Migraine headaches are not the same thing as tension headaches. Not all migraine sufferers have neck pain or tension headaches and the underlying causes and symptomology for each are different. Migraine headaches and tension headaches have different pain patterns and are treated differently. However, in my clinical experience, it is incredibly common that many migraine sufferers may also have tension headaches and chronic neck pain or discomfort.

Often times a tension headache will trigger a migraine. For others, they may not consider their neck pain significant or associate it as a migraine trigger even though it may be a strong contributor to their pain pattern. It is also incredibly common that people will receive a diagnosis of migraine and given strong medications when what they actually have is severe tension headaches due to muscle strains/imbalances in the neck, postural problems, or structural misalignment. For this reason, it is beneficial for those with chronic headaches or migraines to be evaluated for any neck problems or postural issues. 

Histamine Intolerance

Salt Deficiencies and Trace Minerals

Acupuncture for Migraines

Close the Medicine Cabinet

References

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High Blood Pressure May Protect Against Migraine. (n.d.). ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 18, 2021, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080414161552.htm

Krusz, J. C. (2006). Intravenous treatment of chronic daily headaches in the outpatient headache clinic. Current Pain and Headache Reports10(1), 47–53. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-006-0009-z

‌Lisotto, C., Mainardi, F., Maggioni, F., & Zanchin, G. (2013). The comorbidity between migraine and hypothyroidism. The Journal of Headache and Pain14(S1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1129-2377-14-s1-p138

Migraine Attacks Shortened by Diamine Oxidase Supplements. (n.d.). Medscape. Retrieved February 17, 2021, from https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/811920#vp_1

Pogoda, J. M., Gross, N. B., Arakaki, X., Fonteh, A. N., Cowan, R. P., & Harrington, M. G. (2016). Severe Headache or Migraine History Is Inversely Correlated With Dietary Sodium Intake: NHANES 1999-2004. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain56(4), 688–698. https://doi.org/10.1111/head.12792

Rider, B. (2019). Hives, Headaches & Heartburn [Review of Hives, Headaches & Heartburn]. Summerland Publishing.

Stanton, A. A. (2014). Fighting the migraine epidemic : how to treat and prevent migraines without medicines – an insider’s view. Authorhouse.