Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, affecting people of all ages. They range from occasional tension-type pain to chronic, disabling migraines or nerve-related head pain. While many headaches resolve on their own, recurrent or severe headaches may signal an underlying condition and require medical evaluation and treatment.
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we specialize in diagnosing and treating headache disorders, in particulary cervicogenic headaches.
Common Types and Causes of Headaches
Tension-Type Headache
Mild to moderate pressure or tightness across the forehead or back of the head
Triggered by stress, muscle tension, poor posture, or fatigue
Migraine
Moderate to severe throbbing pain, often on one side of the head
May be accompanied by nausea, light/sound sensitivity, visual aura
Can be triggered by hormonal changes, foods, stress, or sleep disturbances
Cluster Headache
Severe, stabbing pain around one eye, often recurring in cyclical patterns
Associated with eye watering, nasal congestion, and restlessness
Cervicogenic Headache
Referred pain from the neck or cervical spine, often worsened by movement or poor posture
Occipital Neuralgia
Sharp, electric-like pain in the back of the head, due to irritation of the occipital nerves
Sinus Headache
Pressure and pain around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead with sinus congestion
Symptoms to Watch For
Persistent or worsening headache patterns
Pain that interferes with daily activities, work, or sleep
Accompanying symptoms such as vision changes, dizziness, or neck stiffness
Pain that begins after injury, surgery, or infection
Conservative Treatment Options
Lifestyle and Behavioral Therapies
Stress management techniques: mindfulness, meditation, CBT
Sleep hygiene and hydration
Avoiding dietary triggers
Regular physical activity
Medications
NSAIDs or acetaminophen for tension-type headaches
Triptans or CGRP inhibitors for migraines
Muscle relaxants for cervicogenic or tension headaches
Preventive medications (e.g., beta blockers, anticonvulsants, antidepressants) for frequent migraines
Interventional Pain Management Options
For patients with chronic, severe, or treatment-resistant headaches, interventional therapies can provide targeted relief:
Occipital Nerve Blocks
Injects anesthetic near the greater or lesser occipital nerves
Effective for migraines, occipital neuralgia, and cervicogenic headaches
Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) Block
Minimally invasive procedure (often intranasal) that targets a key pain hub
Helpful for cluster headaches, migraines, and facial pain
Cervical Medial Branch Blocks and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Used for cervicogenic headaches linked to arthritis or spinal dysfunction
RFA provides longer-term relief by disrupting pain-transmitting nerves
Botox® Injections
FDA-approved for chronic migraine (15+ headache days per month)
Reduces frequency and severity of attacks
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)
A minimally invasive implant that modulates nerves (e.g., occipital or supraorbital)
Used for chronic migraine or cluster headache that hasn’t responded to medications
When to Seek Help
You should see a specialist if you have:
Headaches more than 2–3 times per week
Pain not relieved by over-the-counter medications
Headaches following injury, surgery, or illness
Associated neurological symptoms like numbness, vision changes, or weakness
Get Relief from Headaches—Feel Like Yourself Again
At Parkview Spine & Pain, we take a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to managing headaches. Whether your pain is caused by nerve irritation, spinal issues, or chronic migraines, we offer advanced diagnostics and targeted therapies to help you reclaim your comfort and focus.
👉 Schedule your consultation today to explore your personalized headache treatment options.