Migraines Vs. Headaches? How to Tell the Difference
Trusted Migraine Support from Your Burnaby Physiotherapy Clinic
Experiencing head pain that stops you in your tracks? You’re not alone — but how do you know if it’s a migraine or just a regular headache?
At our Burnaby physiotherapy clinic, we often see clients unsure about what’s causing their head pain. Understanding the difference between migraines vs. headaches is the first step toward finding real relief. Here’s a quick guide to help you tell them apart — and understand what might actually be going on inside your body.
5 Key Differences Between Migraines and Headaches
1. Pain Quality & Intensity
- Headache: Usually dull, aching, and mild to moderate. It’s annoying, but you can usually power through your day.
- Migraine: Often throbbing or pulsating, and moderate to severe. It’s usually debilitating, forcing you to rest in a dark, quiet room.
2. Pain Location
- Headache: Typically affects both sides of the head — like a band around the forehead or tension at the temples or back of the head.
- Migraine: Often starts on one side of the head, but it can shift sides. Many people feel pain behind one eye or temple.
3. Duration
- Headache: Can last 30 minutes to a few hours, and is usually relieved with rest, hydration, or over-the-counter meds.
- Migraine: Can last 4 to 72 hours if untreated — and tends to come in waves or stages.
4. Other Symptoms
- Headache: Rarely has any other major symptoms.
- Migraine: Commonly comes with:
– Nausea or vomiting
– Sensitivity to light and sound
– Aura (flashing lights, zigzag lines, or vision changes in some people)
5. Triggers
- Headache: Often linked to stress, dehydration, poor posture, or skipping meals.
- Migraine: Triggered by things like:
– Hormonal changes
– Certain foods (chocolate, cheese, citrus, caffeine)
– Weather changes or barometric pressure
– Lack of sleep or sensory overload
Migraine or Headache? A Quick Test
If your head pain comes with nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, or completely disrupts your day — it’s likely a migraine. Migraines are more than just bad headaches; they’re a neurological event involving irritated nerves and blood vessels.
How Physiotherapy Can Help with Migraine Relief in Burnaby
If your head pain comes with nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, or completely disrupts your day — it’s likely a migraine. Migraines are more than just bad headaches; they’re a neurological event involving irritated nerves and blood vessels.
- Manual therapy to relieve tension and nerve irritation
- Postural correction and ergonomic advice
- Relaxation strategies and migraine-safe exercises
- Acupuncture to relieve pain and settle down nerves and vessels
- Education on acupressure and headache prevention
Final Word
If you’re frequently dealing with head pain and aren’t sure if it’s a migraine, don’t guess — get the right diagnosis and support. Visit your doctor and speak with a physiotherapist in Burnaby who understands migraine management.
Looking for migraine relief in Burnaby?
Our experienced physiotherapy team is here to help. Contact us today to book your consultation and take the first step toward pain-free living.