Migraine VS Headache – How To Tell Which One You Have

Got a migraine? A headache? Not sure which one? This sort of migraine vs headache confusion is common – especially when your head is pounding! That said, many people write off severe head pain as ‘just another headache’ and don’t realise that chiropractic care may help – especially when neck dysfunction or muscle tension plays a role.

In our guide from the friendly and caring team at Longueville Road Chiropractic Centre, we’ll explain:

  • The differences between migraine types and common headaches
  • Explore how chiropractors can assist
  • And finish with a handy migraine vs headache quiz so you can identify your own symptoms.

Remember, our chiropractors treat not just lower back pain but also cervicogenic headaches, tension headaches, migraine – and much more. We take a holistic approach, including adjustments, soft-tissue care, exercises and lifestyle strategies to help manage pain naturally and safely.

Let’s get started:

1. Understanding migraine vs headache symptoms

A migraine is a neurological condition often featuring moderate-to-severe pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head, lasting anywhere from 4 to 72 hours – often with nausea, light sensitivity or aura.

Headaches are a broader category – understanding a headache vs migraine means comparing milder tension headaches, cluster headaches or secondary headaches. Migraines also tend to worsen with routine activity and may disrupt daily functioning significantly.

About a quarter of migraine sufferers experience visual aura, such as:

  • Flashing lights
  • Zig-zag patterns
  • Blind spots.

These usually occur before the headache phase begins.

2. Tension headache vs migraine – What feels different?

A tension headache vs migraine is usually a constant, band-like heaviness around both sides of the head. It’s typically mild to moderate, doesn’t interfere dramatically with daily life, and lacks nausea or aura. Stress, poor posture or long screen use often trigger it.

In contrast, migraines are sharper, more disabling, and frequently accompanied by other symptoms.

3. Migraine vs cluster headache

Comparing cluster headache vs migraine symptoms is also important. Cluster headaches are intense, sudden stabs of pain around or behind one eye, lasting 15 minutes to 3 hours, often recurring multiple times a day in seasonal ‘cluster’ periods. Symptoms may include tearing, eye redness or nasal congestion.

Migraines are typically longer, with throbbing pain, and may not include autonomic symptoms.

4. Cervicogenic headache vs migraine

Understanding a cervicogenic headache vs migraine means knowing that the former arises from neck joints or tissues rather than brain activity. It causes referred pain to the head, often triggered by neck movement, poor posture or trauma. Patients usually feel stiffness or discomfort in the neck and shoulders.

Migraines, by contrast, don’t follow neck movement patterns and often have sensory symptoms like light sensitivity. Chiropractors often diagnose cervicogenic headache and use spinal manipulation and exercises that significantly reduce pain frequency and intensity.

Read more: https://www.lrcc.com.au/migraine-vs-headache/

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