Neck Pain · March 30, 2026 · Dr. Michelle Herczeg
Tension Headaches vs. Migraines: How to Tell the Difference (and What Helps)
Quick answer
Tension headaches feel like a tight band around the head and come from neck and jaw muscles. Migraines are throbbing, often one-sided, and come with sensitivity to light, sound, or nausea. Both respond to chiropractic care — for different reasons.
Tension headaches
Bilateral, band-like, dull, often worse at the end of the day. Driven by upper-cervical and jaw muscle tension. Chiropractic care directly addresses the root.
Migraines
Throbbing, often one-sided, with light/sound sensitivity, nausea, or aura. Many have a cervicogenic trigger that responds to care alongside lifestyle and medical management.
What helps both
- Hydration — most adults are chronically under-hydrated
- Sleep regularity
- Screen-height correction
- Reducing jaw clenching (mouthguard if needed)
- Chiropractic care to address upper-cervical restriction
Care related to this article
People also ask
Can a chiropractor help with migraines?
Yes. A 2019 systematic review found chiropractic care reduces migraine frequency and intensity, especially for migraines with a cervicogenic component.
What does a cervicogenic headache feel like?
Pain that starts at the base of the skull, often one-sided, that gets worse with neck movement or screen time.
When should I worry about a headache?
Sudden 'worst headache of your life,' headache with vision changes, weakness, fever, or after a head injury — all need urgent medical evaluation.