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Headaches

Headaches

Headaches have many possible causes. Some are related to the neck and soft tissues and respond well to manual therapy, while others need medical evaluation first.

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Understanding headaches

Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, and they vary widely in cause, location, and severity. Tension-type headaches involve tight muscles in the neck, scalp, and shoulders. Cervicogenic headaches originate from dysfunction in the cervical spine and refer pain to the head. Migraines are a neurological condition that can involve throbbing pain, sensitivity to light, and nausea. Understanding which type of headache you experience is important because the treatment approach differs for each.

Common causes

  • Tension and muscle tightness in the neck, shoulders, and scalp
  • Cervical spine dysfunction referring pain to the head
  • Migraines with neurological components such as aura or light sensitivity
  • Poor posture, especially forward head position from screen use
  • Jaw clenching, teeth grinding, or TMJ dysfunction
  • Stress, poor sleep, dehydration, or skipped meals
  • Previous neck injury or whiplash

What to expect during assessment

Your practitioner begins by asking about your headache pattern, including frequency, location, triggers, duration, and any associated symptoms like nausea or visual changes. A physical examination of the cervical spine, upper back, jaw, and surrounding muscles helps determine whether musculoskeletal factors are contributing. If your headache pattern suggests a non-musculoskeletal cause or includes red-flag symptoms, you will be referred for medical evaluation before proceeding with treatment.

How the clinic can help

When assessment indicates a musculoskeletal contribution, treatment may include chiropractic adjustments to the cervical and upper thoracic spine, massage therapy to release muscle tension and trigger points, and acupuncture for pain management. For cervicogenic headaches, restoring joint mobility in the upper neck often reduces both headache frequency and intensity. Your practitioner may also recommend postural exercises, ergonomic changes, and lifestyle modifications to help prevent recurrence.

Self-care and what you can do at home

Staying hydrated, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and managing stress can help reduce headache frequency. For tension-type headaches, gentle neck stretches and applying heat to the upper trapezius muscles may provide relief. Reducing screen time, adjusting your workstation ergonomics, and avoiding prolonged static postures are also beneficial. Keep a headache diary noting frequency, triggers, and duration to share with your practitioner.

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent or emergency medical care for a sudden severe "thunderclap" headache, headache with fever and stiff neck, headache after a head injury, vision changes, confusion, weakness on one side, or a new headache pattern that is significantly different from your usual experience. If you are unsure, contact a physician or emergency services.

Follow-along videos that may support care between visits. Your practitioner should confirm which ones fit your assessment.

Head & Neck

Stretches and exercises for the cervical spine, neck muscles, and jaw to relieve tension, improve mobility, and support posture.

6 videos

Browse all exercises & stretches

Common questions about headaches

Can a chiropractor help with headaches?
Chiropractors can assess whether musculoskeletal factors in the neck and upper back contribute to headaches. Cervicogenic and tension-type headaches often respond well to spinal adjustments and soft-tissue work. Not all headache types are suitable for chiropractic care, which is why assessment comes first.
What types of headaches does chiropractic treat?
Chiropractic care is most commonly associated with cervicogenic headaches originating from the neck and tension-type headaches. Migraines with a cervical component may also benefit from assessment. Cluster headaches and headaches with red-flag symptoms require medical evaluation before manual therapy.
Does acupuncture help with migraines?
Acupuncture is used by some patients alongside other treatments for migraine management. Research suggests it may help reduce frequency and intensity for certain individuals. Suitability depends on individual factors discussed during an assessment at the clinic.
How do I know if my headache is serious?
Seek urgent care for a sudden severe thunderclap headache, headache with fever and stiff neck, headache after a head injury, vision changes, confusion, or weakness on one side. New headache patterns that feel significantly different from your usual experience should also be evaluated by a physician.
What is a cervicogenic headache?
A cervicogenic headache originates from the joints, discs, or muscles of the cervical spine and refers pain to the head. It typically presents as one-sided pain that starts at the base of the skull and can radiate to the forehead or behind the eye. Neck stiffness and reduced range of motion are common accompanying symptoms.
How often should I see a chiropractor for headaches?
Frequency depends on the type and severity of your headaches and how you respond to treatment. Some patients start with two to three visits per week for the initial phase, tapering as symptoms improve. Your practitioner recommends a schedule based on your individual assessment findings and progress.