Headaches and Chiropractic
Chiropractic and Headaches: What You Need to Know
Introduction
Headaches are a common part of life and can make even simple activities harder to manage. People of all ages experience them, and the pain can range from a mild nuisance to something that keeps you from enjoying work or time with friends. While some headaches are connected to other health conditions, many can be managed safely without medication. Chiropractic care takes a hands-on approach to relieve muscle tension, improve joint movement, and encourage small lifestyle changes, all with the goal of easing headaches naturally and helping you feel better for the long run.
Why Do I Get Neck-Related Headaches?
Many headaches originate from tight muscles and restricted joints in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Sitting at a desk for hours or staring at a screen can cause muscles to tighten and joints to stiffen, especially at the base of the skull. This often creates a dull, pressure-like pain felt around the forehead or the back of the head, and sometimes even a “heavy head” sensation or shoulder tension.
Common headache types include:
Tension headaches: Dull pressure around the head caused by muscle tightness. These usually allow you to continue with daily tasks.
Migraines: Intense throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, sometimes with nausea, sensitivity to light/sound, or vision changes called “auras.” Triggers include stress, lack of sleep, certain foods, and bright lights.
Physical problems like neck tension or poor posture often trigger tension headaches and sometimes migraines. Tightness can also lead to dizziness - sometimes called cervicogenic dizziness - caused by neck muscle strain or joint issues.
How Chiropractors Can Help
Chiropractors are trained to spot and treat the physical factors that trigger headaches, such as tight neck or shoulder muscles and stiff spinal joints. Your visit typically starts with a full consultation that covers your headache history and lifestyle factors, followed by a physical exam to identify areas of tension or reduced movement.
Once it’s clear the headache is linked to muscle or joint tension, chiropractors may use a combination of techniques:
Neck adjustments: Gentle movement of the cervical spine to ease tension in the surrounding muscles
Soft tissue therapy: Massage, stretching, or dry needling to relax muscles around the neck and shoulders.
Exercise guidance: Simple stretches and movements to keep muscles loose and joints mobile.
Your chiropractor may also teach you easy neck stretches and exercises to do at home, supporting long-term improvements between appointments. If your headaches are due to other health issues—like high blood pressure or vision strain, they’ll refer you to the appropriate professionals.