The difference between a migraine and a headache isn’t as clear cut as many assume, especially once you realize a migraine is a type of headache. In this post, we’ll explore the key differences between migraines and headaches, their causes, symptoms, and how massage therapy can help alleviate the discomfort associated with both.

What is a Headache?
A headache is a general term used to describe any pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck area. Headaches can vary in intensity and duration, and they are typically classified into two main types: primary and secondary.
Primary headaches are not caused by another condition but are due to factors like tension, stress, or even posture. The most common type of primary headache is the tension headache, which is often described as a dull, constant ache around the forehead or at the back of the neck. Cluster headaches, another type of primary headache, are intense and typically occur in clusters over a period of weeks or months, but these are much less common than tension headaches.
Secondary headaches, on the other hand, are symptoms of an underlying condition such as a sinus infection, dehydration, or even a more serious issue like a concussion or brain tumor.
Common headache symptoms include:
- Dull, throbbing, or pressure-like pain
- Sensitivity to light or sound (in some cases)
- Pain that’s generally localized to one area of the head or neck
- Tension in the neck or shoulders

What is a Migraine?
Migraines, while also causing pain in the head, are a specific neurological condition that involves more complex mechanisms in the brain. Unlike typical headaches, migraines are often associated with additional symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and heightened sensitivity to light and sound. Symptoms can progress to numbness and tingling in the face, arms, and hands, and an inability to effectively communicate. The pain associated with migraines is usually more severe and can last anywhere from several hours to several days.
Migraines can be triggered by various factors such as hormonal changes, certain foods, stress, lack of sleep, or environmental changes like weather or light levels. Some people also experience aura, a set of visual disturbances or sensory changes (such as seeing flashing lights or experiencing tingling sensations) before the headache pain sets in. Although the visual aura is commonly considered the differentiating feature between a headache and a migraine, in actuality it is only seen in about 20% of migraines.
Common migraine symptoms include:
- Moderate to severe throbbing or pulsating pain, often on one side of the head
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Visual disturbances (e.g., aura)
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smells
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Pain that can last anywhere from 4 hours to 72 hours
Key Differences Between Migraines and Headaches
While both migraines and headaches cause head pain, the intensity, duration, and associated symptoms set them apart.

How Can Massage Therapy Help?
Massage therapy can be an effective treatment for both headaches and migraines, offering relief from tension, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation. By addressing the root causes—such as muscle tightness in the neck, shoulders, and scalp or nerve irritation—massage can help reduce the frequency and intensity of both types of head pain.
Therapeutic massage focusing on the neck, shoulders, and upper back can relieve muscle tightness and improve blood flow, reducing the discomfort of tension headaches. Techniques like Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, or trigger point therapy can help relax muscle spasms and promote overall relaxation.
At Rapid Relief we use Neurofascial Reset (NFR) to treat both migraines and headaches. Migraines are often linked to nervous system dysregulation, where the brain's pain pathways become hypersensitive. In some cases, an overactive or "misfiring" nervous system can contribute to both the onset and intensity of migraine attacks. NFR specifically targets the nervous system by resetting its response to stimuli. In the case of migraines and headaches, the muscles around the eyes and nerves of the face are treated by using precise, controlled pressure and movements. NFR can help calm an overstimulated nervous system, reduce pain signals, and potentially reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.

This neurological reset also helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, which plays a role in many pain disorders, including headaches and migraines. By restoring a more balanced response to stimuli, NFR can be effective in reducing the discomfort and pain that often accompany these conditions.
Conclusion
While both conditions involve head pain, migraines are a more complex neurological disorder, while headaches are often related to muscle tension, stress, or other lifestyle factors. Massage therapy can offer significant relief by targeting areas of muscle tension, promoting relaxation, and helping clients manage their symptoms more effectively.
If you’re interested in learning more about how massage therapy can benefit those with headaches and migraines, or to book an appointment, please reach out and we’ll be happy to help.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you are experiencing chronic or severe headaches or migraines, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Always seek the advice of your doctor or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.