Do you have a Headache or Migraine?

Do You Have a Headache or a Migraine?

Did you know that headaches and migraines are two different conditions — even though their symptoms can often feel quite similar?

At Osteopathic Movement South Yarra, we see many patients who experience regular head pain but aren’t sure which type they’re suffering from. Understanding the difference between headaches and migraines is the first step toward finding the right treatment and lasting relief.

Headaches: Common Causes and Symptoms

A headache is typically described as an aching or pressure-like pain in the head. It can range from mild to severe and is often felt in the temples, forehead, or base of the skull.

There are several common types of headaches, each with their own pattern and triggers:

1. Tension Headache

The most common type of headache, caused by tightening of the neck and scalp muscles.
Symptoms:

  • Dull, pressure-like pain on both sides of the head

  • Stiffness or tension in the neck and shoulders

  • Triggered by stress, fatigue, dehydration, or poor posture

2. Sinus Headache

These headaches are linked to sinus congestion and inflammation.
Symptoms:

  • Pain or pressure across the forehead, cheeks, and behind the eyes

  • Blocked or runny nose

  • Often associated with a cold, fever, or sinus infection

3. Cluster Headache

A less common but severe form of headache that occurs in cycles.
Symptoms:

  • Intense, burning or stabbing pain behind one eye

  • Red, watery eyes or nasal congestion on the same side

  • Short bursts of pain lasting 30 minutes to two hours

Migraines: More Than Just a Headache

A migraine is a more complex neurological condition involving changes in blood flow and nerve activity. The pain is typically one-sided, pulsating, and severe, often interfering with daily activities.

Common migraine symptoms include:

  • Pain behind one eye or temple

  • Throbbing pain that worsens with movement

  • Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Visual disturbances such as flashing lights or spots

Migraines With and Without Aura

Some migraine sufferers experience an aura — a group of sensory symptoms that occur before the headache begins.
Aura symptoms may include:

  • Visual changes (flashing lights, zigzag lines, blurred vision)

  • Tingling or numbness in the face or hands

  • A sense of confusion or “brain fog”

  • Heightened sensitivity to taste or smell

Not everyone experiences an aura, and symptoms can vary from one episode to another.

How Osteopathy Can Help

Headaches and migraines are among the most common reasons patients seek osteopathic treatment. Osteopaths take a whole-body approach, looking beyond the site of pain to address contributing factors such as:

Using gentle, hands-on techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, and cranial therapy, your osteopath can help relieve muscular tightness and improve blood flow to the head and neck.

You’ll also receive advice on:

  • Stretches and posture corrections for office or computer work

  • Hydration and relaxation strategies

  • Identifying and managing lifestyle triggers

By addressing both the physical and lifestyle factors that contribute to headaches and migraines, osteopathy offers a natural, drug-free approach to relief.

The Takeaway

Whether your pain stems from tension, posture, or migraine triggers, understanding what type of headache you’re experiencing is key to managing it effectively. Osteopathy can help reduce pain intensity, improve movement, and prevent recurrences through tailored hands-on care and education.

Book Your Appointment

If you’re suffering from frequent headaches or migraines, our experienced osteopaths can help you find relief and understand the underlying causes.

Learn more About our South Yarra osteopaths
Explore our Osteopathic Movement wellness centre
Book your appointment online

Written by Dr Dayne Sweres (B.AppSci (CompMed), M.Osteo) – Founder, Osteopathic Movement, South Yarra.

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