The Difference Between Migraines and Other Headache Types

Migraines and headaches are quite commonplace. Approximately 45 million people live with chronic headaches, 28 million of these having migraines. In fact,  46% of people around the globe have some type of a headache at any given time. Is one headache the same as the other? What is the difference between  a migraine and other headache types?

Some quite common headaches are sinus and tension headaches. Let’s see what makes them different from migraines.

• Migraines:

  • Throbbing pain usually located on one side of the head

  • Nausea and vomiting are often present

  • Sensitivity to light, sound, and some smells occurs

  • An aura (or visual disturbances) often happen before a migraine

• Tension or sinus headaches:

  • Much less intense than migraines

  • One is usually able to perform daily activities

  • No sensitivity to light, sound, or odor; no aura; no nausea and vomiting

  • Mild annoyances that don’t usually last very long

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and headaches download our free e-book Natural and Drug-Free Ways to End Your Migraines by clicking the image below.

Why Migraines and Headaches Happen

To the medical community, headaches and migraines remain a mystery. One thing revealed through research, however, is that a misalignment in either the C1 or C2 vertebra can be the underlying cause of migraines. This type of misalignment creates stress for the brainstem, part of the central nervous system. If the brainstem is not functioning properly, all sorts of problems can happen in the body, including headaches and migraines.

Here at N8 Upper Cervical, we use a specialized method to help us determine where the misalignment is located. This is often done through special x-rays and closely measuring and examining the neck. Once the misalignment is found, we use a method to gently encourage the bones back into their original position without cracking the spine. With the spine back in proper alignment, the brainstem can begin sending the proper signals once again. This may be all that is needed to see an improvement or elimination of both headaches and migraines. 

About the Author

Dr. Miguel Flores, D.C

N8 Upper Cervical Chiropractic

When I discovered Chiropractic. My father took me to see a chiropractor, the first in the Philippines at the time. He examined me, found the cause of the problem and gave me my first adjustment- one that would set me towards a path of true health and well being.