Chronic headaches, including migraines, tension-type headaches, and headaches that arise from the neck, can take entire days away from work and family. A headache disorder is generally considered chronic when it occurs 15 or more days per month.
Different headache types respond to different treatments, so an accurate diagnosis matters. Frequent reliance on over-the-counter pain relievers can itself perpetuate headaches, a pattern called medication-overuse headache.
Common symptoms
- Throbbing pain, often on one side of the head
- Sensitivity to light or sound during an episode
- Nausea that comes along with the pain
- Headaches frequent enough to interrupt work or sleep
How interventional pain physicians treat it
Interventional pain physicians typically look beyond acute relief to reduce the frequency and severity of headaches over time. Care may include:
- Medication management
- Occipital nerve blocks
- Botox therapy
- Neuromodulation
Treatment is always determined by a physician based on individual evaluation. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
When should headaches be evaluated by a specialist?
Headaches that occur more than a few times per month, are increasing in frequency, or interfere with work and sleep warrant evaluation. A sudden severe headache unlike any before should be treated as an emergency.
Can headaches really come from the neck?
Yes. Cervicogenic headaches start in the joints and nerves of the upper neck and are felt in the head, often beginning at the base of the skull. They frequently respond to treatments directed at the neck.
How does Botox help chronic migraines?
Botox is FDA-approved for chronic migraine. Injected in a defined pattern around the head and neck roughly every three months, it can reduce the number of headache days for many patients.
Independent, physician-owned practices in the DxTx network provide this kind of care across 11 states. One call connects you to the practice closest to you.