Migraine or Tension Headache? How to Tell the Difference

Headaches can be frustrating, painful, and often misunderstood. For some, they feel like pressure across the forehead; for others, a throbbing pain that lasts for days. But not all headaches are the same — and the right treatment depends on identifying which type you have.

At Modal Pain, we help patients uncover the true source of their headaches. Whether it’s a migraine triggered by neurological changes or a tension headache caused by muscle and nerve irritation in the neck, our goal is lasting, non-surgical relief tailored to your body.

Tension Headaches: The Everyday Pressure Pain

Tension headaches are the most common and are usually linked to muscle tightness and stress. They often start in the neck or shoulders and feel like a dull pressure around the head.

Common Signs

• Steady, tightening pain on both sides of the head
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Worsening pain with stress or fatigue
• Relief after rest or massage

Common Causes

Poor posture, long screen time, dehydration, lack of sleep, or emotional stress can all contribute to tension headaches.

How Modal Pain Treats It

We address tension headaches by treating the source — not just the symptom.

• Trigger Point Injections relieve chronic muscle tension.
• Medial Branch Blocks target irritated joints in the neck that send pain to the head.
• Postural Re-education & Therapy corrects mechanical stress that triggers tightness.

Migraines: More Than Just a Headache

Migraines are a complex neurological condition that can last hours to days. They often cause severe, throbbing pain and come with additional symptoms that affect vision, mood, and energy.

Common Signs

• Pulsating pain, often on one side of the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Visual “aura” or flashes of light before onset

Common Triggers

Hormonal changes, skipped meals, caffeine or red wine, sensory overload, weather shifts, and disrupted sleep patterns.

How Modal Pain Treats It

At our Midtown Manhattan clinic, we provide advanced, targeted migraine care:

• Botox® Injections – reduce the frequency and severity of chronic migraines.
• Facial Nerve Injections – Interrupt nerve pathways that transmit headache pain.
• Medial Branch Blocks – For migraines linked to cervical (neck) joint irritation or cervicogenic causes.

We combine these procedures with wellness-based strategies to minimize triggers and enhance recovery.

Migraine vs. Tension Headache: Key Differences

Recovery and What to Expect

Most patients notice improvement within a few days to two weeks after treatment.
Full relief typically develops over 4–6 weeks, depending on your condition and care plan.

Our team provides personalized follow-up, rehabilitation guidance, and preventive care to help you stay pain-free long-term.

When to See a Specialist

Seek medical care if you experience:

• Headaches more than twice a week
• Pain that worsens over time
• Vision changes or dizziness
• Headaches after a neck injury

Early diagnosis can prevent chronic nerve irritation and improve quality of life.

Find Relief at Modal Pain

You don’t have to live with constant headaches or migraines. At Modal Pain, our experts identify the root cause and provide safe, effective, non-surgical treatments — so you can regain focus, clarity, and control.

📞 Call or text us at +1 (646) 290-6660
📧 Email info@modalpain.com
💻 Schedule your consultation today.