Migraines and chronic headaches are similar, yet differ primarily in terms of cause, severity, and associated symptoms. Consider the following info from our chiropractor in Duluth:

The tension headache is the most common type of headache experienced, accounting for an estimated three quarters of all cases (other types include cluster headaches, similar to a migraine, and sinus headaches, related to sinus dysfunction). Someone with a tension headache will typically feel a dull achy sensation in a band-like distribution around their head or on one or both sides of the head. This pain can last from anywhere for a few minutes to a few days.

Anyone can get tension headaches, which are also known as cervicogenic. This means that the primary cause is strain in the spine and shoulders, which leads to pain, tension, and stiffness in the muscles that attach in the head.

Migraines aren't as common as tension headaches (affecting around 25 million Americans, mostly women), however they are generally much more severe and come with additional hallmark symptoms, including nausea, light sensitivity, vomiting, and other visual, auditory, and scent sensations.

Migraine pain usually feels like severe throbbing or pulsing, and is generally experienced on one side of the head.