Skip to main content

How Neuromodulation Can Alleviate Your Headaches

How Neuromodulation Can Alleviate Your Headaches

Although headaches are often grouped into one category, the reality is that there are many types of headaches: tension headaches, sinus headaches, cluster headaches, and migraines. Regardless of which type of headaches you have, the reality is that headaches — especially chronic ones — can be debilitating. 

Our team of neurology specialists understands the complexities of headaches and how profoundly they can impact your quality of life. That’s why we offer a variety of headache treatments, including Botox® injections, peripheral nerve stimulation, and nerve blocks.

Below, we zero in on one type of headache treatment, neuromodulation, and how it can help alleviate headaches.

What is neuromodulation and how does it work?

Neuromodulation devices are medication devices that interact directly with your nerves. These devices are typically used to help manage chronic pain, and that includes chronic headaches.

Neuromodulation doesn’t refer to just one procedure or device. There are many different types of stimulation that fall under this category. The International Neuromodulation Society recognizes the following types of neuromodulation:

Depending on the type of type device and the specific neuromodulation treatment you receive, mild electrical impulses affect (i.e., modulate) the specific nerves connected to your headaches. In other words, the treatments alter your nerves to prevent them from sending pain messages to your brain. Neuromodulation doesn’t cure any underlying medication condition, but it does improve your quality of life by interrupting your nerve’s ability to send pain signals to your brain.

Cervical spinal cord stimulation and headache relief

While the fine details of different types of neuromodulation vary, let’s explore how cervical spinal cord stimulation works. When you initially get started with cervical spinal cord stimulation, we first have to implant electrodes in your body to help modulate your nerves. After the electrodes are placed, you also need a small implantable generator. This device, which can be operated wirelessly, creates and controls the mild electrical impulses that target your nerves. 

Together, the generator and the electrodes work to provide you with long-term relief. 

Benefits of neuromodulation for headache relief

For those with chronic headaches or migraines, neuromodulation can be a beacon of hope. In addition to pain relief, there are many reasons to consider neuromodulation, including:

Neuromodulation, including cervical spinal cord stimulation, is performed as a minimally invasive procedure. Should you require it, the procedure is completely reversible. 

Is neuromodulation right for you?

If you’ve tried other headache treatments, including medication, Botox injections, dietary changes, or stress management techniques, but still struggle with chronic headaches, you might consider neuromodulation. Before you commit to neuromodulation, you can undergo a trial neuromodulation to make sure cervical spinal cord stimulation is right for you. If it’s not, we can explore other treatment options. If it is right for you, our team implants your electrodes and generators so you can continue to experience lasting relief.

To find out if neuromodulation is right for you, give us a call and schedule your appointment today. You can also use our online booking tool.

You Might Also Enjoy...

When to Worry About Chronic Headaches

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as a headache except for chronic headaches. In this blog, we cover warning signs of dangerous headaches and signs that you don’t need to worry about your headaches. Read on to learn more.

How to Support a Loved One With Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that can profoundly impact your quality of life. If your loved one has this disorder, you may wonder how you can best support them. Read on to learn the best tips for caring for someone with Parkinson’s.

Will My Seizures Ever Go Away?

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with seizures or had them for years, you might wonder if they’ll ever go away. The answer depends. Read on as we explore the underlying causes of seizures and what you can do to reduce their frequency.

Eat This, Not That: Brain Health Edition

What you eat affects your mental and physical health; your brain is no exception. Read on to explore what you should and shouldn’t eat when it comes to your brain health.

Do These Things Now If You Want a Healthy Brain Later

Your brain is arguably your most complex organ. It’s responsible for your movements, thoughts, and countless automatic processes. Here, we share actionable steps you can take to support healthy brain function both now and for years to come.