Headaches are a common health problem that affect people of all ages. While most respond to over-the-counter medication and rest, persistent headaches may indicate an underlying health problem. At Cali Quick Urgent Care, urgent care specialist Brittany Glenn, DO, and the team work with people of all ages to diagnose and treat headaches. To make an appointment for yourself or your child at the practice in Laguna Niguel, California, call the office today, or book online.
Headaches are one of the most common pain-causing conditions worldwide. In fact, researchers estimate 75% of people experience at least one headache each year.
Headaches usually aren’t a sign of a more serious health problem, but if they persist or interfere with your ability to work or exercise, don’t wait to visit the team at Cali Quick Urgent Care.
Headaches are categorized by two types: primary or secondary:
Primary headaches occur on their own, for no apparent reason. Common types of primary headaches include tension headaches, cluster headaches, daily persistent headaches, and migraines.
Secondary headaches occur due to an underlying medical condition. Common causes of secondary headaches include high blood pressure, sinus congestion, infections, and tumors.
The pain caused by headaches occurs due to interactions between the blood vessels and nerves in your brain. During a headache, an unknown mechanism within your body activates specific nerves that send pain signals to your brain. For some people, these pain signals are mild. For others, however, they’re debilitating.
Common headache triggers include:
You’re also more likely to experience headaches if you suffer from a mental illness like anxiety or depression.
To diagnose headaches, the team at Cali Quick Urgent Care reviews your medical history and gives you a physical exam. Next, they conduct a headache evaluation, asking a series of questions, including what your headaches feel like, how often they happen, and what your diet and sleep habits are like.
If these measures don’t provide enough insight about the source of your headaches, the team might order additional tests like diagnostic imaging or bloodwork.
Most mild and moderate headaches respond to conservative treatments like drinking plenty of water and taking over-the-counter pain medication. If your headaches persist or occur due to an underlying health problem, the team might recommend prescription medication, stress management techniques, or biofeedback.
Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to reduce the frequency of your headaches and improve your quality of life.
To explore your treatment options for headaches, make an appointment at Cali Quick Urgent Care. Book online, or call the friendly office staff today.
