When the spine moves out of alignment because of repetitive stress, trauma, or growth issues, the nerve fibers suffer increased pressure and friction. As the nerves become irritated, the muscles in the back, neck, and jaw respond by becoming tight.
This tightening of the muscles is a direct cause of tension headaches and neck pain. Mental stress is also a contributing factor, as is lack of sleep, poor posture, and environmental or dietary triggers. This continuing constriction and irritation can limit blood flow and trigger abnormal neurological activity in the brain, causing a migraine. |
Tension HeadachesTense muscles cause neck and shoulder pain, which moves up and forward to cause pain on both sides of the head. Tension headaches can last from 30 minutes to several days, or until the muscle tension is relieved.
Migraine HeadachesMigraines cause intense pain behind the eyes or on the side of the head. Sufferers may see visual effects and auras, including moving dots of light as the migraine begins. Light and noise sensitivity are common, as is nausea and vomiting. Migraines last anywhere from a few hours to several days.
Cluster HeadachesCluster headaches differ from migraines in their recurrent nature. While the duration is shorter, you may have several headaches per day for two weeks up to three months at a time. The pain is severe and comes on quickly, typically on one side of the head or behind the eye. Cluster headaches are typically accompanied by a runny nose and a tearing eye on the same side of the head as the headache.
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