Both migraines and headaches involve head pain, but there are key differences between these two common conditions. Understanding the unique characteristics, causes, and symptoms of migraines vs. headaches in Anchorage AK can help you identify what type of head pain you are experiencing. This allows you to pursue the most effective treatment. Our team at Community Chiropractic Clinic would like to take a closer look at headaches and migraines.

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Characteristics Of Headaches And Migraines in Anchorage AK

Headaches typically cause dull, aching, or tension-type pain on both sides of the head. Migraines usually involve throbbing pain on just one side. Migraine pain also tends to be more severe and debilitating. Headaches are generally short-lived, while migraines can last for hours, days, or even weeks at a time.

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Causes

Stress, fatigue, poor posture, tension, and tight neck muscles often trigger simple headaches. Migraines have a more complex neurological cause related to nerve pathways and brain chemicals like serotonin. Hormonal fluctuations, certain foods, weather changes, and strong smells can often bring on migraines.

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Symptoms

Beyond just head pain, headaches may cause tenderness in the neck and scalp muscles. The symptoms are mostly centered around the head and neck area. Migraines often involve additional symptoms like nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, and extreme sensitivity to light, sound, or smell.

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Tracking Your Pain

Keeping a detailed migraine and headache diary can help you identify important patterns and potential triggers. Note the exact date and time each headache starts, the severity on a scale of 1-10, duration, location, which side of the head is affected, and any associated symptoms. Also, document potential contributing factors like diet, stress levels, menstrual cycle, or lack of sleep. Share this log with your doctor to help diagnose the headache type.

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When to Seek Medical Help

Recurring tension headaches or head pain that interrupts sleep and daily activities indicate it's time to visit a doctor for evaluation. Migraines that increase in frequency, severity, or duration or don’t respond to medication also require prompt medical attention. A chiropractor can help naturally relieve headache and migraine pain through gentle spinal adjustments, massage, and lifestyle advice.

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Reach Out to Us for Lasting and Effective Pain Relief

Don’t assume all head pain is just a common headache. Pay close attention to all your symptoms and learn to differentiate key characteristics of headaches versus migraines. This ensures you receive the proper diagnosis and treatment. Our Anchorage AK chiropractors near you at Community Chiropractic Clinic can provide fast, effective relief tailored to resolve your specific type of head pain.