Strictly speaking, the direct causes of headaches and migraines are unknown; however, the medical community has a general understanding of them. Firstly, headaches differ from migraines in that they are usually caused by muscle tension in the neck and the back of the head; migraines, on the other hand, are thought to be affected by blood flow to the brain. Secondly, while headaches can happen to anyone for any number of reasons, migraines occur less readily and have the tendency to be hereditary. Migraines also tend to affect women while its cousin the Cluster Headache occurs more often in men. Here are the most common causes of headaches:
While headaches and migraines differ in their origin they do have similarities in their symptoms. Not all of the below symptoms may occur at the time of the headache or migraine, but any one is enough to seek medical care:
While over-the-counter medications may temporarily relieve the discomfort of a headache or migraine there is still a chance of recurring symptoms if the underlying problem is not treated. Headaches can often be treated with neck adjustments, therapeutic massage, and heat therapy in just one visit. Migraines can be prevented with regular treatments to keep muscles, bones, nerves, and blood vessels aligned correctly. Here at the Head Neck and Spine Center we have a team of doctors who have years of experience in relieving headaches and migraines. If you are a chronic migraine sufferer, or have any of the symptoms listed above, please call our office for a free consultation!