HEADACHES & MIGRAINES
Understanding Headaches & Migraines
Headaches can have many different causes and can vary considerably in how they feel, how often they occur, and how they affect daily life. Some headaches may be influenced by the neck, surrounding muscles, or other musculoskeletal factors, while migraines are a neurological condition with their own features and triggers. Understanding the type of headache you’re experiencing is an important part of determining what care may be appropriate.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR SYMPTOMS
Not all headaches are the same.
Headache symptoms can overlap, but different types of headaches may require different approaches. A careful history and assessment can help determine whether musculoskeletal factors may be contributing to your symptoms and whether chiropractic care is appropriate.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
Pain or pressure around the head
Pain beginning around the neck or base of the skull
Headaches associated with neck stiffness or movement
Pain around the temples, forehead, or behind the eyes
Sensitivity to light or sound
Nausea or other symptoms associated with migraine
COMMON CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
Neck joint or muscle irritation
Reduced neck or upper-back mobility
Prolonged or repetitive positions
Jaw tension or TMJ-related symptoms
Previous neck injury or whiplash
Individual migraine triggers
The location of a headache doesn't always identify its cause.
Understanding your symptoms, triggers, health history, and associated neck or jaw symptoms can help determine the most appropriate next step.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Finding the factors we can influence.
Not every headache is caused by a musculoskeletal problem, and chiropractic treatment isn’t appropriate for every type of headache. Our first priority is understanding your symptoms and determining whether factors involving your neck, upper back, jaw, or surrounding muscles may be contributing.
Thorough Assessment
We’ll discuss your headache pattern, associated symptoms, health history, previous injuries, and potential triggers while assessing relevant movement, joints, and muscles.
Hands-On Care
When appropriate, care may include joint mobilization, chiropractic adjustments, and soft tissue therapy aimed at addressing relevant musculoskeletal factors.
If a neck adjustment isn’t the right option for you—or you’re simply not comfortable with one—we’ll discuss alternative treatment approaches and develop a plan that aligns with your comfort level.
Rehabilitation
Mobility, strengthening, and movement exercises may be used to address physical factors associated with your symptoms.
Education
We’ll help you better understand potential triggers and contributing factors and provide practical strategies for managing them between appointments.
If your symptoms don’t appear appropriate for chiropractic care or require further investigation, we’ll explain our concerns and help guide you toward the appropriate next step.
TAKING THE NEXT STEP
Understanding your patterns can be valuable.
Track Your Headaches
Keeping track of when headaches occur, how long they last, associated symptoms, and possible triggers can provide useful information when determining what’s contributing to them.
Pay Attention to Your Daily Demands
Workstation setup, prolonged positions, sleep, physical activity, stress, hydration, and other individual factors may influence headache patterns. Identifying patterns can help determine which factors are worth addressing.
Consider an Assessment If:
- Headaches are occurring regularly
- Headaches appear alongside neck pain or stiffness
- Symptoms interfere with work, sleep, exercise, or everyday activities
- Your headache pattern has changed or you’re unsure what’s contributing
*Please note that these are general examples and do not replace medical advice.
Seek Urgent Medical Attention If:
- A sudden, extremely severe headache unlike your usual headaches
- A new severe headache following significant head or neck trauma
- Headache with new weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion, fainting, or significant vision changes
- Headache accompanied by fever and significant neck stiffness
- A new or significantly changing headache pattern that concerns you
*Please note that these are general examples and do not replace medical advice.
Let's build a plan that works for you.
Whether you’re recovering from an injury, dealing with ongoing pain, or looking to improve the way you move, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.