Headache
in Denver, CO
Headache
No one really questions that the world could use less headaches. Any person experiencing one only wants it to go away. Headaches are a very common condition that most people will experience many times during their lives. In any given year, between half and three-quarters of all adults in the world experience them.
Daily Apple Clinic
Daily Apple Clinic is located in Congress Park in Denver, Colorado. Paul Reynolds, FNP and Monica Schonteich, FNP and all of the capable providers here are ready and able to help you manage and prevent headaches. We offer comprehensive headache treatment and prevention for patients of all ages. Please call the office to schedule an appointment or book a consultation online today.
What is a headache?
Headaches are common and usually fairly short in duration. If you only experience headaches infrequently, managing them will likely only cause minor concern. However, severe or recurrent headaches may require help from a medical professional.
The main symptom of a headache is a pain in your head or face. The pain may be experienced as throbbing, intermittent, constant, sharp or dull. You may also experience neck pain or other symptoms such as nausea or sensitivity to light, depending on the headache type.
When you arrive at Daily Apple Clinic with headache symptoms, you will be evaluated to determine likely causes and the specific type of headache you may be experiencing. This will allow us to provide the most appropriate treatment method and assist with preventing your headaches in the future.
Which type of headache do I have?
Your medical provider at Daily Apple Clinic can help you manage headaches of any type. Some of the most common headache types are:
- Cluster headaches: Cluster headaches are the most severe type of primary headache. Cluster headaches come in a group or "cluster", often in the spring or fall. They can occur one to eight times per day during a cluster period of two weeks to three months. The individual can experience an intense, throbbing or constant pain behind one of the eyes.
- Tension headaches: Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. Tension headaches cause mild to moderate consistent pain without throbbing. The pain usually occurs on both sides of the head and is effectively treated with over-the-counter medications.
- Migraines: Migraines are the second most common type of primary headaches. Migraines cause moderate to severe pain characterized as pounding or throbbing on one side of the head that can last from four hours to three days. Individuals also may experience nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light or noise.
When should I seek medical help for a headache?
Typically, headaches, although painful, don’t pose a serious threat. However, headaches may be a symptom of a life-threatening condition. Signs you should seek immediate medical care include:
Confusion or slurred speech
Fever
Headache after a head injury
Severe headache that comes on suddenly or doesn’t go away
Seizures or loss of consciousness
Stiff neck, or pain in the ear or eye
Weakness or numbness
If you are experiencing the above symptoms, we strongly advise you dial 911 or report to the emergency room. However, if your headaches do not fall into that category but you still find you are experiencing them frequently, can't work or sleep due to your headaches or they don't get better with over-the-counter medications, please consider booking an appointment at Daily Apple Clinic for professional headache care and prevention.
How can I manage my headaches?
Headaches can usually be treated effectively with heat, stretching, rest, specific exercises, medication, stress management and biofeedback. When you arrive at Daily Apple Clinic, we will evaluate your symptoms to determine what may be causing your headaches and which type of headache you are likely experiencing. We will then work with you to create an individualized treatment and prevention plan for you that may include:
Prescription medications like triptans or muscle relaxants
Preventive medications
Caffeine
Dietary modifications
Applying heat or cold packs to your head, neck or shoulders
Doing stretching exercises
Massaging your head, neck or back
Resting in a dark and quiet room
Taking a walk
The key to to preventing headaches is to identify and recognize your triggers. Take note of new stressors, specific foods and activities that you can associate with the onset of your headaches. Triggers can be very specific to each person , but once you determine those triggers, you can avoid or minimize them.
If you would like to discuss your headache symptoms and reduce the disabling effects they can cause, please call us to book an appointment or click the button for an online appointment today.