Migraines vs. Tension Headaches: How a Brain-Body Exam Can Help

Headaches are one of the most common neurological complaints, affecting millions of people each year. While many people simply refer to them as "headaches," not all headaches are the same. Two of the most common types are migraines and tension-type headaches, and understanding the difference is essential for choosing the right treatment.

At The Cortex Chiropractic, we believe that successful treatment starts with understanding why your headaches are occurring. That's why every patient receives a comprehensive brain-body examination that evaluates not only the spine, but also the nervous system, balance, eye movements, posture, and brain function.

What Is a Migraine?

A migraine is a complex neurological disorder—not simply a bad headache.

Migraine attacks often involve abnormal activity within the brain, changes in sensory processing, activation of the trigeminal pain pathway, and altered blood vessel regulation. Researchers also recognize a phenomenon called cortical spreading depression, a wave of altered brain activity thought to contribute to migraine aura and activate pain-sensitive structures.

Migraines are the leading cause of disability in women and adults under the age of 50

Common migraine symptoms include:

• Moderate to severe throbbing head pain

• Pain on one side of the head (although both sides can be affected)

• Nausea or vomiting

• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells

• Visual disturbances (aura)

• Dizziness or balance problems

• Symptoms lasting 4–72 hours

Migraine is considered one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.

What Is a Tension-Type Headache?

Tension-type headaches are the most common form of headache.

Unlike migraines, they typically produce:

• Mild to moderate pressure or tightness

• A "band-like" sensation around the head

• Neck and shoulder muscle tightness

• Pain on both sides of the head

• No nausea

• Little or no sensitivity to light and sound

Research suggests that tension headaches involve increased sensitivity of pain-processing pathways in the nervous system, along with muscular and postural factors. Stress, prolonged sitting, poor ergonomics, jaw dysfunction, and neck muscle tension frequently contribute.

Why It Can Be Difficult to Tell the Difference

Many people experience symptoms that overlap. Some patients diagnosed with tension headaches actually have migraine, while others have headaches driven by neck dysfunction, vestibular problems, or visual issues.

Because multiple systems can contribute to head pain, simply treating the symptoms may not address the underlying cause.

The Brain and Body Work Together

Your brain constantly receives information from your:

• Eyes

• Inner ears (vestibular system)

• Neck muscles and joints

• Jaw

• Spine

• Muscles and joints throughout the body

When these systems aren't communicating efficiently, the brain may compensate in ways that contribute to headache symptoms.

For example:

• Poor eye movement control can increase visual fatigue.

• Vestibular dysfunction may contribute to dizziness and headache.

• Reduced neck mobility can increase pain input to the brain.

• Postural dysfunction may place additional stress on muscles and joints.

Current research supports the close relationship between cervical (neck), vestibular, and visual systems in people with persistent headaches, particularly following concussion or chronic neck pain.

How a Brain-Body Exam Can Help

Rather than focusing only on where the pain is located, a brain-body examination evaluates how different systems are functioning together.

At The Cortex Chiropractic, your evaluation may include:

• Neurological examination

• Eye movement testing

• Balance and vestibular assessment

• Cervical spine evaluation

• Postural analysis

• Coordination testing

• Functional movement assessment

These findings help identify factors that may be contributing to your symptoms and allow us to create a personalized care plan.

An Individualized Approach

No two headache patients are exactly alike.

Depending on your examination findings, treatment may include:

• Chiropractic care

• Functional neurological rehabilitation

• Vestibular rehabilitation

• Eye movement therapy

• Balance training

• Therapeutic exercise

• Erchonia® Low-Level Laser Therapy

• Home exercises designed to reinforce recovery

The goal is to improve how your nervous system functions while addressing the mechanical and neurological factors that may be contributing to your headaches.

When Should You Seek an Evaluation?

Consider scheduling an evaluation if you experience:

• Frequent headaches or migraines

• Headaches that interfere with work or daily activities

• Neck pain accompanying headaches

• Dizziness or balance problems

• Headaches after a concussion

• Visual fatigue or difficulty concentrating

• Symptoms that continue despite medications

Take the First Step Toward Understanding Your Headaches

Whether your symptoms are caused by migraine, tension-type headaches, or multiple contributing factors, understanding the source of the problem is the first step toward effective care.

At The Cortex Chiropractic, our comprehensive brain-body examination helps identify neurological, vestibular, visual, and musculoskeletal contributors to headaches so your treatment plan is based on your unique needs—not just your symptoms.

If you're ready to better understand what's causing your headaches, schedule an evaluation with our team today.

Balanced Brain. Balanced Body. Balanced Life.