Tension headaches and migraine headaches are two distinct types of headaches with different characteristics. Here are the key differences between tension headaches and migraine headaches:

1. Pain characteristics:

• Tension headaches: Tension headaches typically involve a steady, dull, and non-throbbing pain that is often described as a tight band or pressure around the head. The pain is usually mild to moderate in intensity and may be felt on both sides of the head.

• Migraine headaches: Migraine headaches are typically more severe and often have a throbbing or pulsating quality. The pain is usually localized to one side of the head, although it can affect both sides. Migraine pain is often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

2. Duration:

• Tension headaches: Tension headaches tend to last for a shorter duration, typically a few hours to a couple of days.

• Migraine headaches: Migraine attacks are generally longer-lasting, lasting anywhere from a few hours to several days if left untreated.

3. Associated symptoms:

• Tension headaches: Tension headaches usually do not present with significant associated symptoms. However, individuals may experience mild sensitivity to light or sound and mild nausea.

• Migraine headaches: Migraine attacks often come with additional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light (photophobia), sensitivity to sound (phonophobia), and sometimes visual disturbances (aura), such as flashing lights or zigzag lines.

4. Triggers:

• Tension headaches: Tension headaches can be triggered by factors like stress, poor posture, eye strain, fatigue, and muscle tension.

• Migraine headaches: Migraine attacks can be triggered by a wide range of factors, including certain foods (e.g., chocolate, cheese, caffeine), environmental changes, hormonal fluctuations, lack of sleep, stress, strong smells, and physical exertion.

5. Impact on daily life:

• Tension headaches: While tension headaches can cause discomfort and interfere with daily activities, they typically do not cause significant impairment or disability.

• Migraine headaches: Migraine attacks can be severely debilitating, with intense pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and associated symptoms that can disrupt daily life, work, and social activities.

It's important to note that these are general differences, and individual experiences can vary. If you are experiencing recurrent or severe headaches, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

As you may know by now, I am a migraine sufferer. When I feel a tension headache starting, it ultimately will evolve to a migraine, unfortunately. If you have suffered for years like me, you probably have tried everything!

For me, I discovered that my body can’t tolerate certain foods like dairy, gluten and tomatoes. Weather changes, lack of sleep, lack of exercise or too much exercise had an impact on my migraines. I had to customize what worked for me. What initially helped me the most was a combination of typical treatments such as migraine medications in conjunction with holistic approaches.

Honestly, what impacted me the most, was realizing that emotional trauma and feeling dysregulated had a significant impact on my weekly if not daily head pain. When I started to work on calming down my nervous system and repairing years of bad habits with healthy habits, I started to heal from the inside out. Whether you have tension headaches or migraines, learning to regulate your nervous system might have a significant impact.

If your nervous system is dysregulated and you want to see if regulating would have an impact on your headaches, then consider working with me.

I have created a unique 12-step Program that helps individuals transform from the inside out to give you that solid foundation you deserve. This system helps you regulate your nervous system, increase self love and begin to heal.

If you are interested in learning more, click here for more information:

https://www.vaniacrouch.com/free-blueprint

I will leave you with these questions to ponder. How has your dysregulated nervous system impacts your migraines?

Sincerely, Vania