Headaches/Migraines

What Are Chronic Migraines?

Migraines are a neurological condition that can cause recurring headaches along with other symptoms affecting the nervous system. Chronic migraines are typically diagnosed when headaches occur 15 or more days per month, often interfering with work, sleep, and daily functioning.

Migraines can range from moderate to severe and may last for hours or even days.

Symptoms of Chronic Migraines & Headaches

Symptoms can vary from person to person and may include:

• Throbbing or pulsating head pain
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Nausea or vomiting
• Neck pain and muscle tension
• Fatigue and brain fog
• Visual disturbances or aura
• Tingling or numbness sensations
• Dizziness or balance issues

Many patients also experience tightness and muscle tension in the neck, scalp, and shoulders that can contribute to headache frequency and severity.

Common Causes & Triggers

Migraines and chronic headaches may be associated with:

• Nerve sensitivity and irritation
• Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
• Stress and poor sleep
• Hormonal changes
• Prior head or neck injuries
• Cervical spine disorders
• Environmental and dietary triggers
• Underlying chronic pain conditions

Identifying patterns and triggers is often an important part of long-term migraine management.

Headache & Migraine Treatments

At Alpenglow Pain & Wellness, we develop individualized treatment plans based on your symptoms, headache patterns, and treatment history. Our goal is to reduce headache frequency, improve daily functioning, and provide long-term relief using minimally invasive and evidence-based therapies whenever possible.

Treatment options may include:

Preventive Migraine Therapies

• Botox® injections for chronic migraines
• Xeomin® injections for cervical dystonia and muscle spasm-related head and neck pain
• Vyepti® infusion therapy
• Preventive medication management when appropriate

Interventional Pain Management

• Occipital nerve blocks
• Trigger point injections
• Cervical medial branch blocks
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for cervical pain contributing to headaches
• Stellate ganglion blocks when indicated
• Image-guided interventional procedures

Supportive & Integrative Therapies

• Physical therapy and posture correction
• Stress management and pain psychology
• Acupuncture and integrative therapies
• Nutritional support and lifestyle modifications

Botox® for Chronic Migraines

Botox® is an FDA-approved preventive treatment for chronic migraines and is commonly recommended for patients experiencing frequent headache days each month. Botox works by helping block pain signals involved in migraine development while also reducing muscle tension and spasms that may contribute to headache symptoms.

Treatment involves a series of targeted injections into specific areas of the head and neck and is typically performed in-office in less than 30 minutes. Many patients notice a significant reduction in migraine frequency and severity after ongoing treatment sessions spaced approximately every 12 weeks.

Xeomin® & Vyepti® Therapy

In addition to Botox®, we also offer Xeomin® and Vyepti® as advanced treatment options for select patients.

• Xeomin® is commonly used to treat cervical dystonia, muscle spasms, and neck-related pain conditions that may contribute to chronic headaches and migraines. While it functions similarly to Botox®, its use specifically for migraines is considered off-label.
• Vyepti® is an IV infusion therapy that targets CGRP, a protein involved in migraine development, helping reduce migraine frequency before headaches begin.

When to See a Specialist

You should consider evaluation by a pain management specialist if:

• You experience headaches 15 or more days per month
• Migraines interfere with work, sleep, or daily activities
• Over-the-counter medications are no longer effective
• You experience worsening headache symptoms
• Previous treatments have not provided adequate relief

Our team is committed to helping you find the most effective treatment approach based on your individual symptoms and goals.

If chronic headaches or migraines are affecting your quality of life, contact Alpenglow Pain & Wellness today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.