also be a contributor to chronic tension headaches.
Tension headaches often have the following symptoms:
- Mild to moderate pain or pressure affecting the front, top or sides of the head
- Headache occurring later in the day
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Chronic fatigue
- Irritability
- Disturbed concentration
- Mild sensitivity to light or noise
- General muscle aching
Tension headaches are different than migraine headaches in that there are no neurological symptoms such as muscle weakness or blurred vision.
If you think you may be suffering from chronic tension headaches, set up an appointment to speak with a doctor at the Raleigh Facial Pain Center.
Migraine Headaches
Migraines are severe headaches that are usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light. The exact cause of migraines is unknown, but they are believed to be caused by a combination of genetics and triggers. Possible triggers include:
- Emotional stress
- Sensitivity to specific chemicals and preservatives in foods
- Caffeine
- Changing weather conditions
- Menstrual periods
- Excessive fatigue
- Skipping meals (hypoglycemia/low blood sugar)
- Changes in normal sleep pattern (disturbed sleep)
Migraines can present themselves in a variety of ways, but symptoms can include:
- A pounding headache that often begins as a dull ache and develops into throbbing pain
- Sensitivity to light, noise and odors
- Nausea and vomiting, stomach upset or abdominal pain
- Can be preceded by visual disturbances
Indirectly, we can offer some help in reducing frequency, severity or duration of migraines. The main therapy provided is reducing inflammation coming from jaw structures. We’ll also reduce neck inflammation to a limited degree.
TMJ orthopedics also reduces the effect that sleep, exercise and stress reduction has on migraines.
In some cases, we can provide a new blood test to identify migraine triggers.
If you are chronically experiencing these symptoms set up an appointment at the Raleigh Facial Pain Center today. We are here to help!
Raleigh Facial Pain Center provides diagnosis, treatment and relief for patients with chronic headaches in Raleigh, NC and beyond, including Cary, Apex, Durham and Wake Forest, including Wake Forest, Greenville, Pinehurst, New Bern, Greensboro and even South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
