Headaches can make it hard to work, sleep, exercise, or enjoy time with family. Some feel like pressure around the temples, while others begin at the base of the skull or come with neck stiffness and tight shoulders.
For some people, the neck and upper back may be part of the problem. Long hours at a computer, frequent phone use, stress, poor sleep, and previous injuries can all contribute to muscle tension and restricted movement.
At Zurek Chiropractic, Dr. Bruce Zurek evaluates patients with headaches and neck discomfort to determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate.
Can Neck Problems Contribute to Headaches?
The muscles and joints of the neck support the head throughout the day. When these areas become stiff or irritated, discomfort can sometimes spread into the back of the head, temples, forehead, or area behind the eyes.
This may be more noticeable after long periods of computer work, driving, or looking down at a phone.
However, not every headache comes from the neck. Headaches can also be related to migraines, dehydration, illness, stress, medication, sleep problems, vision changes, hormones, and other health conditions.
If your headaches often occur with neck pain or stiffness, an evaluation can help determine whether the neck may be contributing.
What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?
A cervicogenic headache begins with a problem in the neck but causes pain that is felt in the head.
The pain may begin near the base of the skull and travel toward the forehead, temple, or around one eye.
Possible signs include:
- Pain that is usually worse on one side
- Reduced neck movement
- Head pain that changes when you move your neck
- Tenderness near the base of the skull
- Shoulder or upper-back tightness
- Discomfort after sitting in one position for a long time
These symptoms can overlap with other types of headaches, so an examination is important.
Tension Headaches and Migraines
Tension headaches and migraines are different conditions, even though some symptoms can overlap.
Tension Headaches
A tension headache may feel like pressure or a tight band around the forehead, temples, or back of the head.
Common triggers can include:
- Stress
- Muscle fatigue
- Long hours at a desk
- Poor sleep
- Eye strain
- Jaw clenching
Neck and shoulder tightness may also occur at the same time.
Migraines
Migraines are a neurological condition and may cause moderate to severe head pain.
Symptoms can include:
- Throbbing or pulsing pain
- Nausea
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to sound or smells
- Visual changes
Triggers vary from person to person.
Chiropractic care does not treat every cause of migraine, but it may help address neck stiffness or muscle tension that occurs along with some migraine episodes.
Learn more about chiropractic care for headaches and migraines.
How Chiropractic Care May Help
Chiropractic care looks at how the joints and muscles of the neck, shoulders, and upper back are moving.
If certain joints are stiff or surrounding muscles are tight, Dr. Zurek may recommend care aimed at improving movement and reducing mechanical strain.
Depending on the examination, treatment may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Gentle stretching
- Home exercises
- Posture recommendations
- Changes to your workstation
- Advice about sleep or daily habits
The goal is to address musculoskeletal problems that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Chiropractic Adjustments
A chiropractic adjustment uses a controlled movement to improve the way a joint moves.
Adjustments may be performed by hand or with an instrument, depending on the patient and the area being treated.
You may hear a popping sound during an adjustment. This usually comes from gas being released within the joint and is not the goal of treatment.
Dr. Zurek uses different chiropractic techniques based on your symptoms, health history, examination findings, and comfort level.
The Role of the Upper Back and Shoulders
Headaches that occur with neck stiffness often come with tight shoulders or discomfort between the shoulder blades.
Long periods of sitting, driving, lifting, or working in the same position can contribute to this tension.
Evaluating the upper back and shoulders along with the neck can help provide a better picture of what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Learn more about chiropractic care for upper back pain.
What Happens During a Headache Evaluation?
Your first visit begins with a discussion about your headache pattern and health history.
Dr. Zurek may ask:
- How often do your headaches occur?
- Where does the pain begin?
- How long do they last?
- Does neck movement affect the pain?
- Do you experience nausea?
- Are you sensitive to light or sound?
- Have you noticed visual changes?
- Have you recently been injured?
- What treatments have you already tried?
The examination may include checking:
- Neck movement
- Posture
- Muscle tension
- Reflexes
- Strength
- Areas of tenderness
- Movements that reproduce symptoms
If your headache pattern suggests that further medical evaluation is needed, Dr. Zurek may recommend another healthcare provider.
Headaches After a Car Accident
Headaches can develop after a car accident, especially when the neck has been moved suddenly during the collision.
Other symptoms may include:
- Neck stiffness
- Shoulder pain
- Dizziness
- Reduced movement
- Upper-back discomfort
A headache after an accident should not automatically be blamed on muscle tension. Medical evaluation may be needed to rule out a concussion or another injury.
Dr. Zurek evaluates car accident injuries when chiropractic care is safe and appropriate.
Headaches After Exercise or Sports
Neck and shoulder strain can happen during weightlifting, contact sports, running, or other physical activity.
Headaches during exercise may also be related to dehydration, heat, or overexertion.
A new or severe headache during physical activity should be evaluated carefully, especially if it begins suddenly.
Learn more about care for sports injuries.
Daily Habits That May Help Reduce Neck Tension
Small changes during the day may help reduce strain around the neck and shoulders.
Take Regular Movement Breaks
Try to change positions, stand, or walk every 30 to 60 minutes.
You do not need to maintain perfect posture all day. Staying in the same position for too long can be uncomfortable even when your posture looks good.
Adjust Your Workspace
A few simple changes can help:
- Keep your monitor near eye level
- Place your keyboard and mouse within easy reach
- Relax your shoulders while working
- Avoid holding your phone between your shoulder and ear
- Use a chair that supports you comfortably
You can also review our guide to posture improvement.
Keep Track of Your Headaches
A simple headache journal can help identify patterns.
Write down:
- When the headache began
- Where the pain was located
- How long it lasted
- What you ate and drank
- How well you slept
- Your stress level
- Any medication you took
- What you were doing before the headache started
This information can be useful when discussing symptoms with a chiropractor, primary care provider, or migraine specialist.
When a Headache Needs Medical Attention
Most headaches are not emergencies, but certain symptoms need prompt medical care.
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- A sudden, unusually severe headache
- A headache after a serious head injury
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Confusion or trouble speaking
- Fainting
- Major vision changes
- Fever with a stiff neck
- A seizure
- Severe dizziness or difficulty walking
- A headache that continues to get worse
You should also speak with a medical provider if you develop new headaches or notice a major change in your usual headache pattern.
Headache Care at Zurek Chiropractic
Headaches can have many causes, which is why treatment should begin with an evaluation rather than assumptions.
Dr. Bruce Zurek looks at whether neck stiffness, muscle tension, limited movement, or other musculoskeletal factors may be contributing to your symptoms.
Zurek Chiropractic serves patients from West Omaha, Millard, Papillion, La Vista, Ralston, Chalco, and surrounding communities.
Contact Zurek Chiropractic to schedule an evaluation and learn whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for your headache and neck symptoms.
Article by
Dr. Bruce Zurek
Frequently Asked Questions
Chiropractic care may help some patients manage neck stiffness or muscle tension that occurs along with migraines. It does not treat every migraine trigger or guarantee fewer episodes. A medical provider or migraine specialist may also need to be involved in your care.
Chiropractic care may be appropriate when tension headaches occur with neck stiffness, limited movement, or tight muscles. An evaluation should be completed before treatment begins. The technique can be modified based on your symptoms and comfort level.
The number of visits depends on your symptoms, how long they have been present, and how you respond to care. Some patients notice changes within a few visits, while others may need more time. Your progress should be reviewed regularly.
Long periods in one position may contribute to neck and shoulder tension, which can trigger headaches in some people. However, posture is only one possible factor. Headaches may also be connected to migraines, stress, sleep, medication, illness, or other conditions.
Many patients can contact a chiropractic office directly, but insurance requirements vary. Check your health plan to find out whether a referral is required for coverage.
A chiropractor may be helpful when headaches occur with neck pain, stiffness, or limited movement. New, severe, worsening, or unusual headaches should be evaluated by a medical provider. Some patients benefit from care involving both providers.