Almost everyone experiences headache pain at some point or other. However, a few circumstances should alert you that what you’re feeling isn’t normal headache pain. At Family Acupuncture and Wellness our team has the skill and understanding to help you successfully manage your headache pain.
You probably know when you need to go to the emergency room for a headache. Seek emergency medical care if you have a headache and:
Usually, emergency situations are fairly clear-cut, but should you schedule an appointment in other situations involving headaches? The answer is “yes” more often than you may realize. The fact is, you don’t just have to live with headache pain, and taking pain medication, even over-the-counter medication, isn’t always a healthy way to deal with headache pain.
If you’re experiencing headaches more frequently than occasionally, you should book an appointment with us. The same is true if your headaches last a long time, come on very quickly, or are very severe.
Do you sometimes find that the recommended dose of over-the-counter pain medication isn’t enough to eliminate your headache pain? That’s another indication that you should seek care.
In short, the frequency and intensity of your headache pain can help you understand when to seek care. Additionally, if the characteristics of your headaches are significantly different, you should see a professional.
Although you may not immediately think of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, or massage therapy as treatments for headache pain, they can be amazingly effective. Many of our patients find the approaches at Family Acupuncture and Wellness preferable to medications and pain relievers, which can be problematic for numerous reasons.
Before we create a treatment plan for your headache, we do a thorough evaluation, which may include diagnostic testing to make sure that you don’t have an underlying condition related to your headache pain. Then we create a plan that’s tailored specifically to your situation and your needs.
Chinese herbal medicine can help your blood flow better, reduce stress, and provide pain relief. Each of those factors can impact the pain you feel during a headache.
Acupuncture can be used in several ways to ease headache pain. It stimulates different systems in your body that can encourage your body’s natural healing reactions. It may also soothe your nervous system, calming the pain signals.
Sometimes headaches are caused by tight knots of muscle called trigger points. Massage therapy can help untangle those knots and relieve the pain.
All three of these treatment approaches can also serve to help you relax. Stress may be contributing to your headaches, and reducing stress may be one path to experiencing less pain.
If headaches are disrupting your life, book an appointment at Family Acupuncture and Wellness today. Simply call 603-556-8908 and we’ll get you scheduled.
