Headaches can interrupt work, family plans, sleep, and everyday activities. You may feel pressure around your temples, pain at the base of your skull, or a throbbing sensation that makes light and sound difficult to tolerate.
Some headaches occur along with a stiff or painful neck. Long hours at a desk, frequent phone use, stress, poor sleep, and previous injuries may all increase muscle tension around the neck and shoulders.
At Zurek Chiropractic, Dr. Bruce Zurek works with patients looking for a headache chiropractor in Omaha. An evaluation can help determine whether neck stiffness, limited joint movement, posture, or muscle tension may be contributing to your symptoms.
The Connection Between Neck Pain and Headaches
The muscles and joints of the neck support your head throughout the day. When these areas become stiff or irritated, discomfort may spread into the back of the head, temples, forehead, or area behind the eyes.
This is especially common among people who spend hours working at a computer or looking down at a phone. As the head moves forward, the muscles at the back of the neck must work harder to support it.
Neck tension does not cause every headache. Head pain may also be related to migraines, dehydration, illness, stress, medication, sleep problems, vision issues, hormones, or other health conditions.
If your headaches often begin with neck pain or stiffness, an examination may help identify whether the neck is part of the problem.
What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?
A cervicogenic headache begins in the neck but causes pain that is felt in the head. The discomfort may start at the base of the skull and move toward the forehead, temple, or area around one eye.
Possible signs include:
- Pain that usually stays on one side
- Reduced neck movement
- Pain that becomes worse when turning the head
- Discomfort after sitting in one position for a long time
- Tenderness near the base of the skull
- Shoulder or upper-back tightness
These symptoms can overlap with other headache conditions. A proper evaluation is important before deciding that the neck is the cause.
Tension Headaches and Migraines Are Different
People sometimes use the terms tension headache and migraine as if they mean the same thing. They can share certain symptoms, but they are different conditions.
Tension Headaches
A tension headache often feels like pressure or a tight band around the forehead, temples, or back of the head. The pain is usually mild to moderate and may occur along with tight neck and shoulder muscles.
Common triggers include:
- Stress
- Long periods of desk work
- Poor sleep
- Eye strain
- Jaw clenching
- Muscle fatigue
Migraines
Migraines are a neurological condition. They may cause moderate to severe pain, often on one side of the head. Other symptoms can include nausea, visual changes, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smells.
Migraine triggers vary from person to person. Weather changes, stress, sleep changes, certain foods, hormones, and dehydration may play a role.
Chiropractic care does not treat every cause of migraine. However, it may help some patients manage neck stiffness or muscle tension that occurs along with their migraine episodes. Read more about spinal adjustments for migraine and headache symptoms in Omaha.
How Chiropractic Care May Help with Headaches
Chiropractic care focuses on how the joints and muscles of the neck, shoulders, and upper back are moving. When these areas become stiff, nearby muscles may tighten and make it harder to turn or hold your head comfortably.
Dr. Zurek may use chiropractic adjustments to improve movement in joints that are not moving comfortably. Care may also include stretches, posture changes, or advice about your desk and sleeping position.
The goal is not to place the spine into a perfect position or guarantee that headaches will stop. It is to reduce mechanical strain and improve movement when neck and upper-back problems appear to be contributing to your symptoms.
Chiropractic Adjustments
A chiropractic adjustment uses a controlled movement to improve how a joint moves. Some adjustments are performed by hand, while others use an instrument or a lower-force method.
The technique should be chosen based on your symptoms, age, health history, and comfort level. Dr. Zurek uses different chiropractic techniques depending on what is found during the examination.
A popping sound may occur during an adjustment when gas is released from a joint. The sound is not the purpose of treatment and does not need to happen for care to be useful.
Upper-Back and Shoulder Tension
Headaches connected to neck stiffness often occur along with tight shoulders or discomfort between the shoulder blades. This may happen after sitting, driving, lifting, or working in one position for several hours.
Evaluating the upper back and shoulders can provide a fuller picture of how the area is moving. Learn more about chiropractic care for upper back pain in Omaha.
What to Expect at a Headache Consultation
Your first visit begins with a discussion about your symptoms. Dr. Zurek will want to understand when the headaches began, where you feel the pain, and whether you notice any clear triggers.
You may be asked:
- How often do your headaches occur?
- How long do they usually last?
- Where does the pain begin?
- Does neck movement affect the pain?
- Do you experience nausea or visual changes?
- Are you sensitive to light or sound?
- Have you had a recent accident or injury?
- What medications or treatments have you tried?
The examination may include checking your neck movement, posture, muscle tension, reflexes, strength, and areas of tenderness. Dr. Zurek may also check whether certain movements reproduce your symptoms.
If your headache pattern suggests that medical testing or treatment is needed, you may be referred to another healthcare provider.
Headaches After a Car Accident
Headaches are common after car accidents, especially when the neck has been moved suddenly during the collision. Other symptoms may include stiffness, shoulder pain, dizziness, or reduced movement.
Headaches after an accident should not automatically be blamed on muscle tension. A medical evaluation may be necessary to rule out a concussion or another serious injury.
Dr. Zurek evaluates muscle and joint symptoms related to car accident injuries when chiropractic treatment is safe and appropriate.
Headaches After Sports and Exercise
Neck and shoulder strain can occur during contact sports, weightlifting, running, or other physical activities. Dehydration, heat, and overexertion may also cause headaches during exercise.
A new headache during or after physical activity should be taken seriously, especially when it is sudden or severe. Learn more about care for a sports injury.
Daily Habits That May Reduce Neck Tension
What you do between appointments may affect how your neck and shoulders feel. Small changes can reduce repeated strain and help you notice possible headache triggers.
Take Movement Breaks
Try to stand, walk, or change positions every 30 to 60 minutes. Remaining in one position for too long can make the neck and upper back stiff, even when your posture looks good.
Adjust Your Workspace
- Place your monitor near eye level.
- Keep 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 your lower back.
There is no single perfect posture that must be held all day. Changing positions regularly is usually more helpful than trying to sit perfectly straight for several hours.
Review our guide to posture improvement for additional desk and movement tips.
Keep a Headache Journal
A headache journal can help you find patterns. Write down:
- When the headache began
- Where you felt the pain
- How long it lasted
- What you ate and drank
- How well you slept
- Your stress level
- Any medication you used
- What you were doing before symptoms began
This information can be useful when speaking with a chiropractor, primary care doctor, or migraine specialist.
Pay Attention to Sleep and Hydration
Changes in sleep and dehydration can trigger headaches for some people. Try to follow a regular sleep schedule and drink enough water throughout the day.
These habits will not prevent every headache, but they may reduce avoidable triggers.
When a Headache Needs Medical Attention
Most headaches are not emergencies. However, certain symptoms require prompt medical care.
Seek immediate help if you experience:
- A sudden and unusually severe headache
- A headache after a serious head injury
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Confusion, fainting, or trouble speaking
- Loss of vision or a major visual change
- Fever with a stiff neck or rash
- A seizure
- Severe dizziness or difficulty walking
- A new headache during pregnancy
- A headache that becomes steadily worse
You should also speak with a medical provider about new headaches, major changes in your usual headache pattern, or pain that continues to interfere with your daily life.
Headache Care at Zurek Chiropractic
Headaches do not have one single cause, and there is no treatment that works for everyone. Your care should be based on your symptoms, health history, and examination findings.
Dr. Bruce Zurek evaluates whether neck stiffness, muscle tension, posture, or limited movement may be contributing to your headaches. If chiropractic care is appropriate, he will explain the recommended approach and how your progress will be measured.
Zurek Chiropractic serves patients from West Omaha, Millard, Papillion, La Vista, Ralston, Chalco, and nearby communities.
Contact Zurek Chiropractic in West Omaha to schedule a consultation and learn whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for your headache and neck symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor in Omaha help with migraines?
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.
Is chiropractic care safe for tension headaches?
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.
How many chiropractic visits will I need?
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.
Can poor posture cause headaches?
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.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
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.
Should I see a chiropractor or a doctor for headaches?
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.
