Migraines are a neurological condition characterized by moderate to severe headaches as well as a spectrum of other symptoms. Affecting approximately 1 out of every 6 Americans, they can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours and may cause extreme discomfort as well as significant lifestyle disruptions.

The exact cause of migraines remains unclear, though research indicates there is a hereditary component to the condition. Common triggers include stress, fatigue, hormonal changes, the consumption of certain foods and beverages, and many more. There is no universal cure for migraines, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, they can be effectively prevented and/or managed to allow for a high quality of life.

Though every individual experiences migraines differently, many patients report the following four phases:

• Prodrome Phase – Also known as the premonition phase, this phase occurs up to 24 hours before the onset of a migraine headache and may be characterized by mood shifts or behavioral changes.
• Aura Phase – A migraine aura-—a short period of time characterized by difficulty concentrating and a range of sensory disturbances—may directly precede the onset of a migraine headache.
• Headache Phase – This phase can last for hours or even days and usually involves intense pain on one or both sides of the head. Other symptoms may include nausea, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and noise, and more.
• Postdrome Phase – After a migraine passes, many patients are left feeling groggy and exhausted. Like the headache itself, this state may last for hours or days.

Migraine headaches do eventually resolve but may recur chronically. Their frequency depends on many factors including lifestyle, health status, environmental factors, stress, genetics, and more. Women are statistically more likely to experience chronic migraines than men. Smokers and people living with depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and epilepsy may also be at increased risk of developing the condition.

Getting to the root of migraine symptoms often requires skill, persistence, and the ability to see the big picture. At Resolve Pain and Spine, our experienced team of specialists has helped numerous migraine patients move forward in life pain-free and with renewed confidence and energy. We look forward to doing the same for you!

Migraine Symptoms

The symptoms of migraine headaches can vary significantly from person to person, but may include some or all of the following:

Prodrome Phase

• Mood changes
• Difficulty concentrating and/or sleeping
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Other physical changes

Aura Phase

• Vision changes, such as flashes of light or blind spots

• Numbness or tingling (commonly in the hands or face)
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Difficulty concentrating and/or speaking

Headache Phase

• Throbbing, pulsing, or pounding pain that may impact one or both sides of the head
• Pain that impacts the face, sinuses, jaw, and neck
• Pain that may migrate to different areas of the head or face
• Blurred vision
• Facial numbness

• Sensitivity to light, noise, and strong odors
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Visual distortion

Postdrome

• Dizziness
• Exhaustion
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light, noise, and strong odors
• Nausea
• Difficulty concentrating

Other Types of Headaches

At Resolve Pain and Spine, our leading team of pain management specialists works with patients suffering from migraines as well as a variety of other kinds of headaches. We can help accurately diagnose the type of headaches you are experiencing and develop a customized treatment plan to support you in achieving your health goals.

In addition to migraines, some other types of headaches we frequently treat at Resolve include:

Intracranial Pressure Headaches

Intracranial pressure headaches are a serious type of headache typically caused by a brain injury or other medical condition. Characterized by increasing pressure within the skull, they are considered an emergency and should be evaluated and treated urgently.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are less common than migraines and extremely painful. Characterized by intense pain on one side of the head or behind the eye, they may be accompanied by symptoms such as congestion, a runny nose, and/or a swollen eyelid. The cause of cluster headaches remains unknown but, as their name suggests, they often occur in a series over a period of days or weeks.

Tension Headaches

Ranging from mild to severe, tension headaches are one of the most common conditions we treat at Resolve Pain and Spine. Characterized by moderate pain in the head, neck, or both, a tension headache often responds to therapies such as acupuncture, trigger point injections, and many more.

Sinus Headaches

Sinus headaches usually accompany a sinus infection and are characterized by an ache behind the eyes that may also be felt in the forehead, behind the cheekbones, or in the bridge of the nose.

What Causes Migraines?

The exact cause of migraines remains unknown, but the condition can be triggered by a range of different factors. At Resolve Pain and Spine, we work with patients who experience the onset of migraine headaches due to triggers including:

• Drinking alcohol
• Eating certain foods (common triggers include cheese, chocolate, processed meats, fermented or pickled foods, and foods containing nitrates or MSG)
• Sleep deprivation
• Stress
• Changes in weather
• Hormonal changes
• Certain medications
• Physical overexertion
• Tobacco exposure
• Missing a meal
• Exposure to strong stimuli such as lights, noises, or odors

Our experienced team of pain management specialists is dedicated to taking the time and energy necessary to work with you in accurately identifying the underlying triggers of your chronic headaches. This is a critical step in tailoring a treatment plan that will ultimately resolve your pain and discomfort.

Diagnosis and Treatment

At Resolve Pain and Spine, we rely on an in-depth diagnosis process to reveal the best treatment options for your symptoms. No two patients experience migraines or respond to treatment the same way, which is why we are so invested in discovering what makes you and your condition unique.

After taking a thorough personal and family medical history, carefully evaluating your symptoms, and performing a physical exam, we may also order imaging or other diagnostic tests to rule out potential causes of headaches. Ultimately, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan that may include one or more of the following complementary therapies:

• Acupuncture
• Non-opioid pain treatment
• Physical therapy
• PRP treatment
• Stem cell therapy
• Trigger point injections
• Botox treatment

Botox, a prescription medication derived from botulinum toxin, may be used to effectively treat severe cases of chronic migraine headaches.  The medication is injected directly into targeted areas of the head and/or neck approximately every 12 weeks to provide symptom relief on an ongoing basis.  To learn more, book an appointment today!  

Why Choose Resolve Pain and Spine Center?

Why choose Resolve Pain and Spine? Because we’re different from the rest. If you’re discouraged, frustrated, or simply exhausted by conventional pain management approaches that have left you still dealing with the hard-hitting symptoms of chronic migraines, we’re here to change that.

Using a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to pain management and resolution, our highly qualified and experienced team of pain doctors is committed to moving beyond one-size-fits-all solutions to uncover and truly resolve the underlying cause(s) of your headaches. Our proven techniques draw on functional, regenerative, and interventional medicine and we are 100% dedicated to moving our patients forward on the path to recovery.

Contact our clinic directly today to learn more!

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Address headaches and improve your quality of life with migraine relief provided by the exceptional team of doctors at Resolve Pain and Spine. Fill out the form below to learn more and book a life-changing consultation. We look forward to working with you!