Headaches and Migraines: What Are the Differences?
Although located in the head, headaches and migraines belong to two distinct categories. Some headaches are classified as primary; these are pains not caused by another condition. For example, stress-related headaches and migraines are considered primary headaches.
Tension headaches, which are the most common, generally occur about once a month and can last from thirty minutes to several hours. Tension headaches usually affect both sides of the head. The analogy patients most often use to describe them is that of a clamp squeezing the head. Also, it is important to mention that tension headaches do not normally cause nausea or vomiting, and sometimes only result in sensitivity to light or sound.
Migraines, on the other hand, typically manifest on only one part of the head. They may also be accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to sounds or light. These headaches can also be chronic, occurring several days per month.
Then there are secondary headaches, which are caused by an underlying pathology. Among these, cervicogenic headaches—caused by problems in the neck area—are at the top of the list. Patients may identify pain at the base of their head, in their neck or trapezius muscles, and these often trigger the headache. Some diseases can also cause secondary headaches. This phenomenon occurs, for example, when a person suffers from sinusitis, a brain tumor, or an infection.
How Quickly Can a Headache Treated by a Chiropractor Heal?
Chiropractic care can reduce or eliminate recurrences of headaches and, of course, reduce the intensity of the resulting pain. With chiropractic care, headaches can disappear within a few days following treatment. This therapeutic approach can be very promising for people seeking a lasting and natural solution to their headaches.
What Are the Symptoms of a Headache or Migraine?
Beyond the pain, the symptoms of a headache vary depending on their nature. Tension headaches can last from thirty minutes to seven days. They are located on one side or both sides of the head, and their intensity can vary. Everyday physical exertion does not worsen them, and these headaches cause neither vomiting nor nausea. However, photophobia (increased sensitivity to light) or phonophobia (increased sensitivity to sound) may be experienced.
In the case of migraines, it is their unilateral nature that distinguishes them from other types of headaches. There are migraines without aura (a neurological symptom affecting vision, for example), which can last from 4 to 72 hours with mild to severe intensity. They are often located at the front of the forehead and on one side of the head, but rarely at the back. Migraines can be worsened by physical effort and may cause either nausea or vomiting, or photophobia or phonophobia. A pulsating sensation is often present in these cases as well.
Migraines with aura exhibit the same symptoms but can also be accompanied by one or more symptoms affecting the senses, speech, movements, or balance. Auras often appear before the headache and can last from 5 to 60 minutes (on average about thirty minutes) before the pain takes over.
What Causes Headaches?
Several factors can cause headaches. For tension headaches, stress and lack of sleep can be possible origins. When non-traumatic, these headaches may be related to a mechanical disorder involving muscles, bones, joints, or other structures of the neck, face, and jaw. However, cervicogenic headaches can also be traumatic in nature, for example when a person suffers whiplash in a car accident. In some cases, regular use or withdrawal of substances such as medications, caffeine, or tobacco, as well as dehydration, can also promote the onset of pain. Nevertheless, although unpleasant, these headaches do not worsen when the patient carries on with daily activities.
The exact origin of migraines is still not well identified. The scientific community suspects it may be a vascular or neurological problem, or a sensitization of nerve pathways that signal pain. No hypothesis has yet been confirmed.
When severe, migraines can be disabling for the patient, as they may experience increased pain when exposed to visual or auditory stimuli. It has also been observed that a drop in estrogen levels can trigger a migraine, such as at the beginning of or during the menstrual cycle. This hormone predominates in women, which may explain why they are more often affected by migraines than men.
Who Is More at Risk of Being Affected by This Condition?
People with muscle tension, those suffering from neurological problems, and women are more likely to be affected by headaches.
How Are Headaches and Migraines Diagnosed by the Chiropractor?
To make a diagnosis, the chiropractor must review the patient’s medical history and treatments. He analyzes the duration of the pain, its recurrence, location, and triggers. He also relies on the intensity of the pain described by the patient and any side effects the headaches may cause. A physical examination is conducted to check whether an underlying cause might be responsible for the patient’s pain. Based on the information gathered, the chiropractor can then identify the type of headache. In some cases, if a disease is suspected to be the cause of the pain, he may request medical imaging tests or refer the patient to a physician for blood tests. Once results are obtained, a personalized treatment plan can be prescribed.
What Treatments Can Chiropractors Offer for Headaches?
The chiropractor can perform manipulations and manual therapy, actions that relieve the patient’s muscle tension and reduce pain. This may involve the patient’s shoulders, back, head, and neck. It may be necessary to repeat the treatment several times over the weeks following the onset of pain to achieve the expected relief. It is important to note that even though the treatment may eliminate the pain, in most cases it significantly improves the patient’s overall well-being. Like the treatment for headaches, migraine treatment spans several weeks with follow-up until satisfactory improvement is achieved. Additionally, the chiropractor can provide complementary laser therapies and advice to help the patient adopt healthy habits and prevent recurrences. These frequently most effective habits include relaxation techniques, stretching, and attention to a balanced diet.
Treatment of Pain in Chiropractic Clinics
The chiropractor offers care combining muscle therapy and joint manipulations. This healthcare professional can effectively relieve pain regardless of its location, from jaw pain to carpal tunnel syndrome. To benefit from these treatments as well as personalized advice, contact the ChiroRéseau chiropractic clinic nearest you.