Conditions we treat
Headaches
Headaches that trace back to tension and misalignment in the neck. We treat the structural cause directly rather than just where the pain shows up.
The kind of headache we treat
Not every headache starts in the neck, so it's worth being direct about scope. What we treat here are tension-type and cervicogenic headaches, meaning headaches that actually originate from tightness or misalignment in the cervical spine, not migraines with neurological symptoms like visual disturbance, or headaches tied to another medical cause. If your headaches come with those kinds of symptoms, that needs a medical workup first, and we'll tell you that plainly.
How a neck problem turns into head pain
The nerves at the top of the cervical spine share a pathway with the trigeminal nerve, which carries pain signals from the face and head. That shared pathway is why irritation in the upper neck can be felt as pain behind the eyes, across the forehead, or at the base of the skull, rather than staying in the neck itself.
Forward head posture is one of the most common contributors we see. Every inch the head shifts forward adds load through the neck's muscles and joints, and headaches are often one of the first ways that extra strain shows up.
Common patterns
- Headaches paired with neck stiffness or a limited range of motion
- Pain that starts at the base of the skull and moves forward
- Headaches that get worse after long stretches at a desk or on a phone
- One-sided head pain tied to a stiff or restricted neck on the same side
How we treat cervicogenic headaches
Care focuses on correcting the underlying neck alignment and posture, using cervical adjustment, manual therapy, and rehab exercises, rather than just addressing where the headache is felt. Our Neck Pain Relief and Posture Correction service pages cover the details of how that plan is built.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if my headaches are coming from my neck?+
Headaches that come with neck stiffness, start at the base of the skull, or get worse with prolonged sitting or screen time are common signs. A structural exam can tell us more definitively.
Do you treat migraines?+
We focus on tension-type and cervicogenic headaches tied to the neck. If your headaches involve migraine symptoms like visual changes or are otherwise not clearly neck-related, we'll help point you toward the right kind of care.
Can poor posture really give me headaches?+
Yes. Forward head posture is one of the most common contributors to cervicogenic headaches we see, especially in people who spend a lot of time on a phone or laptop.
How fast can headache relief happen with chiropractic care?+
Some patients feel a difference after their first few visits, but lasting relief for a structural cause usually takes a full plan, not a single adjustment.
Is it safe to have my neck treated if I get frequent headaches?+
We start with a full history and exam before any treatment, specifically so we can rule out anything that needs a different kind of care first.
Next step
Dealing with headaches?
We'll walk through what's going on and whether this is the right fit for you.
Request an Appointment