Headache pain is one of the leading reasons for seeking medical treatment. Paradoxically, it is often a problem which can best be treated by non-medical means. Health Psychology and Medicine offers an interdisciplinary program for the diagnosis and treatment of headache disorders. The Center provides a comfortable and confidential setting to help individuals overcome chronic headache pain - a sometimes disabling affliction.

A wide range of treatments is available. Each is intended to assist the headache patient in achieving better pain management while reducing dependency on drugs. Non-medical approaches include biofeedback training, stress management, physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture and better nutrition. In addition, patients are also helped to identify and learn to modify sources of tension in their personal and/or professional life. A team of highly experienced therapists tailors the program to the specific needs of each patient.

Headache control without the use of drugs is a major objective of the program. If medication is necessary, then the goal is the smallest effective dosage. In either case, the Center's staff works in cooperation with the patient's personal physician. If you do not have a personal physician, we might ask a medical consultant to see you if your evaluation requires it. When appropriate, dental experts are consulted who are experienced in the diagnoses and treatment of certain forms of chronic headache pain such as that related to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ).

You may be a candidate for the headache program if you are:

• Having headaches daily or almost daily.
• Relying upon medication to carry on your activities.
• Experiencing disruptions in you personal and/or professional life due to pain.
• Having symptoms such as:

  Dizziness	Blurred Vision	Confusion	Panic
  Nausea And Vomiting	Ringing In The Ears	Tooth Or Jaw Pain	Disrupted Sleep
  Neck Or Shoulder Pain	Facial Pain	Feelings Of Anxiety

• Experiencing headaches which suddenly change in frequency or severity.
• Experiencing the sudden onset of headache pain.

Services For Young People

It has often been observed that young people are able to learn to manage headaches especially well. The staff is particularly pleased to be of assistance to children and adolescents because as they are learning to manage headache pain, they are also learning ways to promote better health and improved functioning in other areas of their life. This fits well with the staff's philosophy of preventive health care.

Getting Started

A phone call to our office is all that is needed to get you going. An appointment will be made for you to see one of our counselors who will attend to your needs regarding our program. This may include contacting your personal physician with whom we will want to work closely.

Most insurance companies will approve our program for coverage. We will be pleased to assist you in preparing your claim. For further information, please call our office at (269) 375-0624.