Headache & Migraine Relief in Naperville | Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
- Richard R. Fay, DC
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, yet they can feel very different from person to person. Some are mild and temporary, while others are intense, recurring, or linked to other symptoms like nausea or dizziness.
If you’ve ever wondered “Why do headaches happen?” or “What type of headache do I have?”, this will help you understand the differences and what you can do for relief.
Are Headaches and Migraines the Same?
No. While both cause head pain, a migraine is a neurological condition that often includes severe throbbing pain, nausea, light sensitivity, or even visual disturbances (aura). A headache, on the other hand, is a broader term that can describe tension headaches, cluster headaches, sinus headaches, and more.
Are Headaches Normal?
Occasional headaches are common, especially from stress, dehydration, poor posture, or lack of sleep. However, frequent or severe headaches are not normal and may signal an underlying issue that needs professional care.
Common Symptoms Linked to Headaches
Can headaches cause nausea?
Yes. Migraines are especially likely to cause nausea or vomiting.
Can headaches cause dizziness?
Yes. Changes in blood flow or tension can lead to lightheadedness or balance problems.
Can headaches cause neck pain?
Yes. Tension headaches often radiate into the neck and shoulders.
Can headaches cause eye pain?
Yes. Sinus headaches and migraines commonly cause pain behind or around the eyes.
How Do Headaches Happen?
Headaches occur when pain-sensitive structures in the head or neck are triggered. Common causes include:
Muscle tension (stress, poor posture, teeth grinding)
Sinus congestion or allergies
Vascular changes in the brain (common with migraines)
Hormonal fluctuations
Lifestyle factors (dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, skipped meals, lack of sleep)
What Type of Headache Do I Have?
Headache in the front of the head
Often related to sinus congestion or tension headaches.
Headache in the back of the head
Usually tension or posture-related headaches, especially from tight neck muscles.
Headache in your temples
Can be tension headaches or migraines.
Headache on top of the head
Often linked to tension headaches or less common primary headache types.
Headache behind the eyes
Common with migraines and sinus-related headaches.
Why Do Headaches Happen After a Workout?
Exercise-related headaches are often triggered by dehydration, exertion, or tight neck/shoulder muscles. They can also happen if you’re holding your breath during lifts or not stretching properly. Staying hydrated, warming up, and addressing posture can help reduce them.
When Headache Medicine Doesn’t Work
Sometimes, patients find it difficult to stop taking headache medications because doing so can trigger a “rebound headache”—a headache caused by overuse of pain-relief medication. This can make it harder to recover and may create a cycle of ongoing pain.
Natural treatments like chiropractic care and acupuncture target the root cause of headaches rather than just masking symptoms, helping patients gradually reduce reliance on medication while achieving lasting relief.
Chiropractic & Acupuncture for Headaches
Chiropractic care and acupuncture are both effective ways to relieve headaches, often complementing each other. Chiropractic treatment can help reduce tension, improve posture, and ease nerve irritation, while acupuncture works to balance the nervous system, improve circulation, and calm overactive pain pathways.
👉Many patients find that combining both therapies provides the most lasting relief.
If you’re unsure, our team can evaluate your symptoms and guide you toward the best treatment plan.
Natural Headache Relief in Naperville
While medications may provide short-term relief, natural treatments like chiropractic and acupuncture often target the root cause. At DuPage Health & Physical Therapy Center in Naperville, we create personalized care plans to reduce headache frequency and intensity.
FAQ: Headaches & Migraine Treatment
Are headaches and migraines the same?
No. Migraines are a neurological condition with additional symptoms such as nausea and light sensitivity, while headaches may result from tension, posture, or sinus issues.
Can headaches cause nausea or dizziness?
Yes. Migraines often trigger nausea, while both migraines and tension headaches may cause dizziness.
Why do I get headaches after working out?
Exercise-related headaches can be caused by dehydration, exertion, or muscle tension. Staying hydrated and warming up may help.
Ready to Live Headache-Free in Naperville?
Headaches may be common, but they are not something you should “just live with.” If your headaches are interfering with work, sleep, or daily life, now is the time to take action. The sooner you find the root cause, the sooner you can finally experience relief.
At DuPage Health & Physical Therapy Center in Naperville, our team specializes in helping patients overcome chronic headaches and migraines using safe, natural, and effective care. Don’t wait for the next headache to strike—schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward lasting relief.
📞 Call us at 331-401-5900 or 📅 Book Your Appointment Now
📍 Naperville’s trusted choice for headache and migraine care
