This Is Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Headaches

Headaches are so common that just about everyone can expect to experience one every now and then. When they occur frequently or last longer than expected, however, they can have a significant impact on your life. And sometimes, a headache signals a serious problem that’s best addressed by a medical professional. MyDoc Urgent Care is a full-service immediate care practice with state-of-the-art facilities in Forest Hills and East Meadows, New York. Our team is committed to providing you with the highest quality medical care available in an environment that’s designed to make you feel welcome. We’re happy to share information about how our physicians can help resolve your headache and get you back to your daily routine.

Identifying your headache type

Researchers have identified as many as 150 different types of headaches, but physicians generally categorize them as:

Primary headaches

Primary headaches are the result of the headache disorder itself rather than an underlying illness or condition. These types may include migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches.

Secondary headaches

Secondary headaches are essentially a symptom of an underlying medical condition or illness. A sinus headache, for instance, may be linked to sinusitis or allergies. Effective treatment often depends on the kind of headache you’re experiencing. Medications prescribed for migraines, for example, are often quite different than those used for tension headaches. Your MyDoc provider can help determine your specific headache type and thus design a treatment strategy that addresses your symptoms. This can save you the time, cost, and unnecessary discomfort involved in trying first one OTC medication and then another.

Tracing the source

Once we’ve identified your headache type, it’s also important to understand what may be triggering your pain. Migraines, for instance, may be triggered by certain foods, hormonal fluctuations, or stress. Medication overuse headaches are caused by frequent use of common OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Tension headaches may be related to poor posture that strains the muscles and tendons of your neck and upper back. Identifying and avoiding your triggers or treating an underlying condition, such as the allergies causing your sinus headaches, is an important component of effective treatment. At MyDoc, we focus on treating your pain as well as the root cause.

When should I see a doctor for my headaches?

Some headaches should be considered a medical emergency since they can signal a stroke, meningitis, or other serious illness. Seek immediate care if you experience a sudden severe headache or head pain that’s accompanied by:

• Confusion
• Fainting
• Temperature greater than greater than 102 F to 104 F (39 C to 40 C)
• Weakness or paralysis on one side of your body
• Trouble seeing, speaking, or walking
• Nausea or vomiting

Otherwise, we generally recommend you come in for a visit when your headaches:

• Occur more frequently than usual
• Are increasingly more painful
• Don’t improve or actually seem to worsen with use of OTC drugs
• Prevent you from getting restful sleep
• Interfere with your normal routine

Why live with headache pain when you have treatment options? Take advantage of our walk-in service, or schedule a visit at MyDoc Urgent care today!