Understanding Primary Headaches: Tension, Migraine, and Cluster Explained

Headaches are an extremely common reason why patients seek chiropractic or medical care, and about 90% of them are what we call primary headaches. Primary headaches can be further divided up into three different categories. These include tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches. Understanding the differences can help you manage symptoms more effectively and know when to seek help.

Tension headaches are by far the most common. They often feel like a tight band or pressure around the head, usually on both sides. When experiencing a tension headache, pain can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 7 days, and may come with neck or shoulder tightness. There’s typically no associated nausea, and most people can continue their daily activities, though discomfort can be persistent and draining. Tension headaches are often attributed to stress. 

Migraines are different. They’re often pulsating or throbbing, and typically present on one side of the head instead of both. Migraines last up to a full day. They can persist for a longer period of time, but most often subside around the 24 hour mark. The POUND acronym helps identify them: Pulsatile, One-day duration, Unilateral, Nausea, and Disabling. If four of these descriptors apply to the headache you are experiencing, there’s a 92% chance it’s a migraine. Light or sound sensitivity and visual disturbances are also common.

Cluster headaches are the least common of the primary headaches, but can be the most severe. They come in intense bursts, usually around one eye, and cause sharp, stabbing pain that can wake sufferers from sleep. Cluster headaches often occur in cycles, with multiple afflicting a patient per day for weeks at a time.

Chiropractic care can be a great tool to help combat headaches. By addressing muscle tension, spinal misalignment, and nerve irritation, chiropractors are able to eliminate potential headache causes and reduce symptoms. With proper evaluation and individualized care, we aim to reduce both the frequency and intensity of these episodes, so you can think clearly, move freely, and live without the constant burden of pain.