Let’s get one thing straight: a migraine isn’t just a terrible headache. In other words, a headache is different from a migraine. We’re here to help you tell them apart from one another.
Migraines are a neurological disorder that can affect the brain over time. Unlike a common headache, migraines involve other symptoms, not just a headache. In fact, a headache may be absent in a migraine. We’ve listed below the list of symptoms that can help you figure out if your headaches are actually migraines. Keep in mind that they aren’t all-inclusive, and only doctors can diagnose migraines.
Many people self-medicate to ease their migraines, unknowing that it can do more harm than good. Some over-the-counter pain relievers can make migraines even worse if not used appropriately. At the end of this blog, we will introduce a natural care that can help you get relief from both migraines and headaches.
List of Migraine Symptoms to Know
Watch out for these neurological migraine patterns and symptoms that should clarify if your head pains are migraines.
Aura
Around 25% of people with migraines deal with aura 20-60 minutes before an extreme headache hits them. Aura comes in different forms like visual disturbances (seeing flashes of lights or zigzag lines, partial vision loss, blind spots, etc.) and sensory symptoms (tingling sensation in the face and arms, numbness, etc.)
Although aura is often the precursor to headache, it is not an indication that you will automatically have the head pain. Migraineurs who experience aura are more prone to depression and suicide.
Headaches
A headache falls into the category of a migraine if it meets at least two of these criteria:
- One-sided (unilateral) pain
- Moderate to severe pain
- Pulsing or throbbing headache
- Pain that aggravates with exertion
It is a common headache if it only meets 2 of these 4 requirements. When dealing with migraines, you can have an extreme headache that intensifies with exertion, but it can also be just chronic achiness that affects both sides of your head.
- Related: Understanding the Different Types of Headaches
Sensory sensitivities
Migraineurs frequently have sensory overload due to sensitivities. During an attack, they may find loud sounds, bright lights, and strong smells particularly overwhelming or painful. Not only that, they may perceive a gentle caress as an aching or burning sensation.
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea is another hallmark of migraines. Thankfully, vomiting is not as common. Only a few people experience it. According to the National Headache Foundation, migraine sufferers who experience nausea and vomiting during an episode might have a more severe kind of migraine that means worse attacks but fewer relief options.
Vestibular symptoms
Vestibular migraines account for 25-40% of all migraine cases. Migraines of this kind involve vestibular symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, and vertigo.
Neck pain
Migraineurs often overlook this symptom, but it is more common than they thought. In fact, a study showed as many as 75% of people with migraines experience neckache before or during an episode. This reestablishes the undeniable connection between migraines and the neck, which we will discuss thoroughly in the latter part of this blog.
As you can see, it’s not too difficult identifying migraines from a common headache. A headache does not involve most of these symptoms on the list. If you suspect you are dealing with migraines, here’s how you can get relief naturally. The very key is to address the often overlooked but underlying cause of many migraines.
Additional symptoms
As mentioned, many symptoms accompany migraines; some vary in frequency. Migraine patients may also experience a stuffy nose, making people mistake a sinus headache to a migraine. They may also deal with mood swings, eye pain, excessive yawning, food cravings, frequent urination, speech troubles, and many more. Frequent yawning is believed to be caused by the drop in blood flow to the brain.
Migraines Originate in the Neck
We should not ignore the fact that three-quarters of migraineurs experience neck pain. This truth holds the secret to natural relief to migraines. Neck pain can stem from a misalignment of the atlas vertebra in the neck (upper cervical spine). A misalignment, also called subluxation, can have far-reaching effects in the body. It may result in these:
- Restricted function of the brainstem
- Reduced blood flow to the brain
- Increased intracranial pressure caused by impaired cerebrospinal fluid drainage
These conditions can significantly contribute to the development and recurrence of migraines. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to repair an atlas misalignment to relieve and avoid migraines. With the help of upper cervical chiropractic, you can achieve it.
Migraines and Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
Migraines are often more complex than a simple headache. While many factors can contribute to migraine symptoms, the relationship between the upper cervical spine, nervous system, and overall body function is an important area to consider when looking for a more personalized approach.
The upper cervical region—the area where the top of the neck meets the base of the skull—plays an important role in posture, movement, and communication between the brain and body. When this area is not functioning optimally, some individuals may experience increased tension, discomfort, or changes that contribute to recurring symptoms.
At Sound Corrections Chiropractic, we use a gentle, specific approach called Atlas Correction that focuses on improving alignment and supporting nervous system function without twisting, cracking, or forceful manipulation.
Rather than simply focusing on where symptoms are felt, our approach looks at the body as a whole to better understand potential contributing factors behind recurring migraine patterns.
For individuals experiencing frequent migraines, headaches, or related symptoms, upper cervical chiropractic care may provide a different perspective on supporting long-term health and function.
Learn more about Atlas Correction and how this gentle, precise approach to chiropractic care works.
Common questions
A headache typically involves pain or pressure in the head, while a migraine is a more complex neurological condition that can include additional symptoms. Migraines may involve nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, fatigue, visual changes, and other symptoms beyond head pain.
The biggest differences often involve the type and combination of symptoms. Migraines are more likely to include additional neurological symptoms such as sensory sensitivity, nausea, or changes in how you experience your surroundings, while common headaches are often limited to head discomfort or pressure.
Migraine symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and visual disturbances. Some people may also experience symptoms before or after an attack.
Neck discomfort and tension are commonly reported by many people who experience headaches or migraines. Because the upper cervical region is connected to posture, movement, and nervous system communication, some individuals explore the relationship between neck function and migraine patterns.
Some individuals explore upper cervical care as part of a personalized approach to migraine support. Atlas Correction focuses on the upper cervical region through a gentle, precise technique designed around each person’s symptoms, history, and overall wellness goals.
Find Answers for Your Headaches or Migraines
Recurring headaches and migraines can impact your work, family, and everyday life—but understanding what may be contributing is the first step toward creating a better plan.
At Sound Corrections Chiropractic, we take a personalized approach to care by looking at factors like nervous system function, alignment, and overall health to better understand your unique situation.
If you're ready to explore a different approach and learn whether care may be right for you, get started with a personalized consultation.
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