Migraines vs. Tension Headaches: What’s the Difference and How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Headaches are one of the most common reasons people seek medical care—but not all headaches are the same. Two of the most frequently confused types are migraines and tension headaches. Understanding the difference is key to finding effective, long-term relief.

At our Louisiana chiropractic clinic with 9 convenient locations, we help patients across the state get to the root cause of chronic headaches using natural, drug-free care.

What Is a Tension Headache?

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. They’re often described as a dull, aching pressure that feels like a tight band around the head.

Common Symptoms of Tension Headaches

• Mild to moderate pain

• Tightness or pressure in the forehead, temples, or back of the head

• Neck and shoulder tension

• Pain on both sides of the head

• No nausea or visual disturbances

Common Causes

• Poor posture

• Prolonged screen time

• Stress and anxiety

• Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders

• Spinal misalignments (especially in the cervical spine)

Many patients in Louisiana experience tension headaches due to desk jobs, long commutes, and stress-heavy lifestyles.

What Is a Migraine?

Migraines are a neurological condition—not just a bad headache. They are often more intense and can interfere with daily life.

Common Symptoms of Migraines

• Moderate to severe throbbing pain

• Pain often on one side of the head

• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells

• Nausea or vomiting

• Visual disturbances (aura)

• Dizziness or fatigue

Common Migraine Triggers

• Hormonal changes

• Stress

• Certain foods or drinks

• Sleep disruption

• Neck dysfunction or spinal issues

Migraines can last anywhere from a few hours to several days and may become chronic if not properly addressed.

Migraines vs. Tension Headaches: Key Differences

Feature	Tension Headache	Migraine
Pain Type	Dull, tight, pressure-like	Throbbing or pulsating
Pain Location	Both sides of head	Often one side
Intensity	Mild to moderate	Moderate to severe
Nausea	Rare	Common
Light/Sound Sensitivity	Rare	Common
Duration	30 minutes to hours	Hours to days

How Chiropractic Care Helps Headaches

Many headaches—both tension-related and migraines—are linked to neck dysfunction, poor posture, and spinal misalignment. Chiropractic care focuses on correcting these underlying issues rather than masking symptoms.

Chiropractic Benefits for Headache Relief

• Improves spinal alignment

• Reduces muscle tension

• Enhances nervous system function

• Improves posture

• Decreases headache frequency and intensity

Research shows chiropractic adjustments may significantly reduce headache severity and frequency, especially for headaches originating in the neck.

Why Chiropractic Care Is Ideal for Louisiana Patients

Living in Louisiana often means long workdays, physical labor, and stress—all contributors to chronic headaches. With 9 chiropractic locations across Louisiana, our clinic makes it easy to access consistent, personalized care close to home.

We commonly help patients who:

• Suffer from recurring migraines

• Experience weekly or daily tension headaches

• Want a drug-free solution

• Haven’t found relief through medication alone

When Should You See a Chiropractor for Headaches?

You may benefit from chiropractic care if:

• You have headaches more than once a week

• Your headaches start in the neck or shoulders

• You rely heavily on pain medication

• Your posture or work habits strain your neck

• Your headaches are getting worse over time

Early intervention often leads to better, longer-lasting results.

Start Headache Relief Naturally

If you’re struggling with migraines or tension headaches, chiropractic care may help address the root cause—not just the symptoms.

With nine chiropractic clinic locations across Louisiana, our experienced team is here to help you find relief and get back to living fully.

Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward fewer headaches and better overall health.

Serving Communities Across Louisiana

Proudly serving patients throughout Louisiana with convenient locations and personalized chiropractic care.

Schedule your appointment at Geaux Chiro Today!