Headaches are a normal occurrence that most people experience from time to time. Unfortunately, for some people, headaches happen frequently. Most headaches are only a mild disturbance, not a significant health issue. However, you should not always dismiss your headaches, as some instances warrant a doctor’s attention. In some instances, headache Toms River could be debilitating, chronic, and impact your life quality, as well as be a warning sign that you have an inherent health concern that requires treatment. Here are five signs to consult your specialist regarding your headaches.
- Your Headaches Fail To Improve Despite Using Over-The-Counter Relievers
There are different types of headaches, and each kind has a different treatment procedure. Medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, could help alleviate tension headaches but are less likely to be effective in managing a cluster or migraine headache. Your doctor will help you identify the headache you are probably experiencing and recommend the best way to relieve or even avoid it.
- Your Headaches Affect Your Sleep, Work, Or Activity Level
If your headaches disrupt every element of your life, be it school, work, or other routine activities, you should seek a specialist. Inadequate sleep and stress could result in headaches, and at the same time, headaches could lead to stress and poor sleep quality. This cycle causes constant headaches that can be daunting to your everyday life.
You cannot simply eliminate the stressors triggering your headaches. However, your specialist can suggest stress-relieving measures that could help break this cycle, such as deep breathing procedures, and other actions that enhance your mood.
- You Have Constant Headaches And Cannot Spot The Trigger
Occasionally, you might successfully spot a particular behavior that causes headaches, such as consuming inadequate water. However, not every headache trigger is easily noticeable, and your doctor can help spot more mild triggers.
Although cluster, migraine, and tension headaches are deemed primary headaches, secondary headaches develop once the headache is a sign of an inherent health concern. For instance, specific vitamin deficiencies, such as lack of Vitamin D, could result in headaches, which your doctor must have to perform blood work to identify the deficiency.
- Your Headaches Occur More Frequent Or Become Severe
Another reason to see a specialist about headache concerns that are increasingly becoming frequent or severe is that there is a likelihood of an underlying condition. From hypertension to life-threatening illnesses, various health concerns could manifest with headaches. Talk to your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
- You Require Help Controlling Your Headaches
Pain medicines and at-home therapies for headaches, such as consuming enough water and obtaining adequate sleep, are not always sufficient. For instance, you should see a neurologist to determine if prescription migraine medicines can help with migraine headaches. Furthermore, you can trigger headaches through the prolonged use of headache medicines, known as a rebound headache. Your neurologist will advise you on what medications you should use and what to avoid.
If your headaches are infrequent and mild, you can address them with at-home remedies or pain relievers, or wait until your next yearly appointment to discuss them with your practitioner. However, if your headaches become frequent or you begin experiencing any of the symptoms highlighted above, you should arrange an appointment immediately. Headaches can stem from various factors, ranging from stress and vitamin deficiency to dehydration and allergies. Once you and your practitioner identify the root cause, you can decide on the best treatment plan to manage and prevent the flare-ups.