Treatment for Migraine Headaches

What Is a Migraine?

A migraine is a primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of moderate to severe pain. Unlike standard tension headaches, migraines are often unilateral (affecting one side of the head) and are frequently accompanied by autonomic nervous system symptoms. It is a chronic condition that affects millions, usually rooted in genetic factors and changes in brain chemistry.

Types of Headaches

Not all headaches are migraines. Understanding the different types of headaches is essential for an accurate diagnosis:

• Tension Headaches: The most common type, usually felt as a tight band of pressure around the head.
• Cluster Headaches: Intense, piercing pain usually located around one eye, occurring in “clusters” over weeks or months.
• Sinus Headaches: Pain associated with sinus congestion and inflammation, often felt in the cheekbones and forehead.
• Cervicogenic Headaches: Pain referred to the head from a source in the cervical spine (neck), often treated effectively through physical medicine.

What Are the Types of Migraines?

Migraines are categorized based on their symptoms and presentation:

• Migraine with Aura (Classic Migraine): Involves visual disturbances (flashing lights, blind spots) or sensory changes that occur shortly before the head pain begins.
• Migraine without Aura (Common Migraine): The most frequent type, occurring without the preliminary warning signs of an aura.
• Chronic Migraine: Defined as experiencing a headache on at least 15 days per month, with at least 8 of those days being migraines.
• Vestibular Migraine: Characterized by significant vertigo or dizziness, sometimes without any actual head pain.

What Are the Phases of a Migraine?

A migraine attack can last from a few hours to several days and often progresses through four distinct stages, though not every sufferer experiences all of them:

1. Prodrome: Hours or days before the pain, you may notice subtle changes like mood swings, neck stiffness, or increased thirst.
2. Aura: For some, visual or physical disturbances occur 10–60 minutes before the headache.
3. Attack (Headache Phase): The actual period of intense pain, which can last from 4 to 72 hours.
4. Postdrome: Often called a “migraine hangover,” this final phase leaves the person feeling drained, confused, or washed out.

Symptoms of Migraine Headaches

The signs of a migraine are diverse and extend beyond the head.

Common symptoms include:

• Intense Throbbing: A pulsing or pounding sensation, often localized to one side.
• Sensory Sensitivity: Extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia), sound (phonophobia), or certain smells.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal upset is a frequent companion to the pain.
• Visual Disturbances: Seeing zig-zag lines, shimmering lights, or experiencing temporary vision loss.
• Lightheadedness: Feeling faint or dizzy during the height of the attack.

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What Causes Migraines?

While the exact cause of migraines is still being researched, medical experts believe they are caused by abnormal brain activity affecting nerve signaling and blood vessels.

Key triggers and factors include:

• Genetics: A family history of migraines is one of the strongest predictors.
• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in estrogen can trigger attacks in women.
• Environmental Triggers: Bright lights, loud noises, or strong odors.
• Lifestyle Factors: High stress levels, lack of sleep, or skipping meals.
• Dietary Triggers: Certain foods (like aged cheeses or processed meats) and additives like MSG or aspartame.

Treatment for Migraine Headaches

The Spine & Rehab Group has locations in New York City and New Jersey where patients receive effective migraine headache treatment from top-rated pain management specialists. Early evaluation can help prevent migraines from becoming more severe.

Treatment for Migraine Headaches may include:

• Pain Management: Relieving pain, pressure and other unwanted symptoms of Migraine Headaches is one of the first modalities to treating Migraine Headaches. Some medications for Migraines are short term while others are taken daily to prevent an onset in patients with severe cases.
• Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an alternative treatment, performed by a Certified Acupuncturist, which can be effective in treating Migraine headache pain and regularity.
• Massage Therapy: Medical Massage Therapy may be recommended for patients whose Migraine headaches are related to tension in the neck or the back.
• Anti Inflammatory Medication: The use of anti-inflammatory medication, or NSAIDS, may be recommended to decrease inflammation and relieve pain.

The Spine & Rehab Group’s Migraine Headache Specialists

Our team of Pain Management Specialists and Migraine Doctors in Manhattan and New Jersey are skilled in the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of Migraine Headaches. With doctors who also specialize in back and neck pain, our team will help you rule out other causes for Migraine Headaches and find relief. During your initial consultation and evaluation, diagnostic testing may be requested. X-rays are provided in our pain treatment center and further testing such as an MRI or CT scan may be recommended.

The Spine & Rehab Group
140 NJ-17,
Paramus, NJ 07652
(212) 242-8160