Headaches and migraines are common, but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. While many people experience these conditions intermittently, neglecting frequent or severe headaches can lead to chronic pain and affect your overall well-being. Migraines, in particular, are not just a “bad headache”—they can cause debilitating symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light, and extreme discomfort.
The misconception that headaches are harmless because they often “go away” on their own can be dangerous. Chronic headaches or recurring migraines could signal underlying health issues that require professional attention. Early intervention by a headache specialist or a migraine specialist in Singapore is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment, helping you avoid long-term complications and improve your quality of life.
At OHC, our specialists are dedicated to providing tailored treatment plans to help you manage and relieve headaches and migraines.
Headaches and Migraines are some of the leading health problems in Singapore
Headaches and migraines are common yet serious health issues affecting many in Singapore. While a headache might seem like a minor nuisance, for some, it becomes a debilitating problem, especially when it escalates to migraines. These conditions are not only uncomfortable but can also significantly impact daily life. In fact, migraines alone cost Singapore $1.04 billion in economic losses last year.
It’s crucial not to ignore recurring headaches, as early intervention can prevent long-term complications. If you’re struggling with frequent headaches, seeking help from a headache specialist or migraine specialist in Singapore can offer effective treatment options tailored to your needs.
Differences Between Headaches and Migraines
While both headaches and migraines involve head pain, the nature, intensity, and associated symptoms of these conditions can vary significantly. Knowing the differences between migraine vs headache can help you identify which condition you might be experiencing and seek the proper treatment.
Tension Headache vs Migraine
Tension headaches are often caused by emotional, mental, or physical stress and are more common than migraines. The pain typically feels like a tight band around the forehead or pressure on the sides of the head. While the discomfort can be tiring, it is usually less intense than a migraine.
In contrast, migraines typically affect one side of the head and are much more severe. Migraines are also often accompanied by symptoms like light sensitivity, aura, or visual disturbances such as bright lines or dots.
Sinus Headache vs Migraine
A sinus headache is usually linked to a runny or stuffy nose, indicating a sinus infection. The mucus associated with sinus headaches tends to thicken and may become yellowish. However, a migraine can also cause similar symptoms, but the mucus tends to remain clear and runny.
Cluster Headache vs Migraine
Cluster headaches, like migraines, affect one side of the head but tend to strike suddenly with sharp, piercing pain, often described as a stabbing sensation near the eye or temple. They can also cause symptoms like a stuffy nose and teary eyes. Unlike migraines, which usually begin with visual disturbances or aura, cluster headaches are more abrupt and can last for hours, while migraines can persist for days.
Common types of Headaches
Primary Headache
A Primary Headache is not a symptom of an underlying illness but rather a condition in itself. These headaches arise due to issues with the structures of the head and neck, such as overactivity in specific areas of the brain, blood vessels, muscles, nerves, or brain chemicals.
Secondary Headache
A Secondary Headache occurs as a symptom of another condition, such as Acute Sinusitis, Influenza, or Dehydration. The pain-sensitive nerves in the head become activated due to these illnesses, causing a headache. The severity of secondary headaches can vary significantly based on the underlying cause.
Tension Headache
Tension Headaches are the most common form of headache, especially among adults and teens. They are often described as a dull, aching pain or tightness around the forehead or even the back of the head and neck. Tension headaches are typically mild to moderate in intensity and can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. The cause of these headaches is not always clear but is often linked to stress, anxiety, poor posture, eye strain, sleep disruption, or dehydration.
There are two forms of Tension Headaches:
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Episodic Tension Headaches
Occur occasionally and may last from 30 minutes to a few hours.
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Chronic Tension Headaches
Occur more frequently and last longer.
Despite the discomfort, these headaches rarely interfere with daily activities.
Cervicogenic Headache
A Cervicogenic Headache is a chronic headache originating from issues in the cervical spine (neck) or base of the skull. This type of headache is often misdiagnosed as a migraine due to its similarity in symptoms. The pain is usually referred from the neck, specifically the atlanto-occipital and upper cervical joints, though the pain is often felt in the head.
Migraine Headache
A Migraine is a severe type of headache that is often recurrent and can last anywhere from four hours to three days. The pain is typically described as throbbing and is most commonly felt on one side of the head. Migraine headaches are aggravated by physical activity, light, sound, or movement. Migraines can also be accompanied by symptoms like light sensitivity (photophobia), nausea, dizziness, and sometimes vomiting. This form of headache can be debilitating and requires proper management for effective relief.
In general, all types of headaches can be associated with symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, vomiting, sensitivity to light, vertigo, tenderness of the scalp, and a tight feeling in the head. Understanding the different forms of headaches can help with identifying the correct type and obtaining appropriate treatment.
Why you should visit a Headache specialist in Singapore?
If you’re struggling with a headache at the back of your head or experiencing any form of persistent headache pain, it’s essential to consult a headache specialist in Singapore.
Headaches can vary significantly in type and severity, and seeking professional advice ensures that you receive the appropriate treatment tailored to your specific condition. Whether you’re dealing with migraines, tension headaches, or cervicogenic headaches, ignoring the early signs can be risky, as untreated headaches may lead to more severe issues, such as chronic pain or even more serious conditions like aneurysms or strokes.
Read more about the dangers of ignoring headaches.
At Orchard Health Clinic, our headache specialists offer comprehensive assessments and will recommend the best treatment options based on the forms of headache you are experiencing.
Common treatments include physical therapy, which involves techniques such as soft tissue release, gentle spinal manipulation, and targeted exercises to alleviate discomfort. These treatments aim to reduce nerve irritation, relieve muscular tension, improve circulation, correct misalignments, and increase joint mobility in the cervical spine.
We also provide rehabilitation advice, including lifestyle and nutrition recommendations to address common headache triggers. For further details, have a read through our Chronic Headaches: Possible Causes and Treatments article.
