English 
Espanol
Headache Pain Guide
We see a lot of patients here at NY Rehab who come to us because they can't escape the throbbing pain of headaches. What can do we do for them? Usually, quite a lot. It all boils down to a thorough understanding of what causes different types of headaches, and the best ways to treat each.
What's causing my headaches?
In general, headaches happen when blood vessels and muscles in the head activate pain signals and send them to the brain. What causes these signals to be sent in the first place is not fully understood, but there is some consensus around the fact that some types of headaches are associated with specific physiological issues that can be addressed by medical professionals.
What are some common types of headaches, and what are their causes?
Migraine
The infamous migraine headache is recognizable by the pounding and throbbing cadence it beats from within the forehead, as well as the physical sickness it can cause, and an accompanying sensitivity to light. They are caused by the constriction of blood vessels in the brain that may be caused by genetically inherited irregularities in the brain. Migraines are more common among women than men, and can last up to three days.
Tension
Tension headaches are acute pain felt in the front of the skull or in the neck and back of the skull. These are probably the most common type of headache, and are not considered chronic, nor are they associated with any specific neurological conditions like many other types of headaches. Still, that doesn't minimize the fact that this sort of headache really hurts, and it usually comes out of nowhere.
Cluster
These headaches are probably the most difficult to deal with, as they are recognizable by their propensity to flare up painfully and then disappear for a period lasting up to three months. Cluster headaches don't really go away, they just go into remission. They are associated with one specific nerve: the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for facial sensations. A cluster headache is the result of tension in this nerve, and can be caused by consumption of alcohol, smoking, and seasonal problems with the hypothalamus, a nerve center located deep inside the brain.
What types of treatments are available at NY Rehab?
Physical therapy
Generally involving one-on-one work with a physical therapist, physical therapy can be a boon to headache relief by addressing over an extended period of time the deep muscular and skeletal issues that contribute to headaches. Physical therapy at NY Rehab usually involves elements of clinical care, as well as a home fitness plan to ensure that patients are prepared to maintain their improvements.
Massage therapy
Massage has shown to be very effective in dealing with the nerve- and muscle-related issues in the neck that can cause headaches. A hands-on approach is often best for targeting specific tissues within the delicate structure of the neck. Our massage therapists are trained in the most effective methods of finding and soothing sore muscles and relieving painful pressure on nerves caused by muscular issues.
Chiropractic
NY Rehab's Doctors of Chiropractic focus on detecting and treating disorders, also known as subluxations, of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. They treat headaches by administering adjustments, or gentle thrusts, to patients' spinal misalignments, which often helps to alleviate pressure on major nerves and the headaches that pressure can cause. Most often, chiropractors deal with headaches, back pain, leg pain, neck pain, joint pain, and hip pain, but they also can apply their expertise in dealing with a wider variety of bodily ailments.
NY Rehab, Pain Management and Medical Services, P.C., offers treatment for neck pain at our three locations around New York.
