What’s Causing Your Headache?

Headaches might feel like something you can manage on your own, but there’s often an underlying cause that can be addressed. Read this blog to find out why it is worth your time to connect with a healthcare professional the next time you have a headache.  

A headache might seem like something you can push through and ignore. But the reality is, there is often a root cause to your headache. With the support of a healthcare professional, you can proactively identify health or environmental factors that might be causing your headaches. 

Tension headaches are the most common types of headaches. It feels like a tight band around your head that causes a steady ache.

Some underlying causes may include: 

  • Dehydration – especially in the summer months!
  • Sinus infection
  • Blood pressure
  • Seasonal allergies
  • Computer or screen time
  • Vision issues – incorrect prescription for glasses or contacts
  • Tight muscles

In the short term, water, rest, and acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin and Advil) can give you relief from a tension headache. Keep a notebook to track conditions during your headaches. This might include time of day, activity, severity, diet, water intake, etc. 

Connecting with a healthcare provider via a telemedicine appointment can help narrow down the root cause of your headache and ensure you’re on the right track with at-home remedies. If needed, your healthcare provider may want to see you in person for a follow up appointment. You can also go directly to Urgent Care to see a provider immediately to address a headache.  

Note: If you are experiencing the worst headache of your life, go to the Emergency Room. It may be a stroke or meningitis. 

If you think you may be experiencing migraine – a chronic condition that causes debilitating head pain that interferes with your ability to function normally – visit our Managing Your Migraines blog for additional information. 

Address the root cause of your headache with the help of a healthcare provider!

Visit our Urgent Care locations or schedule a telemedicine appointment. (Note: for a virtual appointment, select “telemedicine appointment” in the urgent care appointment drop down menu).

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