MIGRAINES VS TENSION HEADACHES
Do you struggle with migraines or tension headaches in Franklin TN, Columbia TN, or Pulaski TN? To fully understand the best solution to your headaches, it is important to have knowledge of the most common types of headaches and what causes them.
A Migraine Vs. A Tension Headache
Almost everyone knows someone who has suffered from a headache before and many of us know people who have spent their whole life fighting them. Migraine and tension headaches are the two most frequent types of headaches that people suffer from and unfortunately the most common cause of them is often overlooked.
Common Symptoms of Tension Headaches
Since tension headaches have been found to affect more than 75% of all people who experience headaches, it is important to understand how to recognize them. While many types of headaches often cause pain throughout the entire head, tension headaches have been described as causing a distinct band like sensation around the skull. Typically, the discomfort involved with tension headaches is characterized as a dull and achy feeling that usually comes on over a short period of time. Some people will experience these headaches for as little as a half hour while others unfortunately can experience them for up to a month. The main symptom of this type of headache is pain and other symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, and nausea are not typically experienced.
While tension headaches have been related to stress, many studies have shown that misalignments of the spine, especially in the mid-back and neck to be the primary causative factors. Misalignments, known as subluxations in chiropractic, often cause unfamiliar stress to the local musculature causing them to go into spasm. Local muscle spasms can cause the nerves of the neck to send abnormal messages to the brain often resulting in headaches. Logically, through the correction of spinal misalignments, our doctors at N8 Health Centers can provide a viable conservative solution for obtaining relief from tension headaches.
The Difference Between Migraines and Tension Headaches
Migraine headaches are very different from tension headaches and one of the best ways to identify them is by their symptoms. Unlike tension headaches, migraine headaches often cause a throbbing sensation that is primarily located behind the eyes and are commonly associated with nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. One of the most distinct symptoms of migraine headaches is a bright flashing of light with accompanying jagged lights that is often referred to as an "aura". The symptoms often occur immediately preceding the onset of a headache and may indicate that urgent treatment is required.
As was discussed with tension headaches, migraine headaches are often caused by misalignments of the spine, most commonly in the neck. While a thorough evaluation and testing is required to determine the exact cause of migraine headaches, numerous studies have demonstrated the effect of abnormalities in the neck on the development of headaches. An equally large amount of studies have shown the positive effect of proper chiropractic care for the resolution of headaches. These studies and correlations have provided the rationale for seeking chiropractic care as a non-invasive solution to your headache problems.
If you are suffering from headaches or know someone who is, contact N8 Health Centers in Franklin TN, Columbia TN, or Pulaski TN for an evaluation and to see how chiropractic can help.
