We’ve all had them, those headaches that disrupt your day and leave you searching for relief. From the dull ache of tension headaches to the sharp, pulsing pain of migraines, headaches can appear for many reasons. The challenge is figuring out exactly what’s causing yours so you can treat it effectively.

At her welcoming practice in Carrollton, GA, Dr. Tejal A. Kakade helps patients from Carrollton, Villa Rica, and nearby communities identify and manage headache causes linked to jaw tension, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), and other dental or muscular issues. By uncovering the root source, she helps patients find lasting relief instead of just temporary fixes.

Common Types of Primary Headaches

Primary headaches are not caused by another medical condition and are among the most common forms of head pain. These include:

Migraines

• Exact cause is still unclear, but genetics and hormonal fluctuations often play a role.
• Three times more common in women than men.
• Possible triggers: stress, hunger, fatigue, bright lights, and certain foods or drinks.
• Triggers vary widely between individuals.

Tension-Type Headaches

• Most common headache type, affecting 30%–70% of people.
• Often caused by muscle tension in the head, neck, or shoulders from:
  • Stress or anxiety
  • Prolonged poor posture
  • Jaw clenching or teeth grinding
• Other triggers: alcohol, caffeine, or fatigue.

Recognizing your personal triggers can help prevent or manage episodes early.

Cluster Headaches

• Sudden, severe headaches often linked to the release of histamine or serotonin.
• Possible triggers: alcohol, smoking, high altitudes, heat, strenuous activity, or bright light.
• May also involve an abnormality in the hypothalamus, explaining why they often occur at the same time each day.

Many people misdiagnose their headaches, treating cluster headaches as migraines or vice versa. This is why professional evaluation is so important, getting the correct diagnosis leads to better, faster relief.

Who’s at Higher Risk for Headaches?

Certain health and lifestyle factors increase the likelihood of headaches, including:

• Being female (migraines are three times more common in women)
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle or, conversely, excessive high-intensity exercise
• Heavy alcohol use
• High stress levels

While some headaches are temporary, recurring or severe pain should be evaluated by a professional. In many cases, headaches can be linked to jaw disorders, muscle tension, or bite alignment problems, areas where Dr. Kakade has extensive expertise. Through a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan, she helps patients reduce symptoms and prevent future episodes.

If you’re struggling with frequent headaches, contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you find long-term relief.