Headaches

Advanced treatments are available here in Southeast Arkansas, so you can live headache-free.
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A fair-skinned woman with light brown hair and closed eyes is gently pressing her temples with her index and middle fingers. Her expression appears to convey discomfort or perhaps concentration, possibly suggesting a headache or stress.

Overview

Headaches are a common condition characterized by pain or discomfort in the head or face, which can vary in intensity, location, and duration. They may present as a sharp pain, a throbbing sensation, or a dull ache. Triggers vary—from stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, environmental factors, and lack of sleep—making it important to identify the root cause for effective management.

At Whaley Health and Pain Management, Dr. Whaley and our team help patients recognize headache symptoms and provide personalized treatment options to reduce frequency and severity. Through advanced therapies such as nerve blocks, lifestyle modifications, and comprehensive wellness strategies, we work to prevent headaches and improve overall well-being.

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Common Causes of Headaches

Understanding the common causes of headaches is key to effective treatment and relief because there are a variety of triggers. This is why it’s important to work with a provider like Dr. Whaley who will work to treat more than just your symptoms.

Herniated or Bulging Discs

A bulging disc, especially in the neck, can cause headaches, often referred to as cervicogenic headaches, due to nerve compression and irritation.

Arthritis

When arthritis affects the vertebrae in the neck, it can lead to pain and stiffness that radiates to the head.

Neck Pain

When your neck is stiff or tense, it triggers pain that spreads to your head, causing discomfort and migraines.

Cancer Pain

Cancer pain can occur in different areas of the body and may lead to headaches. This discomfort can be caused by tumors pressing on nerves or treatments affecting your body.

Muscle Strains & Injuries

Muscle strains and injuries can lead to headaches by creating tension in the neck and shoulders. This tension can trigger pain that radiates to your head, causing discomfort and stress.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis occurs when there is not enough space in the area around the spinal cord, causing pressure and irritating the nerves.

Migraines

Migraines are intense headaches often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. They can last hours or even days, making daily activities difficult.

Recognizing the Signs of Headaches

Our team can help you spot the symptoms of a headache and understand how it feels, how intense it is, and where it occurs.

Pain Type

Headaches are often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound.

Severity

Headaches can manifest as a dull ache, throbbing, pressure, or sharp pain.

Location

Pain can be on one or both sides of the head, or in specific areas like the forehead, temples, or back of the head.

How We Treat Headaches

At Whaley Health & Pain Management, we take the time to understand what our patients are experiencing so that we can treat more than just symptoms–we want to treat the underlying cause and help you improve your overall health and wellness. To do that, we offer targeted therapies to help restore mobility, reduce discomfort, and improve your quality of life.

Epidural Steroid Injections

This involves steroid medication injected directly into the epidural space around the spine to provide relief. This treatment can be effective when headaches are linked to neck or back pain.

Nerve Blocks & Ablations

Nerve blocks and ablations are procedures that reduce headache pain by targeting nerves in your neck or back. They can stop pain signals from reaching your brain, providing relief from headaches linked to these areas.

Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation

These therapy practices improve strength, flexibility, and mobility, helping patients recover from injuries and manage chronic conditions. They can also be beneficial for relieving headaches that stem from neck or back issues.

Pain Pump & Stimulator Trials

These advanced pain management options offer long-term relief from severe chronic pain conditions, providing pain medication directly into the spinal fluid with a catheter. They may also help alleviate headaches associated with neck or back issues.

Botox

Botox is an injection that can help reduce headache pain by blocking signals from nerves. It relaxes muscles, providing relief for those who suffer from chronic headaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes headaches?
Headaches can result from stress, poor posture, lack of sleep, dehydration, or underlying health issues. Identifying your unique triggers is the first step toward effective relief.
When should I see a doctor for a headache?
If your headaches are frequent, unusually severe, or come with symptoms like vision changes or weakness, it’s important to seek medical evaluation.
Can headaches be prevented?
Yes—healthy habits like regular sleep, staying hydrated, managing stress, and avoiding known triggers can help reduce the frequency of headaches.
Are headaches hereditary?
Yes, genetics play a significant role—especially with migraines. Research suggests that up to 80% of migraine sufferers have a close relative who also experiences them. If one or both parents have migraines, their children are more likely to develop them as well.
What is the success rate of using Botox to treat migraines?
Botox is an FDA-approved treatment for chronic migraines, defined as 15 or more headache days per month. Clinical studies show that Botox can reduce the frequency of migraines by 50% or more in many patients. While results vary, many people experience significant relief after multiple treatment sessions, with improvements typically seen after two to three rounds of injections.
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A fair-skinned woman with long blonde hair, wearing pink medical scrubs over a white and red polka-dotted long-sleeved shirt, is handing a clipboard with papers to a fair-skinned man. The man, wearing a red and white patterned short-sleeved shirt and a watch, appears to be receiving the documents at a counter, possibly in a clinic or office setting.

Success Stories from Our Patients

Hear from others in the Delta area who have trusted Whaley Health and Pain Management with their treatment. You can count on our team to listen, care, and prioritize your health and well-being.

“Dr. Whaley really takes the time to listen and never makes me feel like my pain is less than it feels. I really appreciate her for that.”

Karen G.

"I went to see her and she takes the time to listen, which most doctors don't. If you're looking for a local pain management doctor, I highly recommend calling and setting up an appointment. All the staff are so friendly too.

Cathy T.

“10/10! I was able to get in fast, explain what was going on, and get the help I needed! Their office is beautiful, check-in was super easy, and they provided exceptional service. If you are having any kind of pain issues, I highly recommend giving them a call!!”

Kayla Z.

Start Your Pain-Free Journey Today

Dr. Heather Whaley takes a thoughtful approach to pain management, recognizing that effective relief requires more than just treating symptoms.

Speak with Our Team

If you’re dealing with chronic or acute pain, ask your doctor about a referral to see how we can help.

Locate Us in Stuttgart

413 E. Michigan
Stuttgart, AR 72160