Headaches that start in your neck deserve a closer look.
Many recurring headaches are tension-type or cervicogenic, meaning they are driven by tight muscles and stiff joints in the neck and upper back. Those are the headaches chiropractic care and rehab are commonly used for, and the ones we evaluate in our Long Beach office.
Which headaches we commonly see
- Tension-type headaches: a band-like pressure across the forehead, temples or back of the head
- Cervicogenic headaches: pain that starts in the neck or base of the skull and spreads forward, often on one side
- Headaches tied to desk work, screen time, jaw clenching or poor sleep
- Headaches that began after a whiplash or sports injury
What about migraines?
Migraine and other primary headache conditions are managed by medical providers. Some patients with migraines also have neck tension that we can address alongside their medical care, but we will never suggest chiropractic care replaces it.
How we evaluate and treat neck-related headaches
- 01Headache historyWhere it starts, how often, how long it lasts, and what triggers or eases it. A simple headache log helps a lot.
- 02Neck and upper back examRange of motion, joint movement, muscle tension, posture and a neurological screen.
- 03Targeted careGentle adjustments or mobilization, soft-tissue work for the neck and shoulders, and deep neck flexor strengthening.
- 04Daily habitsScreen height, breaks, sleep position, hydration and stress. Small changes often reduce how often headaches return.
Headaches that need emergency care
Call 911 or go to an emergency room for any headache that is:
- Sudden and severe, the worst headache of your life
- Accompanied by confusion, weakness, numbness, trouble speaking or vision loss
- Accompanied by fever and a stiff neck
- New after a head injury, or new and progressive after age 50
This page is educational and is not medical advice. Results vary, and whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you is decided after an in-person evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
Can a chiropractor help with headaches?
Research supports manual therapy and exercise for tension-type and cervicogenic headaches. Results vary, so we track how often and how strongly your headaches occur to see whether care is helping.
How do I know if my headache comes from my neck?
Clues include pain that starts at the base of the skull, gets worse with certain neck positions, or comes with neck stiffness. A hands-on exam is the best way to tell.
Do you treat migraines?
Migraines should be diagnosed and managed by a medical provider. If you also have neck and shoulder tension, we can work on that alongside your medical care.
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Your health isn’t built during one appointment. It’s built through what you do every day.
Prefer to talk? Call (562) 277-1910