Can Stress Cause Migraines?
Stress is a well-known trigger for many health issues, but what about migraines? If you’ve ever asked yourself, can stress cause migraines, or wondered does stress cause migraines, the short answer is yes. Stress plays a significant role in triggering migraines for many people, though it’s rarely the only factor involved.
At Bangalow Headache Neck & Jaw Clinic, we help people understand the full picture behind their migraine symptoms. If stress is part of what’s driving your pain, there are targeted, natural ways to manage it.
The Link Between Stress and Migraines
Stress does not directly cause migraines, but it can trigger them by activating specific biological pathways. In a 2024 study, researchers identified PACAP38 as a neuropeptide released during prolonged stress that inflames and sensitises the trigeminovascular system, precisely the mechanism that can initiate migraine pain.
Another notable finding comes from a diary-based study, which examined migraine patterns related to stress levels. The study showed that in the six hours following a sudden drop in stress, the risk of migraine onset was nearly five times higher, highlighting the so-called “let-down migraine” and underscoring the need for steady stress management.
Stress Migraine Symptoms
Stress-related migraines often present with warning signs before the pain fully sets in. These symptoms may include:
- A tight or heavy feeling in the neck and shoulders
- Pulsing or throbbing head pain, often on one side
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
- Nausea or digestive upset
- Mood changes such as irritability or anxiety
These signs might appear during high-stress periods or just after, which makes tracking patterns over time important.
Why Stress Can Make Migraines Worse
When stress becomes chronic, it keeps your body in a heightened state of tension. Over time, this can lower your threshold for recovering between migraine attacks, making episodes more frequent and harder to manage. Stress also disrupts sleep, affects muscle function, alters posture, and increases sensitivity within the nervous system.
For many people, stress is stored physically in the neck, jaw, and shoulders. These areas can become overactive and irritated, feeding into a cycle of tension and pain. This tension can overstimulate the brainstem, a key structure involved in migraine generation. At Bangalow Headache Clinic, our treatment specifically targets this sensitisation of the brainstem by addressing the upper cervical spine and restoring proper movement patterns, helping calm the nervous system and reduce migraine activity at the source.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
At Bangalow Headache Neck & Jaw Clinic, we believe in treating migraines naturally by addressing the physical and neurological triggers that stress can cause. For those whose migraines are influenced by stress, our combination of manual therapy and personalised lifestyle support often leads to excellent results.
According to the Cleveland Clinic’s article on positional headaches, changes in posture and shifts in pressure or fluid within the skull can intensify head pain, particularly when moving from lying down to sitting or standing. This lines up with what we observe: poor posture during periods of stress can strain the upper neck, tighten muscles, and lead to additional brainstem sensitisation.
Research also suggests that a sensitised brainstem plays a central role in migraine pathophysiology, particularly in individuals with chronic or stress-related migraine. A 2012 review published in the Journal of Neuroscience outlines how repeated stimulation and dysfunction in the upper cervical spine can contribute to persistent brainstem sensitisation and migraine symptoms.
Here’s how our approach supports lasting change:
- Gentle manual therapy
We use non-invasive techniques to release tension in the neck, shoulders, and jaw. This eases strain on sensitive tissues and helps reduce central sensitisation.
- Posture education and correction
Postural errors often underlie positional headaches. We guide you through subtle adjustments and exercises to realign the spine and reduce forward head posture.
- Jaw assessment and treatment
Stress often shows up as jaw clenching or grinding. Our assessments identify jaw-related tension and correct mechanics to prevent that tension from triggering migraine episodes.
- Movement and stress relief strategies
We teach practical, body-centred ways to break the stress-tension cycle, such as breathing techniques, gentle stretching, and movement breaks designed to reduce physical stress before it builds into pain. - Collaborative care
When needed, we connect with psychologists, neurologists, GPs, or other providers to ensure a fully rounded approach. This helps safeguard your nervous system and supports recovery from multiple angles.
Can Migraines Be Prevented?
In many cases, yes. Prevention means identifying what your triggers are and working to reduce or manage them. When stress is part of the pattern, a prevention plan should include lifestyle habits as well as physical treatment.
We often recommend:
- Keeping a migraine journal to spot stress-related patterns
- Prioritising good sleep habits and hydration
- Strengthening neck and shoulder muscles
- Staying active without overloading the body
- Using movement and breathwork to manage tension before it builds
Learn more about our natural, hands-on approach to migraine treatment, or read our guide, Can migraines be prevented, for more prevention techniques.
When to Seek Support
If your migraines seem linked to stress, or if they’re becoming more frequent or more painful, it may be time for a deeper look. At Bangalow Headache Neck & Jaw Clinic, we offer a comprehensive assessment to explore the physical causes behind your symptoms, so we can build a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Common signs that stress is playing a role include:
- Migraines during or after stressful periods
- Ongoing tension in the neck or jaw
- Pain that increases with posture or movement
- Poor sleep or low energy alongside migraine symptoms
You don’t need to live in constant worry about your next migraine. We’re here to help, naturally and effectively.
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Michael Hayward is a physiotherapist with 28 years experience. With 24 years in private practice working in musculoskeletal injuries covering the whole body and special interest in sports injury and headaches, Michael developed a keen interest in new and proven techniques for treating headaches, migraines, jaw pain & dizziness .
