Neck pain and headaches can go hand-in-hand and is bothersome and can be debilitating if left untreated or treated incorrectly.  90% of the U.S. population gets a headache annually while 16-17% suffers from at least one migraine in their lifetime.  This calculates to over a billion worldwide experiencing a migraine in their lifetime.  The best question to ask a headache sufferer is, “Is this a new type of headache?”  This will rule out the possibility of a stroke or other underlying trauma to the brain.  Migraines are much more common in women than men with common migraines occurring more frequently than classic migraines.  A migraine that exhibits an “aura” is deemed a classic migraine.  The aura happens less than 30 minutes before the pain begins and the patient experiences visual illusions like halos around various objects.  Hearing and their sense of smell may also be affected.  Individuals suffering from classic migraines may experience nausea and vomiting.  On the other hand, common migraine sufferers never experience an aura.  The “pounding criteria” helps to diagnose whether or not a person might be suffering from a migraine and is demonstrated as follows: Pulsating, Onset of duration is 4-6 hours, Unilateral, Nausea, and Debilitating.  Three out of the five criteria can accurately diagnose a migraine headache versus another type of headache.  A neck pain doctor or chiropractor can make the necessary diagnosis in order to effectively treat the neck and/or headache patient.  Through complete physical examination, a case history including social behaviors and diet, possible imaging modalities such as x-ray a proper diagnosis can be sought.  A chiropractor will then adjust the neck with different techniques and apply physical therapy and modalities therefore relieving pain and increasing range of motion and the quality of life of the suffering patient.  While pain medication like Tylenol or Advil only temporally reduces the symptoms, chiropractic adjustments-with the help of lifestyle change eliminates the problem in its entirety.