If you struggle with frequent headaches, you may find yourself asking: Is this a migraine, or just a tension headache? The two conditions often overlap in symptoms, but their origins — and solutions — can be very different.
At Family Chiropractic of Clark, we often see patients who have been treating headaches with medication for years, without realizing that their spine and posture play a direct role in the problem. This guide breaks down the differences between migraines and tension headaches, how the spine influences both, and what chiropractic care can do to bring lasting relief.
Understanding Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They often feel like a tight band wrapping around your head or pressure at the back of the skull.
Causes of Tension Headaches:
- Muscle tightness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
- Stress and fatigue leading to clenching and poor posture
- Long hours at a desk or staring down at a phone
- Spinal misalignments putting pressure on nerves and muscles
Typical Symptoms:
- Dull, constant pain (not throbbing)
- Pressure on both sides of the head
- Stiffness in the neck or shoulders
- Pain that worsens throughout the day
These headaches are uncomfortable but usually not disabling — although chronic tension headaches can disrupt daily life.
Understanding Migraines
Migraines are less common but far more intense and disruptive. They are considered a neurological condition rather than just muscle-related pain.
Causes and Triggers:
- Nervous system overactivity and changes in blood flow
- Hormonal changes
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or certain foods
- Spinal or postural imbalances that irritate nerves
Typical Symptoms:
- Severe, throbbing head pain (often on one side)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Visual disturbances (auras)
- Lasting hours to days
Migraines can be debilitating, forcing sufferers to rest in dark, quiet rooms until the episode passes.
Where the Spine Fits In
Here’s the missing link many people don’t consider: your spine and nervous system are central to both tension headaches and migraines.
- Misalignments in the cervical spine (neck) can irritate nerves that connect to the head.
- Muscle tension from poor posture can trigger tension headaches.
- Nerve irritation and stress in the spine can increase migraine frequency or intensity.
In other words, even though the root causes differ, your spine often plays a key role in both conditions.
Migraine vs Tension Headache: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Tension Headache | Migraine |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Type | Dull, steady, tight band | Throbbing, pulsating |
| Pain Location | Both sides of head, back of skull | Often one side of the head |
| Other Symptoms | Neck/shoulder tightness | Nausea, aura, light/sound sensitivity |
| Duration | Hours, sometimes daily | Hours to days |
| Triggered By | Stress, posture, muscle strain | Neurological, hormonal, food, stress |
How Chiropractic Care Helps Both
At Family Chiropractic of Clark, we don’t just manage symptoms — we focus on correcting underlying spinal and postural issues that feed into headaches.
1. Precise Spinal Adjustments
Restore alignment in the cervical spine, reducing nerve irritation and improving blood flow.
2. Muscle and Posture Work
Release tension in the neck and shoulders while teaching better posture habits.
3. Lifestyle and Ergonomic Coaching
Help you identify triggers such as desk setup, screen height, or repetitive habits.
4. Natural, Drug-Free Approach
Unlike medication, chiropractic care works to reduce frequency and severity over time, not just mask the pain.
Real Patient Insight
We’ve treated patients who came in convinced they had migraines, only to find out their pain was actually chronic tension headaches from sitting at a computer all day. With regular adjustments and posture corrections, their “migraines” nearly vanished. Others with true migraines saw a reduction in frequency after addressing spinal stress.
The spine doesn’t cause every headache — but when it does, correcting it makes all the difference.
When to Seek Professional Care
See a chiropractor if your headaches are:
- Persistent and not responding to medication
- Linked to neck or posture strain
- Increasing in frequency or severity
- Affecting your daily life and productivity
And always seek urgent medical attention if headaches come with sudden vision changes, loss of coordination, or other unusual neurological symptoms.
Final Thoughts
Whether you suffer from migraines, tension headaches, or a mix of both, your spine may hold the key to lasting relief. Instead of relying on short-term fixes, chiropractic care addresses the mechanical and neurological factors at the root of the problem.
👉 Don’t let headaches control your life. Schedule a visit with Family Chiropractic of Clark and discover how targeted chiropractic care can help you find relief and restore balance.
