Headaches

Diagnosing a Headache

While a headache seems like a relatively simple condition to diagnose and treat, it’s not always that simple. Since headaches are related to the head and brain, diagnosing pain in that area becomes a little more complicated. For most mild headaches, imaging tests may not be explicitly required to diagnose, but it may be recommended to rule out other potential conditions that are causing the head pain.

Although CT scans and x-rays aren’t typically used for most mild headaches, they may be utilized on a case-by-case basis depending on what your doctor can glean from an examination and discussion with you about the pain you’re having.

MRI scans are the most common forms of imaging tests used for diagnosing a headache if there are other complications related to your headache. An MRI uses radio waves combined with powerful magnetic fields to generate a detailed image of soft tissues, organs, and other bodily structures.

Treatment Options for Headaches

Our staff of doctors will work to determine the type or types of headaches you’re experiencing, and then they’ll move forward with treatment recommendations. Treatment is personalized for you based on the type, location, and severity of the headache, taking into account lifestyle and other variables to ensure that it will be effective for you.

For most headaches, surgery is not required. Most headaches can be treated with medication, non-invasive treatment practices (like chiropractic), lifestyle changes, and more.

Chiropractic is an incredibly effective method of treating headache pain, so that may be the first option recommended for you. Chiropractic is effective by focusing on the spine, which is responsible for housing the nerves that communicate between the brain and the rest of the body. While headaches take place in the head already, realigning the spine to its natural, effective position can alleviate nerve pressure which can result in relief from headache pain.

If more treatment is necessary, you may be directed to one of our neurologists, who specializes in conditions and parts of the body related to the nervous system, including the brain. Additional tests may be done, such as electrophysiologic testing (NCV/EMG) to further diagnose other kinds of disorders that may instead be indirectly related to the head or brain.

From there we can explore orthopedic options, physical therapy, surgical possibilities, and more. The most important part of headache treatment is ensuring that nothing more serious is going on, and our doctors will be thorough in their examination and diagnosis of your headache pain. This is why diagnostic imaging tests may be recommended even if your headache doesn’t seem like a big deal at first.

Contact our staff today to learn more about headaches, treatment, our staff, and more. Book an appointment to get to the root of your headache pain and find relief!