The throbbing, ever-present pain in your head makes it hard to tell if the pain you’re experiencing is a tension headache or a migraine. However, you need to recognize which category your headache falls into so that you can get the right treatment and relieve your symptoms. Knowing the type of headache will also allow you to find ways to avoid or minimize its occurrence.
voltage headaches
About 90% of headaches fall into this category. These symptoms usually don’t happen often, and when they do, they go away within a few hours. However, in some people, symptoms may appear frequently and persist throughout the day.
migraines
Migraines are not as common as tension headaches, but their symptoms and effects are more exhausting. Symptoms can last from 4 to 48 hours and vary widely in intensity, duration, and even the exact symptoms.
Symptoms
In tension headaches, the symptoms are not severe, but they are persistent. You feel pain on both sides of your head. However, this pain will not be throbbing like migraines. Rather, it will feel like heavy 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 may be sensitive to light and sound, there is a temporary loss of vision while your face, eyes, temples, jaw or neck are itchy. If you do physical activity, the pain gets worse. Sometimes you can also see dots, wavy 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 of these factors cause the muscles of the neck, scalp, and jaw to contract; and this tightness eventually manifests as pain.
Migraines are generally genetic in nature. Researchers don’t know the exact cause. However, the environment also plays a certain 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 side effects. Self-relaxation techniques, chiropractic care, and acupuncture provide symptomatic relief and are gentler, safer alternatives.
The best way to minimize your migraines is to identify your triggers and try to avoid them. Understand your sleeping and eating habits. You can also visit a chiropractor to reduce the frequency and intensity of your migraines.