Migraines vs. Headaches

Migraines and headaches can both be unbearable, but to treat either condition it helps to know what you’re dealing with. If you’re experiencing head pain but aren’t sure whether you have a headache or migraine, learn more here about how they’re different. 

At AllCare Chiropractic, we know how debilitating headaches and especially migraines can be. Our team offers natural treatments for headaches and migraines, including chiropractic adjustments, nutritional counseling, and physical therapy. 

If head pain is keeping you from living your life, give us a call for natural solutions.

Migraines vs. headaches: What’s the difference?

Common headaches are mild to moderate aches and pains in your head. You may feel pressure or stabbing or throbbing pain in or around the face, temples, forehead, neck, or base of your skull. Headaches are typically brief, not lasting more than a few hours.

Contrary to popular belief, migraines are much more than just a headache. In addition to moderate to severe pulsating pain behind one eye, or debilitating pain on one side of your face or head, migraines may bring additional symptoms like:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Hot flashes or chills
• Sensitivity to light, sound, and smell
• Tingling or numbness in your hands, face, or jaw
• Food aversions
• Vertigo
• Blurry vision

Migraines have no official cause, but it’s believed that chemical, vascular (blood vessels), and nerve changes send abnormal pain signals to the brain.

Migraines can start in your sleep and most often come with warning signs, such as mood changes, food cravings, and visual disturbances, like auras. Migraines can last up to a few days in the worst cases.

Migraine, headache triggers

Although migraines and headaches are different, they have a lengthy list of potential triggers, including:

• Sinus congestion or infection
• Colds or flu
• Low blood sugar
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Weather changes
• Jaw clenching or teeth grinding
• Nerve damage
• Caffeine
• High blood pressure
• Allergies
• Diet
• Stress
• Dehydration
• Genetics
• Poor sleep habits

Keeping a journal and noting the circumstances when your headache or migraine strikes could help identify possible triggers as well as track the frequency and severity of your episodes. This information could prove useful as part of formulating a treatment plan.

Treating headaches and migraines

At AllCare Chiropractic, treatment for your headaches or migraines depends on the cause, but your plan is likely to involve some combination of these all-natural methods:

• Physical therapy
• Chiropractic care
• Electrical muscle stimulation
• Patient education
• Massage therapy
• Dietary changes
• Better sleep habits
• Trigger avoidance
• Stress relief
• Regular exercise

If you’d like to reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines or headaches, give us a call at one of our convenient locations or use the online scheduling tool on our website.