MIGRAINES AND HEADACHES DOCTORS IN CHICAGOLAND
PROVIDING THE BEST MIGRAINE AND HEADACHE RELIEF
Chicago’s Leaders in Headache and Migraine Treatment
Everyone experiences a headache on occasion, but people who suffer from chronic migraines deal with debilitating pain that can stop life in its tracks.
The double-board certified and fellowship-trained physicians at MAPS are experienced in treating chronic migraines and finding a solution that works for the patient. Our practice focuses on achieving long-term results with an emphasis on total health.
If you experience chronic migraines or headaches, contact the team at MAPS to schedule an appointment:
Lisa J.
HEADACHES & MIGRAINES PATIENT
What Are Headaches and Migraines?
Most of us have experienced a headache at some point. Headaches refer to pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck and come in various forms, such as tension, sinus, and cluster headaches. While many headaches are mild and manageable with over-the-counter medication, they can still disrupt your day.
Migraines, on the other hand, are a more intense type of headache. Characterized by severe, throbbing pain—often on one side of the head—migraines can last for hours or even days, significantly impacting daily life.
Headache & Migraine Symptoms
Headaches often come with the following symptoms:
- Dull, aching pain
- Tightness or pressure around the head
- Pain in the neck or shoulders
- Difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
Migraines, however, are accompanied by more intense side effects. In addition to the symptoms listed above, migraine sufferers may experience:
- Sensitivity to light, sounds, and smells
- Visual problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Extreme fatigue and exhaustion
- Neck stiffness
- Vertigo
- Mental fog
What Causes Migraines & Headaches?
Headaches are extremely common—in fact, studies show that 96% of people have had a headache at least once in their lives. This pain can be caused by anything from stress to lack of sleep.
Compared to your standard headache, migraines are less common. It’s estimated that around 12% of people experience them worldwide. Both migraines and headaches can be triggered by the following:
- Genetics: Having a family history of headaches and migraines increases your risk.
- Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones such as estrogen can trigger migraines in women. Many women experience migraines during their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause.
- Environmental Factors: Headaches can be triggered by many environmental factors, including weather changes, bright lights, loud sounds, and strong smells.
- Mental Health Issues: Increased stress, depression, and anxiety may cause an increase in stress hormones, which can then trigger headaches and migraines.
- Social Withdrawal: Isolation can increase stress and anxiety, both linked to triggering headaches.
- Dietary Triggers: Certain substances, such as alcohol and caffeine, may cause migraines.
- Poor Sleep: Not getting enough sleep or having an irregular sleep pattern increases the risk of headaches.
- Dehydration: Inadequate hydration can reduce blood flow to the brain, causing throbbing headaches.
- Medications: Some medications list headaches as a side effect, contributing to their onset.
Where Is Your Head Pain Located?
Identifying the location of your head pain is key to diagnosing the type of headache or migraine you’re experiencing. Different types of headaches cause pain in specific areas, making the pain’s location an important clue for determining the right treatment. Here are some common pain areas and what they may indicate:
- Forehead or Temples: The most common type of headaches are tension headaches, which cause dull, aching pressure around the forehead and temples.
- One Side of the Head: Intense, throbbing pain on one side of the head is often associated with migraines. In some cases, migraines can affect both sides.
- Back of the Head and Neck: Pain in this region is commonly linked to tension headaches.
- Around or Behind the Eyes: Cluster headaches, a rare but severe type, typically cause intense pain around or behind one eye.
- Top of the Head: Pain at the crown of the head may signal tension headaches or exertion headaches, which are triggered by intense physical activity.
Chicago’s Leaders in Migraine & Headache Treatments
Looking for headache and migraine pain relief? At MAPS Centers for Pain Control, we specialize in high-quality, minimally invasive treatments that provide long-term results.
We are leaders in conservative treatment for migraine pain and undergo a comprehensive exam, noting our patient’s symptoms and conditions, as well as medical history and history of previous treatment, to determine a course of action for treating migraine pain. Many treatments may include or be a combination of responsible medication management, physical therapy, acupuncture, an injection-based protocol, or other innovative treatments:
Botox Injections
Many patients respond positively to our botox injections which can be repeated every three months. Patients who experience this treatment find that their number of headaches per month decrease with each treatment session.
Botox injections work by blocking nerve cells that transmit pain signals to the brain. They can be injected directly into muscles around the head and neck, which relaxes the muscles and immediately reduces tension in the area. They’re especially helpful for tension headaches and migraines.
Responsible Medication Management
Other patients may find relief from migraine prophylaxis treatment. These medications are used as a first-line treatment in many cases, and they act to help in the prevention of migraines.
At MAPS, we emphasize ethical medication management, which involves using medications responsibly to minimize adverse effects. Rather than just mask symptoms, our medication plans help supplement other treatments and address the underlying cause of headaches.
Meditation
When someone experiences pain, it’s not only restricted to the body – pain impacts the mind, the attitude, and the psychology of the person in pain. Our physicians recommend mindfulness meditation as part of a comprehensive migraine treatment plan. Meditation inhibits the part of the nervous system responsible for stress, a frequent migraine trigger. Mind-body techniques such as meditation may relieve headaches by alleviating underlying stress.
Physical Therapy
Many of our patients find positive results when they couple their migraine treatment with a physical therapy program. Our physicians work with primary care physicians as well as experienced, qualified physical therapists to ensure our patients benefit from a comprehensive treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a migraine or a headache?
To determine whether you have a migraine or a regular headache, consider your symptoms. Migraines are more severe than standard headaches and come with side effects such as vomiting, light sensitivity and visual issues. It’s also a good idea to speak to your healthcare provider for an official diagnosis.
When should I seek treatment for migraines & headaches?
You should seek treatment if your headaches or migraines are severe, persistent or worsening. While an occasional headache is fairly normal, frequent headaches that disrupt daily life can be a cause for concern.
What should I expect during my first consultation?
During your first consultation, you can expect to have a conversation about your headache or migraine history. You may be asked about the frequency, duration and intensity of your symptoms, as well as potential triggers. Depending on your symptoms, your healthcare provider may suggest a physical or neurological examination to help diagnose the underlying cause.
What is the recovery time for migraines & headaches treatments?
The recovery time for migraines and headaches varies depending on the type of headache and the treatment. For smaller tension headaches, you may experience quick relief with OTC medications and at-home remedies. Severe headaches or chronic migraines, meanwhile, may require ongoing treatment, such as Botox injections. In these cases, it may take a few weeks to achieve full relief.
Can you treat headaches with lifestyle changes?
Yes, lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches. Regular exercise, proper hydration, getting enough sleep, managing stress and avoiding known triggers (such as caffeine) help prevent and manage headaches. That being said, lifestyle changes alone are not always enough to treat headaches, especially severe types such as chronic migraines. If symptoms persist, it’s best to contact a healthcare professional.
Can headaches go away on their own?
Yes, minor headaches can go away on their own or with the help of simple remedies (such as OTC medications and lifestyle changes). However, migraines or more severe headaches might require professional intervention.
Which headache treatment is right for me?
Selecting the right treatment depends on the underlying cause, your symptoms and the type of headache. At MAPS, we take the time to understand your pain, which allows us to craft highly personalized treatment plans. These may consist of a combination of different solutions, including injections, medication, physical therapy and self-care.
Why Choose the Headache Specialists at MAPS Centers for Pain Control?
Are migraines disrupting your daily life? Say goodbye to aches and achieve much-needed headache pain relief by contacting the specialists at MAPS. We’ll start by carefully evaluating your condition, including your symptoms and medical history. Then, we’ll draft a treatment plan that’s centered on your unique needs. When you work with us, you can always expect excellent, compassionate care that puts the patient first. Schedule a consultation to learn more!
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WHAT SETS US APART
Our Level of Dedication And Excellent Patient Advocacy
At Centers for Pain Control,
Our Patients Are Our Priority
WHAT SETS US APART
Our Level of Dedication And Excellent Patient Advocacy That Our Patients Have Come to Know and Expect
At MAPS, Our Patients Are Our Priority
What sets us apart from other clinics is our level of dedication and excellent patient advocacy that our patients have come to know and expect. We work with most major insurances and have processes in place that expedite paperwork – meaning we have more time to dedicate in person when assessing and treating our patients.
We Are Here For You – Let Us Help Relieve Your Pain Today
Contact the medical team at MAPS today. With 7 convenient locations, our team is ready to help you take your first step towards a pain-free life. Schedule your consultation now.
773-917-8400
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