Migraine & Headache Symptoms

If you’re getting headaches regularly, you may be wondering if you’re having migraines. Migraines are quite common, especially among women, and they can start as late as your 30s. In this blog from Vidan Family Chiropractic, we’ll discuss some common headache symptoms and migraine symptoms, and help you understand the difference between these two conditions.

Recognizing The Symptoms Of A Headache

It’s not hard to recognize a headache. They can vary in severity, of course, but headaches almost always cause throbbing pain, tenderness, and discomfort in your head, and sometimes may extend into your neck. Headaches are the most common type of pain, and just about everyone will experience them at some point in their lives.

There are a lot of different kinds of headaches, over 150 in total. A migraine is a type of headache, but not all headaches are migraines. There are also tension headaches, cluster headaches, and headaches that are triggered by certain things like alcohol use, smoking, poor posture, lack of sleep, and even excessive physical activity. And, of course, headaches are common if you’re sick with a cold or some other type of virus.

Recognizing The Symptoms Of A Migraine

So, not all headaches are migraines. How can you recognize the difference between a migraine and other types of headaches? Migraine headaches are unique, and though everyone experiences them differently, they can be broken up into a few different stages with distinct symptoms:

• Prodromal stage – This is the stage that occurs before your headache. It can last anywhere from several hours to several days, and during this time, you may notice nausea, fatigue, muscle stiffness, and mood changes or problems concentrating.
• Auras – About 15% to 20% of people who have migraines experience “auras.” This refers to a cluster of symptoms that usually starts about an hour before a migraine begins. You may notice flashing sparks, dots, or blind spots in your vision, you may develop tinnitus (ringing in your ears), “see” wavy or jagged lines, or notice changes in your senses of smell and taste.
• Headache – Migraines cause very painful headaches, and during this stage, your migraine can also cause lots of other symptoms, such as sensitivity to light, nausea and vomiting, appetite loss, tiredness, sweating or chills, and fatigue. These symptoms usually last four hours, and can last for up to three days if you don't get treatment.
• Postdrome (hangover) – Once your headache ends, you enter the “postdrome” phase of a migraine. You may have problems concentrating, or even feel fatigue or depression. This can last up to a day or two after your migraine.

Get Help For Migraines – Come To Vidan Family Chiropractic Today!

At Vidan Family Chiropractic, Dr. Alex Vidan and our chiropractic team have years of experience in headache and migraine treatment in St. Louis. Along with upper cervical adjustments to help with pain and discomfort, we also can provide nutrition and lifestyle advice, which may help you reduce the frequency and severity of your migraine headaches. For more information and to get the relief you need, give Vidan Family Chiropractic a call at 314-210-6556 to schedule a consultation, or contact us online for more information.