Migraine vs. Headache: Quick Facts You Must Know

Are you suffering from a headache? Or is it a migraine attack after all? Many people mistake migraines for headaches and vice versa. Sadly, this has resulted in poor management of the symptoms. If you can't differentiate between the two, our list of quick facts might be handy in searching for lasting Cooper City migraine relief. Let's help you get acquainted with the two with the help of our discussion below.

Migraine and Headache Symptoms

To know which one you have, it is helpful to learn the symptoms of these two head-hurting conditions to compare them with your experience and direct yourself to the right doctor and solution. 

Migraine symptoms include:

• Throbbing head pain on one side of your head that lasts from four hours to three days
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
• Sensitivity to touch (tingling sensation)
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Changes in vision such as blurred vision, or blindness spots
• Increased difficulty speaking/problems swallowing food/drinking fluids

Headache symptoms usually include:

• Pain in the head or face (around the eye and sinus area)
• Crankiness
• Tightness and pressure around the forehead

Similarities of Migraines and Headaches

Both migraines and headaches involve pain in one or more head and neck regions. They have varying accompanying symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound.

Another similarity these two conditions have is that they are more common in women than men. They affect people aged 20-50, and those with a family history of migraines or headaches can be at increased risk of developing these conditions as they age.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines and other headaches, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Differences between Migraines and Headaches

Although both are under the headache category, they differ in many ways. Here are some quick facts to help shed light on the distinctions between the two. 

#1. Migraines are more common and severe than headaches

Migraine attacks are far more complex than typical headaches. That's because it often comes hand in hand with other health problems like irritable bowel syndrome and weird food cravings. The pain experienced by patients with migraine attacks is also worse than those with headaches. Notably, a migraine episode tends to last longer thanks to its four distinct phases. 

#2. Migraines and headaches manifest differently

Migraine symptoms develop gradually and often include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, visual disturbances such as flashing lights or some blind spots in one eye only, along with other sensory changes like numbness or tingling around their body, including their lips/tongue accompanied by throbbing pain behind their eyes that makes them feel nauseous again. 

These experiences are the so-called "aura" that gives migraineurs the indication of an incoming migraine attack. Headaches, however, strike out of nowhere, depending on their causes. 

#3. Headaches will go away with rest, while migraines typically won't

If you're looking for a headache remedy, it's essential to know that headaches can result from stress. So if you're experiencing severe stress, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which cause your heart rate and blood pressure to increase. This can lead to a feeling of pain in your head and neck area.

However, if your headache is not related to stress or anxiety, then there isn't much you can do about it aside from resting until it subsides on its own accord. However, in some cases, people who think they have chronic headaches may be under immense stress and anxiety.

Effective Cooper City Migraine Relief Forms

There are many methods to manage headaches. And luckily, several effective options are natural and holistic. Some examples of your options for Cooper City migraine relief include the following: 

• Massage therapy
• Acupuncture
• Acupressure
• Nutritional supplementation (for example, magnesium supplementation)
• Yoga and mindfulness breathing
• Regular exercise
• Upper cervical chiropractic care

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for Migraine Relief

Of all these favorite sources of Cooper City migraine relief, upper cervical chiropractic is one of the most popular options. That is because upper cervical chiropractic is non-invasive and natural. It also helps restore the body's overall health and wellness with the help of tailored-fit chiropractic adjustments. 

The process involves sophisticated diagnostic techniques to detect the exact location and angle of cervical bone shifting. This ensures that patients can effectively alleviate the pressure on their brainstem – a vital component of the nervous system widely associated with the onset of severe migraines.

Explore Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Today!

The upper cervical spine is the area of your neck where you the C1 and C2 vertebral bones. Upper cervical chiropractors focus on this area to provide patients with significant Cooper City migraine relief.  

Pain may also stem from pressure on other areas like compressed blood vessels or spaces within the skull. When these trigger points get activated during an episode of a headache or migraine, they send impulses down the spinal cord and the head and neck muscles. This sets off a chain of reactions that can result in severe headaches and migraines.

With the help of carefully planned upper cervical chiropractic adjustments, you can address the posture problem you have and reduce the intensity and frequency of your migraine and headaches.  

If you are keen on breaking free from such head pains, visit Thrive Spinal Care and let Dr. Granger and Dr. Maxson help you manage your pain and get back to the things you love! You may book your appointment with us via phone at 954-866-9178 or through our online consultation form. We are open for walk-ins, and appointment visits Mondays through Fridays from 8 am to 6 pm.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Granger, call our Cooper City office at 954-866-9178. You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.