Migraines vs Headaches and Acupuncture
Headaches and Migraines are usually lumped into the same category but this is far from the truth. There are distinct differences between the two. In fact, there are distinct differences in regards to the types of headaches alone. Lets break down the differences between they types of headaches and the differences between a headache and a migraine.
Most common types of headaches:
When it comes to headaches, it's important to recognize that there are various types. Understanding where and how you experience pain can provide valuable insight into the underlying cause.
Cluster Headaches: Cluster headaches, which are one of the most excruciating types of headache, often manifest in cyclical patterns or cluster periods. Typically, a cluster headache will abruptly rouse you from sleep with severe pain in or around the eye on one side of your head. These bouts of frequent attacks, referred to as cluster periods, can persist for weeks to months. Fortunately, they are followed by remission periods when the headaches cease. During these remission phases, individuals experience relief from headaches for several months or even years.
Hormonal Headaches: Hormonal headaches are a common issue that many women face. These headaches are often caused by changes in their hormones. According to the National Migraine Centre, over 50% of women who experience migraines have noticed a connection between their periods and these migraines. Referred to as "menstrual migraines," these headaches tend to be especially intense.
Sinus Headaches: Sinus headaches can frequently occur when you are ill or experiencing congestion. These headaches are triggered by inflammation in the sinus passages, leading to discomfort located behind the cheeks, nose, and eyes. The intensity of the pain tends to be at its peak upon waking up in the morning and when bending forward.
Exertion Headaches: Exertion headaches are characterized by their occurrence only during physical activity, especially when it involves tensing the muscles in the abdomen or increasing pressure in the chest. These activities can include straining on the toilet, lifting heavy objects, coughing, sneezing, and even engaging in sexual intercourse.
Tension Headaches: Tension headaches are characterized by pain that typically affects both sides of the head. The pain usually starts at the back of the head and gradually spreads forward. Tension headaches are the most prevalent form of headache pain experienced by individuals. Common triggers for tension headaches include eyestrain, stress, and hunger. Additionally, these types of headaches can become chronic and persist over a prolonged period of time.
What is a Migraine?
According to the National Headache Foundation 52% of people living with migraine disease are undiagnosed by a healthcare provider, Forty-two million Americans have migraines, migraine attacks typically start during adolescence or in their 20s, migraine is misdiagnosed as tension (a catch-all phrase) or sinus headache (a relatively rare condition) almost as frequently as it is correctly diagnosed, migraine affects 13% of the population, one in every four U.S. households has someone living with migraine, and 70% of all people living with migraine disease are women.
When the term migraine is mentioned, many individuals immediately associate it with a headache. Ask anyone who suffers from migraines and they will strongly disagree. Migraines encompass more than just headaches, as they can vary in intensity, duration and can be debilitating to many.
Migraines are a neurological condition that involves nerve pathways and chemicals. These changes in brain activity impact the flow of blood in the brain and surrounding tissues, resulting in a wide range of symptoms. Apart from intense head pain, individuals suffering from migraines may also experience any combination of the following symptoms:
excruciating headache pain suddenly occurring without warning, usually felt on one side of the head
nausea
confusion
blurred vision
mood changes
fatigue
heightened sensitivity to light, sound, or noise
Four stages of a Migraine
Prodrome: In the days leading up to a migraine, you may observe subtle indications that signal the onset of a migraine. These signs may include constipation, alterations in mood ranging from feelings of depression to euphoria, cravings for certain foods, stiffness in the neck, heightened thirst and urination, or frequent yawning. To alleviate these symptoms and prevent migraines, consider exploring acupuncture as a potential solution.
Aura: Aura symptoms often encompass temporary visual or other disturbances that typically manifest prior to the onset of other common migraine symptoms, such as intense head pain, feelings of nausea, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. It is worth noting that these migraine aura episodes typically occur approximately an hour before the commencement of head pain and tend to subside within a span of less than an hour.
Main Attack: Migraine pain typically occurs on one side of the head, particularly at the onset of an attack. However, it is possible to experience pain on both sides or throughout the entire head. At this stage, individuals may also experience symptoms such as nausea (sickness) and vomiting (being sick). Additionally, sensitivity to light, sound, smell, and motion may be present.
Post-dromal phase: The migraine hangover is actually a symptom of the migraine attack itself, rather than being a separate reaction to the attack. This means that the cause of the lingering migraine hangover feeling is the same as what initially triggered your migraine attack, even if that occurred a few days ago.
What triggers Migraines?
Migraine headaches are often triggered by hormonal changes in women, particularly fluctuations in estrogen during different stages of their life, such as before or during menstrual periods, pregnancy, and menopause. Other common triggers include certain drinks, stress, sensory stimuli, sleep disturbances, physical exertion, weather changes, and even medications.
What kind of treatments are there?
Western medicine usually prescribes preventative and abortive medication for migraines. For headaches, over the counter pain relievers usually do the trick. However, long term medication usage cause long term effects of which can take toll on the liver and other internal organs.
Non- drug treatments include Acupuncture, biofeedback therapy, massage therapy, heat and cold application, incorporate relaxation techniques, maintain proper sleep and diet habits, engage in regular exercise, and avoid behaviors or situations that may trigger an attack.
How can Acupuncture help?
In a comprehensive analysis of 22 clinical trials encompassing 4985 participants, it has been established that acupuncture presents compelling evidence in reducing the frequency of migraines. Moreover, the efficacy of acupuncture appears to be comparable to that of preventive medications. Notably, up to 59% of individuals who undergo acupuncture experience a substantial decrease in migraines and headache frequency by at least 50%, with these effects lasting for more than six months.
Acupuncture is a therapeutic practice that aims to maintain the harmonious flow of energy, known as "qi" (chee), throughout the body's meridians. To achieve this balance, an acupuncturist strategically inserts needles at specific points. Each session lasts approximately 30-50 minutes, and it is recommended that patients undergo a minimum of ten sessions, usually scheduled one to two times per week. Furthermore, dietary and lifestyle modifications may be suggested by your acupuncturist.
Is Acupuncture safe?
Practitioners are nationally certified through NCCAOM, licensed by their state's department of health, have taken well over 2300 of training for their Masters as well as spending numerous hours on continuing education to provide top notch quality treatments. Acupuncture is a safe treatment.
Do you still have questions? Set up a consultation to get a personal insight on how these treatments can work for you!
