We all know what a headache is. We’ve all experienced at least one in our lifetime and most of us hope to never experience another one ever again. In fact, approximately 45 million people in the US complain of headaches every year and more than eight million of them will visit a doctor. A headache is defined as a painful sensation in any part of the head that varies in location, intensity, frequency, and duration. It can be caused by an underlying disease or can be the result of bad lifestyle decisions. Either way, it’ll wreak havoc on your normal day-to-day routine. Headaches affect the entire population, but some people have a much worse experience than others – either due to the severity, frequency, or duration of the headache. These people could very well be suffering from a headache disorder, which requires immediate medical attention.
SO, WHAT IS A HEADACHE DISORDER?
A headache disorder refers to a group of conditions that are characterized by recurring headaches that impede an individual’s ability to live a quality life. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study, headache disorders are among the most disabling conditions worldwide. 50% of the population has had symptoms of a headache disorder in the past year. 50-75% of adults aged 18-65 have had a headache in the past year and a majority of those individuals have had a migraine. Nearly 4% of the population experience a headache at least 15 days per month. Despite how common headache disorders are, they’re often heavily misunderstood, mistreated, undertreated, under-recognized, and underestimated. It takes a unique, individual, one-on-one approach with each patient to ensure the proper treatment is administered at the right time.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF HEADACHE DISORDERS
While most people think all headaches are the same, there are actually a number of different types of headache disorders – over 150 types to be exact – and they’re each characterized by unique symptoms and experiences. In order to treat it, you must receive a proper diagnosis. Headache disorders are generally grouped into one of two categories – primary headache disorders and secondary headache disorders. Primary headache disorders aren’t related to another medical condition, while secondary headache disorders are related to another condition. There might be over 150 different types of headache disorders, but we’re not going to go over all of them because most of them are extremely rare. With that said, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common headache disorders and the many differences between them.
MIGRAINE HEADACHE
A migraine is characterized by throbbing, pounding pain in the head, but is also coupled with sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, upset stomach, and belly pain. Migraines generally last between four hours and three days and occur around four times per month. It is believed that migraines are caused by unstable nerve cells overreacting to certain triggers.
CLUSTER HEADACHES (CH)
A cluster headache, also known as CH, is one of the most severe types of chronic headaches and is more prevalent in men than in women. They’re characterized by intense pain in the head, especially in the eye area. Other symptoms include a droopy eyelid, excessive tears, small pupils, and congestion. They happen in clusters that last anywhere from weeks to months.
TENSION-TYPE HEADACHES (TTH)
A tension-type headache, also known as TTH or tension headaches, is the most common type of primary headache. It’s characterized by constant pain on both sides of the head and usually worsens during normal, daily activities – such as bending over, walking upstairs, etc. Episodic TTH occurs less than 15 days per month, while chronic TTH occurs more than 15 days per month.
NEW DAILY PERSISTENT HEADACHES (NDPH)
New daily persistent headaches, also known as NDPH, are headaches that occur suddenly and generally continue for at least three months. They are present in those that never used to have complaints of headaches in the past. Although the pain is moderate for most, some people experience intense pain. Other symptoms are common with new daily persistent headaches.
MEDICATION-OVERUSE HEADACHES (MOH)
Medication-overuse headaches, also known as MOH or rebound headaches, are the most common type of secondary headache in the world today. They’re caused by excessive or chronic use of prescription medication to treat headaches. Most patients report that rebound headaches occur more days than they don’t and they’re generally worse in the morning.
SINUS HEADACHES
Sinus headaches are due to inflammation in the sinus area and often result in deep, constant pain in the bridge of your nose, cheekbones, and forehead. It’s common to experience these headaches with other sinus-related symptoms, such as a runny nose, congestion, fever, and a swollen face. You’ll generally experience yellow or green gunk coming out of your nose.
HOW CAN COLORADO RECOVERY SOLUTIONS HELP?
At Colorado Recovery Solutions, we understand how debilitating, painful, and stressful a headache disorder can be. We also understand that every patient is unique and each diagnosis requires a unique treatment plan designed to help the patient recover and cope with symptoms. That’s why we stay dedicated to ensuring every patient has access to the latest technology, techniques, practices, and treatments available for headache disorders. We believe anyone can find relief from their headaches, so long as the right treatment plan is set from the beginning.
With Colorado Recovery Solutions by your side, you have access to Brainsway Deep TMS technology, which is effective for migraines and most other headaches. You can also try ketamine IV drip infusions, which are effective for new daily persistent headaches (NDPH). If you’re looking to take better control of your headache disorder and seek a newfound appreciation for life as you know it, Colorado Recovery Solutions can help. We have several treatments available for headache disorders and a lot of experience treating people just like you.
Contact us today at 719-622-6522 or fill out this short form to learn more about our services and schedule a visit to see if you’d be a good fit. We can’t wait to help you in your journey towards recovery!
