Headache and Migraine Treatment in St. Clair Shores, MI
Headaches & Migraines
Chronic headaches and migraines can come from the nerves, the muscles of the neck and shoulders, or the joints of the upper spine. At Advanced Physical Medicine in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, we look for the trigger and treat it with options such as Botox for chronic migraine, nerve blocks, trigger point injections and acupuncture.
Types and Symptoms of Headaches
Not every headache is a migraine, and the type of headache shapes the treatment. The most common types we see are:
- Migraine: throbbing pain, often on one side, with nausea and sensitivity to light, sound or smells. Some people see an aura first.
- Tension-type headache: a band of pressure around the forehead or the back of the head, often with tight neck and shoulder muscles.
- Cervicogenic headache: pain that starts in the neck and spreads to the head, often worse with certain neck movements.
- Occipital nerve pain: sharp, shooting pain at the base of the skull.
When headaches happen on 15 or more days a month, they are considered chronic.
What Triggers Headaches and Migraines?
Migraines run in families and are linked to changes in how the brain processes nerve signals. Common triggers include:
- Stress, poor sleep and skipped meals
- Hormone changes
- Bright light, loud noise and strong smells
- Alcohol, caffeine withdrawal and certain foods
- Tight neck and shoulder muscles, poor posture at a desk, or a neck injury such as whiplash
- Taking pain relievers too often, which can cause rebound headaches
Keeping a headache diary for a few weeks helps you and your doctor spot your own triggers.
How We Treat Headaches and Migraines
Dr. Stephen Wilson, MD, is double board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine and has more than 25 years of experience treating pain. We review your headache pattern, examine your neck and shoulders, and build a plan that aims to cut how often and how badly the headaches come. Options include:
Botox for Chronic Migraine
Botox injections can relieve chronic migraine for three to six months at a time. They are part of our interventional procedures.
Nerve Blocks
A nerve block places a local anesthetic, with a steroid or herbal anti-inflammatory, near an irritated nerve to quiet the pain signals. We use ultrasound guidance for accuracy.
Trigger Point Injections
Tight knots in the neck, shoulder and scalp muscles can refer pain into the head. Trigger point injections help those muscles release.
Medical Acupuncture
Dr. Wilson is certified in medical acupuncture by the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. It is part of our holistic pain relief care and can be combined with other treatments.
Physical Therapy and Massage
Physical therapy works on posture and neck strength, and medical massage therapy eases muscle tension that feeds tension-type headaches.
When to See a Doctor for Headaches
Book a visit if you have headaches several times a week, if you rely on pain relievers more than a couple of days a week, or if headaches keep you from work, family or sleep.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room for the worst headache of your life, a sudden headache after a head injury, or a headache with weakness, confusion, trouble speaking, a stiff neck with fever, or vision loss.
Frequently Asked Questions About Headaches and Migraines
What is the best treatment for migraine headaches?
There is no single best treatment. Most people do best with a combination: avoiding triggers, a preventive treatment such as Botox for chronic migraine, and a plan for attacks. We help you find the combination that fits your headaches.
How do I get rid of a headache or migraine fast?
Rest in a dark, quiet room, drink water, put a cool cloth on your forehead and take your usual medicine early in the attack. If home measures stop working, or you need them often, it is time for a medical plan.
Can neck problems cause headaches?
Yes. Cervicogenic headaches start in the joints, nerves or muscles of the neck. Treating the neck with injections, physical therapy or massage can reduce these headaches.
How long does Botox for migraines last?
Botox injections may relieve symptoms for three to six months, after which treatment can be repeated if it helped.
Do you accept insurance?
Advanced Physical Medicine accepts most major insurance plans. Some treatments, such as regenerative injections, may be self-pay, and our staff will go over coverage and costs with you before you start.
Get Help for Headaches in St. Clair Shores
Book a visit with Advanced Physical Medicine at 24345 Harper Ave, St. Clair Shores, Michigan, or call us at (586) 563-3300. We will find out what is behind your headaches and talk you through every option before anything is decided.
