Headaches & Facial Pain Treatment
Headaches are universal and affect people across all age groups. Although discomfort in the head is generally identified as headaches, there are more than 150 types of headaches – the more common ones are migraines and tension headaches.
The cause of these head pains can vary. Apart from headaches with medical implications, such as those caused by toothaches, blood vessel and nerve abnormalities or even brain conditions; the origin of a headache may be as innocuous as initiated by stress, arise from injured nerves or neck pain, or as a result of other minor causes that are difficult to diagnose. Moreover, any head or facial pain also complicates the condition and is loosely interpreted as a headache.
Secondary headaches: underlying medical conditions
Typically, there are two types of headaches, primary and secondary headaches. Secondary headache is a type of head discomfort that arises from an underlying medical condition. Sources of secondary headaches include toothaches, sinus congestion, or bleeding in the brain. Patients with secondary headaches are managed by their respective medical or dental specialists.
However, the next type of headache should be considered when the ache or pain persists long after all bodily causes are ruled out.
Primary headaches: inflammations at the neck and head
On the other hand, primary headaches are caused by inflammations typically in and around the head and neck – the pain-sensitive parts of your body. Sources of primary headaches, which can also cause facial pain, include the overactivity of blood vessels, nerves and muscles. Primary headaches are usually labelled as migraine, tension, hypnic or cluster headaches.
For primary headaches, it’s crucial to undergo a careful assessment to understand the pattern of headache attacks, the location on the head or neck, and the triggers or aggravating factors. Occasionally, a medical examination is needed to examine the headache thoroughly.
Treatment options for primary headaches
Treatment for primary headaches is sought through medical options. Fortunately, most headaches are treated with minimally invasive techniques – rest and prescriptive or over-the-counter medication. Physical therapy may also be helpful in headaches related to musculoskeletal neck pain.
To prevent an overreliance or overuse of medication, seek a specialist opinion for a safe treatment option. Additionally, if your headaches have been persistent, become more severe or frequent, let your doctor know so they can perform a thorough diagnosis and craft the preferred treatment for you. They might request further imaging tests to rule out any possible medical conditions.
Here at The Anaesthesia and Pain Practice in Singapore, you will be treated with a comprehensive assessment, in the care of our highly qualified pain physican. We follow a thorough process: headache assessment, physical examination, advanced imaging and treatment option proposals suited to your condition.
Get in touch.
Putting our patients first and serving you with the utmost respect, entrust your pain to us for an expeditious and safe recovery. To enquire more about our headache, neck pain or other pain management treatments in Singapore, simply drop us a call at 6429 1335 or Whatsapp us at 8023 3065 today!