Headaches vs Migraines: What’s the Difference?

July 13, 2026

Headaches and migraines have similar symptoms, but are different conditions. Some types of headaches include tension, cluster, and sinus headaches. Migraines can cause symptoms such as pain, nausea, dizziness, and auras. They last longer and are more intense than regular headaches.

Most people have headaches once in a while, but they become a problem when the headaches become chronic or when they worsen into migraines. Understanding the difference between headaches and migraines and what causes them can help you treat and prevent them. Chiropractors can help treat chronic headaches and migraines.

Headaches

There are different types of headaches, since it basically just means that your head is hurting. Some common types include:

Tension Headaches

These usually are an aching pain that feels like a tight ring of pressure around your head. It can stretch across your forehead and on the back of your head. These headaches are common and are usually caused by stress, dehydration, anxiety, injury, and muscle tension.

Cluster Headaches

These headaches are rarer and are extremely painful. The pain is usually on one side of the head. Cluster headaches may cause the eyes to tear up, the nose to run, sweating, and swelling around the eye. Certain factors can trigger cluster headaches.

Sinus Headaches

These feel like throbbing pressure in the forehead and behind the eyes. The pain may worsen if you bend over. Sinus headaches are usually caused by illness or allergies, and are accompanied by congestion and a runny nose. A sinus headache can become a migraine.

Concussion Headaches

Pain and pressure from suffering a brain injury, such as a concussion. Concussion headaches can cause other symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, mood swings, and concentration issues.

What are migraines?

Migraines aren’t just bad headaches- they’re a neurological condition that can cause terrible symptoms. Migraines are often downplayed or misunderstood. They can be disabling and negatively impact your life in a big way.

Migraine Symptoms

Aura

Migraines can cause visual disturbances before the attack starts. These can look like blurry vision, flashing lights, or other issues. Auras are a warning sign that a migraine is likely to occur soon.

Duration

Migraine susually last longer than a typical headache. They can lastseveral hours to several days.

Sensitivity

Migraines often cause sensitivity to light, sound, and smell. Being exposed to triggers can worsen a migraine and be painful to the individual.

Intensity

Most often, migraines are more intense than headaches. The pain is usually more severe and described as throbbing and pulsating. Migraine pain can be so bad that a person is incapacitated by it. Chronic migraines are one of the top causes of disability in America.

Nausea

Because migraines are a neurological condition, and the brain and gut are highly connected, migraines can cause nausea and vomiting. Migraines can also cause vertigo and dizziness that leads to nausea.

Migraines can be triggered by stress, weather changes, eating certain foods, exhaustion, bright lights, and hormonal changes. In many cases, there isn’t much you can do to prevent migraines aside from taking care of yourself and avoiding triggers if possible.

When should I seek help for my headaches or migraines?

You have more than three headache or migraine days a week.
Over-the-counter pain medication isn’t as effective anymore.
The pain is impacting your ability to do daily activities like work, drive, take care of your home and children, sleep, and have a social life.
Your migraines are causing neurological symptoms such as numbness/tingling, gut issues, vision problems, and other issues.

Chiropractic treatment can be an effective way of managing headaches and migraines. Your chiropractor will determine if there could be a structural cause to your head pain, such as a neck or back injury from a car accident. Once they find the source of your headaches or migraines, your chiropractor can make a treatment plan that addresses your needs. Treatments that your chiropractor may prescribe for your headaches or migraines include spinal adjustments, massage therapy, dietary changes, sleep changes, and more.

Discover Life Chiropractic aims to help our patients live their best lives. This means helping people with headaches or migraines find much-needed relief. Many of our patients have fewer headache or migraine days after receiving treatment. We offer a non-invasive solution to a difficult problem.

We understand how hard it is to live with chronic pain, but you don’t have to go through it without help.

Reach out to Discover Life Chiropractic to schedule an appointment so that we can put together a treatment plan for you.

FAQ's:

1. How can I tell if my headache is actually a migraine?

Signs that your headache is serious enough to be a migraine include severe, long-lasting pain. Migraines also cause symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light, vision problems, and more.

2. Can a headache turn into a migraine?

Yes, it’s possible for certain types of headaches to become migraines, such as stress and tension headaches. It’s important that you address symptoms early to prevent the headache from worsening.

3. Is a propensity to develop migraines genetic?

Yes, some people are more likely to get migraines because of their genetics. If a close relative suffers from migraines, then you are at risk.

4. Should I go to the emergency room if I have a migraine?

For most migraines, it’s best to rest at home in a quiet, dark room. However, if you experience neurological symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or difficulty speaking, you should seek emergency care.

5. Can chiropractic treatment help with headaches and migraines?

Yes, chiropractic care can be helpful in managing both chronic headaches and migraines. It can make them less painful and shorter-lasting.

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