Headaches vs. Migraines
Many people interchange the words migraine and headache, thinking that they may be the same thing; however this is not true. In fact, there is a significant difference between a headache and a migraine. Despite their differences, both headaches and migraines can impact an individual’s life pretty drastically. Some migraines can be so intense that they cause individuals to have severe nausea and little to no ability to go on with daily activities.
In this blog we are going to discuss all the differences between a headache and migraine. Plus we’ll provide ways that you can help prevent them.
What is the difference between a headache versus a migraine?
Headaches and migraines can sometimes be difficult to decipher between. However, one of the best ways to tell the two apart is the presence of nausea, light sensitivity, dizziness, and fatigue. These symptoms are present in a migraine, not a headache. Headaches can be a symptoms of migraines but migraines are usually accompanied with other symptoms.
What are some symptoms of headaches and migraines?
We mentioned above that the symptoms of migraines can be headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and light sensitivity. Headaches on the other hand tend to have pressure or pain located in the head. Another way to decipher between headaches and migraines is that some headaches aren’t localized to a particular place, rather a person feels pain “everywhere.” In contrast, migraines are found to be painful in specific locations on the head.
What causes headaches and migraines?
There are many different things that can cause migraines and headaches from happening. However some of the most common causes may be: trauma, stress, hormones, sleep changes, medications, bright light, loud noises, and more. If you suffer from chronic headaches or migraines, it is important for you to personally identify what triggers your episodes. Found out the cause of them because with this information, you can begin to take the necessary precautions to help prevent them from coming back.
How may I prevent headaches and migraines?
- Avoid prolonged screen time: Spending too much time in front of the computer and even the phone can lead to headaches. Our eyes where not designed to handle continuous hours upon hours of screen light. However, if you are an individual who can not get away from the screen time, maybe due to a job, then try investing in blue light glasses. Wearing these glasses during screen time can help prevent the harsh light from straining your eyes and may even help reduce the risk of a headache starting.
- Get adequate rest: Our bodies need rest and when we do not get it, we can suffer some extreme consequences. Headaches and migraines are on of the first symptoms that can appear when an individual is not getting adequate rest. It is said that people need an average of 6-8 hours of sleep every night. If you are someone who suffers from headaches and migraines, asses your sleep schedule and see if you are getting the adequate amount of hours that you need.
- Reduce stress: Everyone has some form of stress in their lives, whether is is from work, school, or home life. However, it is most important to find ways to manage that stress and, if possible, reduce the stressors. Stress relief can be as simple as reading a chapter out of your favorite book each night. Whatever the case may be, find your form of stress relief, with our relying on drugs or alcohol.
- Avoid loud noise exposure: Listening to loud music, television, or even people can be a direct cause of a headache. If you are someone who does not do well in loud situations, try investing in ear plugs and wearing them around situations that can be triggering to your headaches or migraines.
- Chiropractic care: If you or someone you know suffers from chronic migraines or headaches and can’t seem to get them under control, chiropractic care may be the solution for you. In some cases, individuals can experience migraines or headaches due to spinal misalignment in the cervical portion of the spine. These misalignments can cause pressure on certain nerves, ultimately creating the discomfort and pain of a headache. When you visit your chiropractor and explain that you suffer from headaches or migraines, then you may be found to be candidate for spinal traction. Traction is a method that chiropractors use in order to realign the spine into the position that it is meant to be in. Therefore, if someone suffers from chronic headaches or migraines and their spine is misaligned, then realigning it may be the first step to pain management.
Visit your chiropractor or book your first appointment to communicate your headache or migraine concerns with your doctor. This is the first step to understanding the why behind your headaches and will help begin a custom treatment plan created for you.
