Have you ever had two headaches at the same time? As surprising as it sounds, it’s possible—and it even has a name. A Mixed Tension Migraine (also called a transformed migraine, chronic migraine, or chronic daily headache) happens when a tension headache and a migraine headache overlap.
If you’ve experienced these, you’re likely familiar with the crushing pain of migraines. But you may not know what a tension headache is—or why you suddenly have both at once.
What Is a Tension Headache?
A tension headache is one of the most common headache types, often causing pain:
- Behind the eyes
- Around the head
- In the neck
They are typically caused by muscle contractions triggered by stress, strain, or daily habits.
Common Triggers Include:
- Alcohol*
- Eye strain
- Fatigue
- Smoking*
- Cold or flu
- Sinus infection*
- Caffeine*
- Poor posture
- Emotional stress*
(*These are also common migraine triggers, which is why the two can overlap.)
Why Do Both Happen Together?
Most people who develop mixed tension migraines already have a history of migraines. Over time, tension headaches may layer on top, making it difficult to distinguish between the two types of pain.
This overlap can lead to more frequent, severe, and harder-to-treat headaches.
Finding the Root Cause
Rather than just covering up symptoms, it’s important to identify and address the underlying cause of your headaches. One overlooked factor is a past head or neck injury, which can create:
- Misalignments in the upper neck
- Disrupted blood and cerebrospinal fluid flow
- Nerve interference
- Muscle imbalances around the head, neck, and spine
An upper cervical chiropractor specializes in this area. Through precise evaluation—including three-dimensional imaging—they can determine if misalignments in the C1 (Atlas) or C2 (Axis) vertebrae may be contributing to your headaches. Correcting these misalignments often restores balance, reduces pressure, and helps prevent future episodes.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
You don’t have to live with the constant cycle of migraines and tension headaches. Relief is possible when the root cause is addressed.
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Dr. Craig Lapenski at Advanced Spinal Care, in Graham, Washington is one of 27 Board Certified NUCCA Doctors worldwide. His clinic serves the highest quality upper cervical care in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Lapenski also serves a number of patients who are out of state including Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, New York, and more! He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines, headaches, fibromyalgia, vertigo, neck pain, back pain, and more. More information can be found on our website at https://www.nuccawashington.com/