Understand the difference between migraine headaches and tension headaches
The ever-present throbbing pain in the head makes it difficult to understand whether the pain you are experiencing is a tension headache or a migraine. However, you must recognize which category the headache falls into in order to receive proper treatment and relieve symptoms. Knowing the type of headache will also allow you to find ways to avoid or minimize it.
Tension headaches
About 90% of headaches fall into this category. These symptoms usually do not occur often, and when they do, they disappear after a few hours. However, in some people, symptoms can appear frequently and persist throughout the day.
Migraines
Migraines are not as common as tension headaches, but their symptoms and effects are more draining. Symptoms can last from 4 to 48 hours and vary greatly in intensity, duration, and even exact symptoms.
Symptoms
In tension headaches, the symptoms are not serious, but they are persistent. You feel pain on both sides of your head. However, this pain will not be throbbing like the one experienced by migraines. Rather, it will feel like a tight pressure on your head. Your neck, muscles, and shoulders may feel tight or stiff, and you may experience pain in your temples.
In migraines, you may feel nauseous, while one side of your head may experience moderate to severe throbbing pain. You can be sensitive to light and sound, there is a temporary loss of vision while your face, eyes, temples, jaw or neck burn. If you do physical activity, the pain worsens. Sometimes you can also see dots, curly lines, and flashing lights before your eyes.
The reasons for the symptoms
In tension headaches, exhaustion, tiredness, worry and stress can be the main reasons. All these factors cause the muscles of the neck, scalp and jaw to tense; and this tightness eventually turns to pain.
Migraines are generally genetic in nature. Researchers don’t know the exact cause. However, the environment also plays a role. Bright lights, loud noises, or even fluctuating hormones can trigger symptoms.
Recommended treatment
For the treatment of frequent tension headaches, you should visit your doctor. Depending on the cause, you may need to take prescription antidepressants. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen can help relieve symptoms, but are not recommended for long-term use due to possible adverse effects. Self-relaxation techniques, chiropractic care, and acupuncture provide symptomatic relief and are gentler and safer alternatives.
The best way to minimize your migraines is to identify your triggers and try to avoid them. Understand your eating and sleeping habits. You can also visit a chiropractor to reduce the frequency and intensity of your migraines.
