{"id":27631,"date":"2023-06-28T07:00:08","date_gmt":"2023-06-28T07:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/?p=27631"},"modified":"2024-04-18T22:30:41","modified_gmt":"2024-04-18T22:30:41","slug":"recurring-headache-vs-migraine-whats-normal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/recurring-headache-vs-migraine-whats-normal\/","title":{"rendered":"Recurring headaches? No, that\u2019s not normal","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019ve all felt it \u2014 a throbbing head, pain radiating behind the eyes or an ache working up the neck.<\/p>\n

Headaches are one of the most common conditions we experience, but also one of the most under-treated.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople think it\u2019s normal to have these, but it\u2019s not,\u201d says Jennifer Rock, ARNP<\/a>, with MultiCare Rockwood Clinic Neurolog<\/a>y. \u201c\u2018Normal\u2019 is a minor headache a couple times a month, but generally, if you\u2019re having them two or three days a week \u2026 those are definitely times I want people to get seen by a doctor.\u201d<\/p>\n

Headaches come in a variety of forms and pain levels, making it challenging to know what your own \u201cnormal\u201d is, though.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the difference between a headache and migraine? When should you see a doctor? And what can you do to lessen them?<\/p>\n

Headache vs. migraine<\/h2>\n

The most common type of headache is a tension headache. Pain levels range from mild to moderate and can last from a few hours to a day if you\u2019re treating with over-the-counter pain relievers, Rock says. The pain is usually described as an ache or tightness.<\/p>\n

Migraines, however, occur more consistently and are often more debilitating, with the average pain reaching moderate to severe levels. Patients describe the pain as throbbing or pulsing.<\/p>\n

Migraines can last anywhere from a few hours to days, depending on the severity and how you\u2019re treating them, Rock says. Migraines are more likely to have lingering side effects even after pain has subsided, such as a \u201changover\u201d feeling, heavy head or aching. Migraine pain is often felt in only one side of the head, while headaches are felt on both sides.<\/p>\n

Other indicators of a migraine include visual auras (seeing spots or blurred vision) or sensitivity to smells, noise or light before the pain hits. Some people may also experience nausea and\/or vomiting.<\/p>\n

Why does my head hurt?<\/h2>\n

Unfortunately, the cause of a headache or migraine can be hard to pinpoint.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe biggest thing I see is [people] just don\u2019t drink water or they\u2019re not eating regularly,\u201d Rock says. \u201cYou need at least 64 ounces of water or sugar-free beverage in a day.\u201d<\/p>\n

The range of triggers can be overwhelming, she adds. Rock encourages patients to track their headaches to see if they can spot any patterns. You can typically identify a trend within about a month if you\u2019re consistent with tracking.<\/p>\n

Some causes are out of your control, such as family history, sex (women have increased risk), and changes in weather or barometric pressure. Other causes are within your control, though, such as sitting at a desk for prolonged periods, making repetitive motions, clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth at night.<\/p>\n

Specifically for migraines, stress and hormone fluctuations can be a major factor, as well as drastic changes in sleep patterns, Rock adds. Some dietary choices \u2014 foods high in preservatives or sugar, and alcohol \u2014 can trigger migraines as well. People with gluten or dairy intolerances may notice a reduction in headaches if following a restrictive diet.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can really frustrate people about why they have [headaches] when they\u2019re trying to take care of themselves,\u201d she says. \u201cThere isn\u2019t usually a specific injury or brain abnormality associated with it \u2014 sometimes people can just get them.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We\u2019ve all felt it \u2014 a throbbing head, pain radiating behind the eyes or an ache working up the neck. Headaches are one of the most common conditions we experience, but also one of the most under-treated. \u201cPeople think it\u2019s normal to have these, but it\u2019s not,\u201d says Jennifer Rock, ARNP, with MultiCare Rockwood Clinic […]<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":115,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[127,87,99,107],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27631","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-healthy-living","category-nutrition-wellness","category-primary-care","category-stroke-neuro"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nRecurring headaches? 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