Differentiating between migraines vs headaches can be difficult. Migraines are a collection of neurological symptoms, such as headaches and aura (i.e. sensitivity to light), which occurs and resolves over several days. In comparison, headaches describe pain or discomfort around the head.
What are migraines and headaches?
Migraines and headaches are significant health problems worldwide. According to research, migraines and headaches affect between 4.9 and 7 million Australians, respectively. At the surface level, many people may confuse the two health issues because of their similar definitions. Even those who suffer from migraines or headaches can get these two confused.
Although people can experience headaches during a migraine, these terms are not interchangeable. According to the World Health Organisation, a 'headache' is a common symptom of certain neurological conditions. It describes any pain and discomfort around the head. In contrast, a 'migraine' is a neurological disorder that leads to various symptoms, such as headaches and nausea.
What is a Migraine Disorder?
It's important to distinguish the terms' migraine disorder' and 'migraines'. A migraine disorder describes a lifelong neurological condition caused by a 'sensory processing disturbance' to the brain.[1] Changes to how the brain or the central nervous system behaves lead to the symptoms associated with 'migraines'. There are different theories as to why this occurs, such as parts of the brain being too excited or inflammatory changes.[2] There may be periods where symptoms are particularly felt, these are referred to as 'migraine attacks.'
Migraine Symptoms
People who live with experiencing a migraine can regularly experience symptoms, including:
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Headaches that occur on one side (but can also be felt on both sides)
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Throbbing pains around the head
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Increased sensitivity to light and sounds
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Pain that worsens with vigorous physical activity.
Migraine attacks
'Migraines' are commonly used to describe 'migraine attacks', a period when symptoms will begin to appear. These attacks can occur as little as once a year or every day, depending on the circumstances. There are four distinct stages of migraine attacks which include:
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Prodrome - The first stage of a migraine attack is a period of general unwellness which can last for hours or days. Examples of symptoms include difficulty concentrating, trouble sleeping, nausea, muscle stiffness, and irritability.
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Aura - While not present for everyone, visual disturbances such as blurry vision or seeing flashing lights can proceed after prodrome. This stage usually lasts for 5-60 minutes.
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Headache - People who describe their migraine experiences will often refer to the 'headache stage'. This is a period where symptoms are the most obvious, particularly associated with throbbing headaches and nausea. Typically, these symptoms will last anywhere between 4-72 hours.
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Postdrome - As the migraine attack settles from the headache stage, the postdrome stage follows. Comparable to a hangover, this is a period where the migraine will begin to recede. Similarly, fatigue and mood changes can occur before symptoms finally subside.
What is a Headache?
As noted earlier, a headache is a symptom used to describe discomfort around the head. It can occur in individuals who are generally healthy or in those who have an underlying disorder that increases the chances of developing symptoms. According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 1 in 2 adults will experience at least one episode every year. Headaches can be unpredictable as they can range in severity and duration.
Headache Disorders
Those who suffer recurrent headaches may be suffering from a headache disorder. Many people with a headache disorder will find that their pain can interfere with their daily livelihoods, including working or their social life. Examples of common headache disorders include:
Causes of Headaches and Migraines
People experiencing migraines or headaches will have different triggers. Comparisons of causes between headaches and migraines are outlined in the table below. As headaches are often felt in those with migraines, some causes may overlap.
| Common Causes of Headaches [5] | Common Causes of Migraines [4] |
|---|
| Stress and anxiety | Certain foods, such as cured meats, chocolate, alcohol, etc. |
| Mental and emotional wellbeing | Beverages that contain caffeine (e.g. coffee, energy drinks, etc.) |
| Mechanical and muscular causes (e.g. poor posture, sedentary lifestyles, grinding your teeth, etc.) | Dehydration or not drinking enough water |
| |
| Sensitivity to certain triggers (e.g. light, perfumes, etc.) | Environmental factors, such as temperature changes, pollution and noise |
| Overusing medications | Vigorous and intense exercise, such as sprinting sports and heavy weights |
| Sudden changes in routine (e.g. Hormonal changes (e.g. menstrual cycles, puberty, etc.) |
| Poor sleep hygiene |
5 Tips for Migraines and Headaches (recommended by a physiotherapist)
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If you are experiencing recurrent issues with headaches or migraines, it's recommended that you see your GP. Dealing with chronic symptoms can affect your capacity to function in basic daily activities. Your GP will be able to assist you with any necessary tests, referrals or treatments to improve your long-term outlook.
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Use a diary to help prevent headaches and migraines. People living with these conditions can have specific triggers which cause symptoms. Recording your episodes may be able to help identify these triggers as a form of prevention.
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Reduce inactivity. Lengthy periods of sedentary behaviours, like computer work or being on your phone, can lead to muscle stiffness and tightness, a common trigger for these conditions.
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Gentle exercise, such as walking or cycling, can help alleviate symptoms. Avoid vigorous activities, like heavy weightlifting or explosive movements, as they can aggravate symptoms instead.
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Seeing a physiotherapist can be very beneficial for those with physical triggers. Tight muscles around the neck, upper back, and jaw are common causes for these types of conditions. Your physiotherapist will be able to recommend specific strategies, exercises and provide hands-on therapy to ease your symptoms.
Outlook
The outlook for migraines and headaches will depend on each individual. People living with these conditions will experience different symptoms of varying severity and duration. However, being proactive by making the necessary lifestyle changes and seeking medical assistance (e.g. physiotherapy, GP, etc.) can help with short-term and long-term relief.
