Migraine & Tension Headaches: Differences in Treatment Options

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A woman with long dark hair touches her eyebrow with her eyes closed and mouth slightly open, appearing to be in discomfort.

Headaches are among the most common reasons people seek medical care, but not all headaches are created equal. Two of the most frequently experienced types are migraines and tension headaches, and while their symptoms may overlap, they have distinct causes, characteristics, and treatment paths.

At Allied Pain & Spine Institute, with multiple locations across the San Jose, CA area, our specialists provide personalized, evidence-based care for patients suffering from all types of chronic headaches. Whether you’re dealing with stress-related tension headaches or disabling migraine attacks, our team is here to help you find relief that lasts.

Tension Headaches: The Everyday Headache

Tension-type headaches are the most common form of headache, affecting up to 75% of adults, according to the World Health Organization.

Causes and Triggers:

  • Stress and anxiety
  • Poor posture or neck strain
  • Eye strain (especially from screens)
  • Fatigue or lack of sleep

Symptoms:

  • Mild to moderate pain
  • A “band-like” pressure around the forehead or back of the head
  • No nausea or light sensitivity
  • Typically bilateral (affecting both sides of the head)

Tension headaches are usually episodic, though some people experience chronic daily tension-type headaches, especially in high-stress environments like those in Silicon Valley tech roles or academic settings at San Jose State University.

Migraines: More Than Just a Headache

Migraines affect roughly 1 in 7 people worldwide, with nearly 39 million Americans suffering from them, according to the Migraine Research Foundation. They are neurological in nature and can be disabling.

Causes and Triggers:

  • Hormonal changes
  • Certain foods (e.g., chocolate, red wine, aged cheese)
  • Stress and sensory overload
  • Lack of sleep
  • Weather changes

Symptoms:

  • Throbbing or pulsating pain, often one-sided
  • Moderate to severe intensity
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
  • May be preceded by aura (visual disturbances, tingling)

Migraines can last hours to days and may significantly interfere with work and daily activities, particularly for professionals in fast-paced industries around downtown San Jose, Cupertino, or Santa Clara.

Tailored Treatment Options at Allied Pain & Spine Institute

Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to design treatment plans that target the underlying cause of your headaches—whether that’s muscle tension or neurological dysfunction.

Treatment for Tension Headaches:

  • Physical therapy and posture correction to relieve muscle strain
  • Trigger point injections for tight muscles in the neck and shoulders
  • Stress management, biofeedback, and relaxation techniques
  • Over-the-counter or prescription NSAIDs
  • Massage therapy or chiropractic care

We often work with local professionals from Campbell to Los Gatos, where desk jobs and tech-based careers frequently contribute to postural headaches.

Treatment for Migraines:

  • Preventive medications, including beta-blockers, antidepressants, or anti-seizure drugs
  • Acute migraine medications, such as triptans or gepants
  • Botox® injections (FDA-approved for chronic migraines)
  • Nerve blocks or SPG blocks for fast-acting relief
  • Lifestyle modifications and trigger identification
  • IV therapy for dehydration and migraine recovery

For chronic migraine sufferers in the Bay Area, our team also provides cutting-edge neuromodulation therapies and coordinates care with neurologists as needed.

Personalized Headache Care in San Jose and Surrounding Communities

At Allied Pain & Spine Institute, we recognize that no two headache sufferers are the same. Our clinics in San Jose, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill, Mountain View and San Leandro serve a diverse community with unique needs. From high-powered executives to busy parents, we take the time to understand your lifestyle and health goals—crafting a treatment plan that works for you.

Take Control of Your Headaches

Whether you’re battling daily tension headaches or unpredictable migraines, you don’t have to live in discomfort. Allied Pain & Spine Institute offers the advanced treatments and expert care you need to reclaim your comfort and quality of life.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient San Jose-area locations and start your journey toward lasting headache relief.

Posted on behalf of Allied Pain & Spine Institute