Understanding the Connection Between Your Neck and Headaches
Headaches are common, but recurring headaches shouldn’t automatically be dismissed as something you simply have to live with.
There are many different causes of headaches, and not every headache is related to the spine. However, certain headaches can be associated with problems involving the neck, muscle tension, restricted joint movement, and previous injuries.
For patients who experience headaches along with neck pain or stiffness, determining whether the cervical spine is contributing to the problem can be an important part of finding the right treatment.
Can a Headache Actually Come From Your Neck?
Yes. A headache originating from structures in the neck is known as a cervicogenic headache.
Joints, muscles, and other structures in the upper cervical spine can refer pain into the head. In other words, you may feel the pain in your head even though part of the problem originates in your neck.
People with neck-related headaches may also experience:
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Reduced ability to turn the head
- Tightness across the shoulders
- Pain beginning near the base of the skull
- Headaches aggravated by certain neck movements or positions
- Headaches associated with prolonged computer or desk work
If headaches repeatedly occur along with neck symptoms, evaluating the cervical spine may help identify contributing mechanical problems.
What About Tension Headaches?
Tension-type headaches can have several contributing factors, including stress and muscle tension.
Long periods of sitting, computer work, driving, or looking down at a phone can place additional demands on the muscles and joints of the neck and upper back.
Posture isn’t responsible for every headache, but when recurring headaches are accompanied by neck tension, stiffness, and reduced mobility, those factors are worth evaluating.
How Does a Chiropractor Evaluate Headaches?
At Keith G. Ryan Chiropractic, PLLC, we don’t assume that every headache is a chiropractic problem.
We start by listening.
Important questions include:
- Where does the headache begin?
- How often does it occur?
- How long does it last?
- What seems to trigger it?
- Does moving your neck make it better or worse?
- Do you also experience neck or shoulder pain?
- Did the headaches begin following an injury?
We can then evaluate the neck, upper back, posture, mobility, and joint function to determine whether a musculoskeletal problem may be contributing.
If your symptoms indicate that the headache isn’t appropriate for chiropractic treatment, medical evaluation or referral may be necessary.
How Might Chiropractic Care Help?
When examination indicates that the neck or other musculoskeletal factors may be contributing to a patient’s headaches, chiropractic treatment may be appropriate.
Chiropractic care in Tulsa may include specific chiropractic adjustments and other conservative therapies based on the individual patient’s condition.
The objective is not simply to chase the location of the pain. We want to identify mechanical problems that may be contributing to recurring symptoms and improve how the affected joints are moving and functioning.
Headaches After an Auto Accident
Headaches are also common following automobile collisions.
During an accident, sudden acceleration and deceleration can place significant stress on the neck. Muscles, ligaments, joints, and other structures may be injured even when the collision initially seems minor.
Some people experience headaches immediately. Others notice neck stiffness, discomfort, or headaches hours or even days later.
Our auto accident injury care in Tulsa includes evaluating the cervical spine and other musculoskeletal injuries that may occur following a collision.
If your headaches began after an automobile accident, don’t ignore that connection.
When Should a Headache Be Medically Evaluated?
Chiropractic care isn’t appropriate for every headache.
Seek prompt medical attention for a sudden or unusually severe headache, particularly when accompanied by symptoms such as:
- Weakness or numbness
- Difficulty speaking
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Significant vision changes
- Fever with a stiff neck
- A severe headache following significant head trauma
A headache that is new, rapidly worsening, or substantially different from headaches you’ve experienced previously should also be medically evaluated.
Don’t Just Ask Where It Hurts — Ask Why
Recurring headaches can be frustrating because taking medication may temporarily reduce the pain without explaining why the headache keeps returning.
That’s where a proper evaluation becomes important.
If a mechanical problem involving the neck is contributing to your headaches, addressing that problem may be an important part of your overall care.
Looking for a Chiropractor in Tulsa?
At Keith G. Ryan Chiropractic, PLLC, we’ve been helping Tulsa-area patients with neck pain, back pain, headaches, sciatica, and other musculoskeletal conditions for more than 30 years.
Our approach begins by listening to what’s bothering you, evaluating the problem, and determining whether chiropractic treatment is appropriate for your condition.
If recurring headaches are accompanied by neck pain, stiffness, or restricted movement, we’d be happy to help determine whether your neck may be contributing.
Learn more about our chiropractic care in Tulsa or call 918-742-6262 to schedule an appointment or request an appointment online.
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