Headache Treatment

Connecticut Pain Solutions provides pain management and neurology services in Ridgefield and Wallingford, CT. Call 203-724-9290 (Ridgefield) or 203-626-9080 (Wallingford) to learn more and schedule your appointment.

Connecticut Pain Solutions has one powerful but simple goal: to help you avoid surgery with our minimally invasive, technologically advanced techniques. We practice a safe but aggressive approach to treating headaches.

The first step is to determine the nature of your pain and exactly which structures are affected. Depending on the results of our evaluation, we provide a wide range of headache treatment options:

Botulinum Toxin Injection

Botox is a form of botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin produced by the bacteria that causes botulism. When the Botox botulinum toxin is purified and used in tiny doses in specific areas, it temporarily reduces muscle contractions for approximately 3 months. Botox is only FDA-approved for chronic migraines.

Epidural Steroid Injections

Most commonly associated with back pain, epidural steroid injections can bring dramatic relief from certain types of headaches. These injections are generally used alongside other pain management techniques.

Occipital Nerve Block

An occipital nerve block may be performed as a diagnostic procedure to determine whether you are a candidate for an occipital radiofrequency ablation, or it may stand alone. Regardless, if your headaches originate in your occipital nerves, this may stop the pain completely.

Occipital Radiofrequency Ablation

This procedure is normally performed after an occipital nerve block determines the source of your headaches. The affected nerve is burned off with radiofrequency waves, which may result in full or partial pain relief. The nerve will regenerate in 12 to 24 months, and you may need another ablation. However, in some people, the pain never returns, even after nerve regeneration.

Joint Injections

If your headaches can be traced to a cervical facet joint, we can inject a mix of steroids and numbing agents into that joint. Some people get relief from just one injection, while others need two or three shots. The pain relief can last for several months, or even a few years.

Trigger Point Injections

No matter what the cause, chronic headaches are often affiliated with trigger points—very tight muscle knots that can cause debilitating pain. Although these can be worked out through massage, trigger point injections are generally faster and more complete.

Medication Management

Medication is the first line of treatment for any pain, including headaches. We offer medication management services, with the goal of gradually reducing the amount of pain medication you require.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a core component of any pain management regimen. In fact, all other pain management techniques are designed to relieve your pain enough for you to benefit from physical therapy.

Your physical therapist will perform an extensive evaluation of your health history, the source of your headaches, and the strength and range of motion of your neck. You will then start an individualized program of exercises designed to increase strength and flexibility. Pain management remains extremely important, and your physical therapist may offer you heat, ice, or electrical stimulation during your therapy.

Note that physical therapy relies on active participation in the treatment room and at home. The more you put into your therapy, the better your outcome will be.

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