Written By Anita Ginsburg / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Migraines are more than headaches. They can involve sensitivity to light, sound, and other stimuli. When symptoms don't respond to over-the-counter pain relievers or happen several times a week, it's time for professional treatment. Here are four types of medical professionals who can help you deal with migraines.

Primary Care Doctor

Your insurance company may require that you turn to your primary care doctor first for any medical complaint. Headaches are among the most common reasons people visit their doctors, and your general practitioner may be able to help you with prescription medication and behavior modification to prevent migraine attacks as well as advice on how to manage symptoms when they happen.

Just keep in mind that migraine medication is rarely 100 percent effective. Your primary physician may also send you to another medical professional

Chiropractor

Many chiropractors offer migraine therapy that is perhaps more effective than medication and can relieve your symptoms without side effects. Chiropractors can diagnose the cause of your headaches and related symptoms and determine if their migraine therapy is right for you.

Migraines are often confused with tension headaches or head pain caused by problems with your neck. Manual chiropractic therapy can decrease the frequency and intensity of symptoms, whatever the cause.

Dentist

Perhaps surprisingly, your dentist may be the key to eliminating your head pain, especially if it's accompanied by jaw problems and teeth clenching. You could have a condition called temporomandibular joint dysfunction, which may also involve clicking or popping of the jaw, problems chewing and more.

Treatment for this condition, which is closely linked to migraines and causes similar symptoms, involves medication, physical therapy, and possibly a bite guard to reduce uneven tightening of the jaw muscles.

Neurologist

Your primary care doctor may refer you to a neurologist, a specialist of the nerves and nervous system. Some neurologists even further specialize in only migraines and related head pain.

Neurologists may also specialize in other conditions like multiple sclerosis or epilepsy, for example, so it's important to make sure you're seeing the right type of specialist. Expect extensive testing to determine the cause of your head pain if you've reached the point of visiting a neurologist.

Migraines can be difficult to diagnose and even harder to treat. It's important not to give up if the first medical professional you see can't offer an effective treatment.

There are many causes of migraines and many ways to treat them, but when you seek treatment, take any prescribed medications, do your therapy, and follow your recommendations, you can often say goodbye to migraines and experience the pain-free life you deserve.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:

Anita Ginsburg is a freelance writer from Denver, Colo. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn't writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.