Migraines: Understanding Triggers, Neck Involvement, and Management Options

Migraines are a complex and often debilitating type of headache that affect a significant proportion of the population. For some people, migraines occur occasionally, while for others they can be frequent, severe, and disruptive to work, family life, and overall wellbeing.

Unlike tension-type headaches, migraines involve changes in how the nervous system processes pain and sensory information. Understanding common migraine features, triggers, and contributing factors can help people better manage symptoms and know when further assessment is appropriate.

What Is a Migraine?

A migraine is more than “just a bad headache.” It is a neurological condition characterised by episodes of head pain that are often accompanied by additional symptoms.

Migraines commonly involve:

• moderate to severe head pain
• pain that is throbbing or pulsating
• symptoms affecting one side of the head (though both sides can be involved)
• sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
• nausea or vomiting
• worsening with physical activity

Some people also experience neurological symptoms before or during a migraine, such as visual disturbances, known as migraine aura.

Common Migraine Triggers

Migraine triggers vary widely between individuals. What provokes a migraine in one person may not affect another.

Commonly reported triggers include:

• stress or changes in stress levels
• poor or disrupted sleep
• dehydration
• skipped meals
• hormonal changes
• prolonged screen use
• neck or shoulder tension
• changes in routine

Identifying personal triggers can be an important part of managing migraine frequency.

The Role of the Neck in Migraines

Many people with migraines also report neck pain, stiffness, or tension either before, during, or after a migraine episode. This has led to increasing interest in the relationship between the neck and migraine symptoms.

In some cases:

• neck pain may act as a trigger
• neck stiffness may be part of the migraine itself
• musculoskeletal tension may amplify symptoms

It is important to note that migraines are not “caused” by neck problems alone. However, addressing neck-related contributors may play a role in managing symptoms for some people, particularly when neck pain is consistently present.

Migraines vs Other Headache Types

Because headache types can overlap, migraines are sometimes confused with other presentations.

In general:

• Tension-type headaches tend to be milder and pressure-like
• Cervicogenic headaches originate from the neck
• Migraines involve neurological sensitivity and systemic symptoms

Some people experience more than one headache type, which is why careful assessment is important.

Why Assessment Matters

Migraines are complex, and not all migraines respond to the same strategies. Assessment helps clarify:

• headache type and pattern
• frequency and severity
• presence of neck or musculoskeletal involvement
• lifestyle or trigger-related contributors
• whether referral or co-management is appropriate

A structured assessment ensures care is tailored rather than based on assumptions.

Conservative Management Approaches

Migraine management often involves a combination of strategies rather than a single solution. Depending on individual presentation, conservative care may focus on:

• identifying and managing triggers
• improving sleep and daily routines
• addressing neck and shoulder tension where present
• improving movement tolerance
• supporting self-management strategies

These approaches are typically part of a broader, individualised management plan.

When to Seek Further Medical Advice

Further medical assessment is recommended if headaches:

• are sudden and severe
• change in character or frequency
• are associated with neurological symptoms
• are accompanied by unexplained weight loss or fever
• do not respond to conservative strategies

A healthcare professional can help guide appropriate investigation or referral where needed.

Migraines and Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care does not treat migraines as a neurological disease. However, for some people, chiropractic care may form part of a broader management approach when neck pain, stiffness, or movement restriction are present.

Any care approach should be discussed clearly, with realistic expectations and appropriate referral where indicated.

Managing Migraines in Midland

At Midland Chiropractic Care, we commonly see people who experience migraines alongside neck pain or musculoskeletal tension. Our role is to assess contributing physical factors, provide education, and support appropriate management within a broader healthcare context.

If you experience migraines and would like a clearer understanding of whether neck or movement-related factors may be contributing, an assessment can help guide next steps.

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