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Medical
Care for Migraine Headaches in Monmouth County
Migraine headaches are a symptom of a debilitating neurological disorder; they are characterized by severe, throbbing pain (usually felt on one side of the head); nausea and vomiting; sensitivity to light and sound; and visual disturbances. A staggering 29.5 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches. Women are affected three times more often than men. The typical headache experience lasts anywhere from four to 72 hours, and can seriously restrict an otherwise active and productive lifestyle. Conservative Medical Care for Migraine Headaches at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center Many migraine headache sufferers rely on both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription painkillers to relieve pain. While migraines cause considerable suffering, it is important to seek out healthy, conservative pain management options and avoid drug use whenever possible. There are a number of pain medications commonly used to treat migraine headache pain. These may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), triptans, anti-nausea drugs, butalbital combinations (a sedative combined with aspirin, acetaminophen, or caffeine), and opiates. Of these, at least three options (NSAIDs, opiates, and butalbital) are known to cause rebound headaches, a phenomenon in which the drug that brings relief may actually cause another headache. NSAIDs cause ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding when used in the long term, while opiates are known for their additive properties. Physicians who are specialists in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatrists) work by treating the cause of migraine headache pain, thereby reducing the need for medications. The treatment plans offered by the Physiatrists at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center focus on using the most conservative methods first. These might include physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and acupuncture. When these options have been exhausted, and migraine headache pain persists, our Physiatrists may use Trigger Point Injections, which address the myofascial trigger points that often lead to migraine headache pain. What is Myofascial Pain? How is it related to Migraine? Myofascial pain is characterized by ‘trigger points’—painful knots found in the skeletal muscle of the body. Myofascial trigger points cause tightness and muscle pain, both in the muscle itself, as well as in other areas of the body. This phenomenon is known as ‘referred pain.’ For example, myofascial trigger points in the muscles of the scalp, jaw, neck, shoulders, and upper back can lead to pain in the head and face. It is understood that migraines are caused by the swelling of the blood vessels on the surface of the brain. Myofascial pain can be the underlying cause of the brain changes that take place when a migraine headache occurs. Trigger Point Injections for Migraine Headache A Physiatrist may recommend and perform Trigger Point Injections to target myofascial trigger points and reduce muscle pain and spasms associated with migraine headaches. This treatment involves an injection of a local anesthetic medication and/or cortisone into trigger points. The Physiatrists at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center use Ultrasound imaging technology to increase the effectiveness, precision, and accuracy of Trigger Point Injections. Ultrasound helps to guide injections by providing real-time, moving images of affected areas. Migraine Treatment at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center Our Red Bank, NJ office is commited to finding the healthiest and least invasive treatment options for migraine headaches. Toward this end, we incorporate a multi-disciplinary approach that includes physical therapy, chiropractic care, deep tissue massage, and acupuncture. Acupuncture is particularly relevant for Migraine sufferers in that it helps the body to release endorphins (natural, opiate-like chemicals) to reduce pain and help the body heal. Acupuncture also assists with the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that blocks pains signals as they are sent to the brain. Minimally invasive procedures (such as Trigger Point Injections) are used when migraine headaches persist despite the use of more conservative pain management techniques.The goal is to end the cycle of pain so that migraine headache sufferers can reduce or eliminate the use of painkilling medications. Contact our office to learn more about conservative medical care for migraine headaches in Monmouth County. |
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