How to Get to the Root of Your Recurrent Headaches

Headaches are one of the most common pain conditions in the United States. Fortunately, most headaches see themselves out once your sinuses clear or you get a good night’s sleep. 

Unfortunately, 4% of people have recurrent headaches that won’t quit, bringing daily life to a screeching halt for millions of people every year, and if you’re one of them, you should know there’s hope in treatment. 

Dr. David Wu and our team at CurePain have years of experience diagnosing and treating the source of all types of headaches, and we can help you find lasting relief from your symptoms. 

But first, we want to ensure our patients know exactly what they’re up against. Here’s your ultimate guide to recurrent headaches. 

When your headache becomes recurrent

Recurrent headaches are conditions in and of themselves and fall under the category of primary headaches. Primary headaches are stand-alone medical conditions, not head pain symptoms stemming from a separate problem. 

The most common types of primary headaches include tension headaches, cluster headaches, and migraines. Typically, they present with:

• Throbbing pain or pressure in the head
• Moderate-to-severe pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Sensitivity to sound and light
• Sweating
• Lightheadedness

Virtually anyone, regardless of demographics, can suffer from recurrent headaches. Your recurrent headaches become a chronic disorder when they occur at least 15 times within 30 days. 

When your headaches are severe and persistent, we begin diagnostic tests to uncover the underlying issue. 

A note on rebound headaches

Rebound headaches are similar to recurrent headaches in that they keep coming back but stem from a different problem. 

Rebound headaches develop when you overuse over-the-counter prescription medication (more than 2-3 times a week). When the medication wears off, your pain returns and you must take even more medication to stop it.

Talk to us about the medications you currently use to manage your headaches and how often you take them so we can rule out a rebound headache. 

Understanding why your headaches are recurrent

A lot goes into recurrent headaches; sometimes, it’s tough to pinpoint exactly what’s causing them. But when you team up with us, we can get to the bottom of your headaches. Here are a few things we can do together to reach an accurate diagnosis.

Give us the details

Recurrent headaches often stem from genetics, environmental factors, nerve stimulation, chronic muscle tension, hormonal imbalances, or a combination of these factors. So, we usually start the diagnosis process with a thorough review of your and your family’s health history.

Tell us everything about any new or existing health problems, even if they seem unrelated. The more details we have about your well-being and lifestyle, the more closely we can pinpoint what’s causing your recurrent headaches. 

Keep a diary

You can help us help you by keeping a headache diary where you note the time, frequency, length, severity, circumstances, and accompanying symptoms when you have a headache. 

Taking a look inside

Sometimes, we order imaging tests, such as a CT scan or an MRI, to look for issues inside your brain. 

Getting treatment for recurrent headaches

Treatment for recurrent headaches varies from person to person and depends heavily on your specific type of headache. Our headache treatment plans typically involve oral or injected medications and lifestyle changes to avoid triggers, especially if you suffer from migraines. 

Ready to give your headaches their marching orders? We can help. Call our friendly staff at 424-232-8930 or book an appointment online at our Torrance, California, office today.