Headaches vs Migraines: Understanding the Difference by Chlöe Phelps, MChiro

Most people experience a headache from time to time. It may be a dull ache after a long day, pressure around the forehead during a cold, or a throbbing pain that makes it difficult to concentrate. But not every headache is the same. Migraines, in particular, are a distinct neurological condition that can cause much more than head pain.

Understanding the difference between a general headache and a migraine can help you recognise your symptoms and know when it may be appropriate to seek medical attention.

What Are the Main Types of Headaches and Their Causes?

There are several types of headaches, here are the main 3…

Tension Headaches: Tension headaches are the most common and often feel like a constant pressure or tightness around the head. Common triggers include stress, tiredness, dehydration, skipping meals, too much alcohol, poor posture and spending long periods looking at a screen.

Cervicogenic Headaches: Cervicogenic headaches often present similarly to tension headaches but are usually accompanied by a mechanical issue or injury in the neck that radiates pain into the head. Some caused may include an injury to the neck, osteoarthritis and poor posture.

Cluster Headaches: Cluster headaches are less common but can cause severe pain around one eye. The cause of these headaches is less known than tension headaches, but it is believed to be linked the Trigeminal nerve, which is mostly responsible for facial sensation. Common triggers are believed to be smoking, alcohol, bright lights, strong smells. A cluster headache attack typically lasts anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours. The duration is one feature that can help distinguish cluster headache from migraine, although diagnosis depends on the full pattern of symptoms.

What Is a Migraine?

A migraine is more than simply a bad headache. It is a neurological condition that can cause intense, often throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. A migraine attack can last for 4 hours to several days and may significantly affect everyday activities.

The exact cause of migraines isn’t fully understood, but genetics and changes in brain activity are thought to play a role. Certain triggers can bring on an attack, including stress, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, certain foods, bright lights, strong smells and changes in routine.

Headache Symptoms

Typical headache symptoms can include:

* A dull, aching or pressing sensation around the forehead, temples or back of the head
* Tightness or pressure around the head
* Mild to moderate discomfort
* Pain that may improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relief

Migraine Symptoms

Migraines can cause more intense and distinctive symptoms, including:

* Moderate to severe, often throbbing head pain
* Pain that may worsen with movement
* Nausea or vomiting
* Increased sensitivity to light and sound
* Sensitivity to smells
* Visual disturbances

Some people experience an aura before or during a migraine. This can involve flashing lights, zig-zag patterns, blind spots, tingling or difficulty speaking. Not everyone with migraines experiences an aura.

So, What’s the Difference?

The main difference is that a typical headache is generally a symptom, whereas migraine is a neurological condition. Headaches are often milder and may not interfere significantly with daily activities. Migraines tend to be more severe and can come with additional symptoms such as nausea and sensitivity to light or sound.

However, everyone’s experience is different. Understanding your symptoms is the first step towards managing them effectively and finding the right support.

How Can We Help?

At The Ashfield Practice, our registered chiropractors and osteopaths provide individual assessment and support for neck-related headaches and migraine prevention in Corsham, Chippenham and the surrounding Wiltshire area. Following an individual assessment, we may be able to help with headaches arising from the neck, known as cervicogenic headaches, and with migraine prevention. Care may include manual therapy, soft-tissue techniques, advice and tailored exercises, depending on your individual presentation. Outcomes vary, and any new, sudden, severe or changing headache should be medically assessed.