The first step in treatment is getting an accurate and timely diagnosis. Given that there are so many contributors to cephalalgia—major, minor, and micro spine traumas, environmental stressors, underlying illnesses, even medications given for other health problems—headache specialists have to rule out as many root causes as possible. This takes time, trial, and error, and prescription medication serves as a stopgap in the meantime. Medications may include over-the-counter pain medications, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and other compounds that modify the neurological system. And as with any medication, side effects may complicate wellness.

In reality, there is no such thing as a "side effect". You choose a medication for its ability to address one symptom, keeping in mind that its other benefits or drawbacks can create or complicate others.

Most headache sufferers, once they've ruled out the "big, scary" diseases associated with headaches (stroke, cancer, or aneurysm) continue to live with chronic cephalalgia as a fact of life. Yes, headaches and migraines are relatively common—we all know people who can commiserate—but we don't have to give up and "just deal with them", as contemporary western medicine indicates.

If you're suffering chronic migraines, headaches, or trigeminal neuralgia, a visit to a neck and headache specialist can fast-track you to a pain-free, more productive life.