Migraine or Tension Headache? Why It Matters for Treatment

Not all headaches are created equal. Tension headaches come from muscle tightness and poor posture — they usually feel like a band around the head and build slowly over the day. Migraines are neurological events: intense throbbing pain often on one side, often with nausea, light sensitivity, sometimes an aura. The difference matters because they respond to different treatment approaches.

Tension headaches usually respond quickly to corrective chiropractic care aimed at the upper cervical spine, combined with postural correction and red light therapy. Most people see 70-80% reduction in frequency within 4-6 weeks. These are the headaches that respond quickly.

Migraines are more complex but still very treatable. Many migraine sufferers have identifiable triggers in the upper cervical spine — misalignment caused by an old head injury, whiplash, or birth trauma. Addressing the underlying structural issue reduces the frequency and severity of migraine episodes significantly. It doesn't always eliminate them, but it often cuts them in half.

If you're on preventive migraine medication and still getting monthly episodes, or dealing with chronic tension headaches, a neurological evaluation plus structural evaluation can identify whether the underlying cause is cervical — and whether a non-medication path could work for you.