Headache Treatment & Chiropractic Care in Ortonville, MN

Could the Neck Be Contributing to the Headache?

Headaches can be frustrating, especially when they keep returning or interfere with work, sleep, exercise or everyday activities.

There are many different types and causes of headaches.

Some headaches may be associated with the neck and surrounding muscles and joints. Others may have causes that require medical evaluation or a different type of treatment.

At Big Stone Chiropractic Health Center, Dr. Chance Haugen evaluates the individual patient to determine whether the musculoskeletal system may be contributing to the symptoms and whether chiropractic care is appropriate.

The goal isn't to assume that every headache comes from the neck.

The goal is to figure out what may be contributing to the problem.

[Schedule an Evaluation]

What Causes Headaches?

Headaches can have many potential causes.

Factors that may contribute to headaches include:

Muscle tension
Neck and upper-back problems
Stress
Sleep disruption
Dehydration
Certain medications
Illness
Hormonal changes
Vision problems
Sinus-related conditions
Migraine disorders
Other neurological or medical conditions

Because the causes are so varied, the type, location, frequency and associated symptoms are important.

Can Neck Problems Cause Headaches?

Yes, Some Headaches Are Associated With the Neck

Certain headaches can originate from structures in the neck and are sometimes referred to as cervicogenic headaches.

Problems involving the upper cervical joints, muscles and surrounding structures may contribute to pain that is felt in the head.

A person may notice:

Pain beginning in the neck
Pain extending from the back of the head
Headache associated with neck movement
Reduced neck mobility
Neck stiffness
Upper-back or shoulder tension

However, these symptoms do not automatically prove that the neck is causing the headache.

A proper evaluation is important.

What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is a headache associated with a problem originating in the cervical spine or surrounding structures.

The pain is experienced in the head, but the source can involve structures in the neck.

These headaches may be influenced by neck movement or certain positions.

Because migraine and other headache disorders can produce overlapping symptoms, proper assessment is important before assuming a headache is cervicogenic.

Neck Tension and Headaches

The muscles of the neck, shoulders and upper back work together to support and move the head.

Long periods of:

Computer work
Phone use
Driving
Looking down
Repetitive work
Static posture

may contribute to muscle tension and discomfort.

For some people, neck and upper-back tension may occur alongside headaches.

[Learn More About Neck Pain]

Can Phone Use Contribute to Headaches?

Phones and tablets have become part of everyday life.

Spending long periods looking down or holding the head in one position can increase the demand placed on the neck and upper-back muscles.

For some people, this may contribute to neck discomfort and tension that occurs alongside headaches.

Helpful strategies may include:

Changing positions regularly
Taking movement breaks
Bringing the device closer to eye level
Avoiding long periods in one static position
Incorporating regular neck and upper-back movement

[Neck Pain From Phone Posture]

Headaches After an Injury

Headaches can sometimes occur following an injury such as:

Whiplash
Auto accidents
Falls
Sports injuries
Concussions
Other trauma

Headaches following an injury deserve appropriate evaluation because several different structures and mechanisms may be involved.

If a significant head or neck injury has occurred, especially when accompanied by neurological symptoms, medical evaluation may be necessary.

Headaches and the Neck

What Does the Examination Look At?

When a patient presents with headaches that may involve the neck, Dr. Haugen may evaluate:

Neck range of motion
Cervical joint movement
Muscle tension
Upper-back movement
Posture and movement patterns
The relationship between symptoms and neck movement

The examination helps determine whether there are musculoskeletal findings that may be contributing to the symptoms.

How Big Stone Chiropractic Approaches Headaches

1. Understand the Headache

The history is important.

Questions may include:

Where does the headache begin?
Where does the pain travel?
How long does it last?
How frequently does it occur?
What triggers it?
Does neck movement affect it?
Did it begin after an injury?
Are there associated symptoms?

2. Evaluate the Neck and Related Structures

The neck, upper back and surrounding muscles may be evaluated when appropriate.

3. Determine Whether Chiropractic Care Is Appropriate

Not every headache is appropriate for chiropractic treatment.

If symptoms suggest another cause or require medical evaluation, appropriate referral takes priority.

4. Develop an Individualized Plan

For patients who are appropriate candidates, care may include chiropractic treatment, soft-tissue techniques, exercises, movement strategies and patient education.

What Chiropractic Care May Include

Depending on the individual, care may include:

Chiropractic Adjustments

Appropriate spinal adjustments may be used when mechanical joint dysfunction is identified.

Soft-Tissue Care

Muscles around the neck and upper back may be addressed when muscle tension is contributing to symptoms.

Mobility Exercises

Exercises may be recommended to improve movement and address contributing factors.

Posture & Movement Education

Changing prolonged or repetitive positions may help reduce aggravating factors for some patients.

Rehabilitation

A broader rehabilitation approach may be appropriate when headaches occur following an injury or alongside movement problems.

When a Headache Needs Medical Attention

Most headaches are not medical emergencies, but certain symptoms should never be ignored.

Seek urgent medical attention for a headache that:

Is sudden and extremely severe
Occurs after significant head trauma
Is accompanied by weakness or numbness
Causes difficulty speaking
Causes confusion
Causes loss of consciousness
Is associated with significant vision changes
Occurs with a high fever or severe illness
Is substantially different from previous headaches
Progressively worsens or is accompanied by other concerning neurological symptoms

If there is uncertainty about the cause of a headache, medical evaluation is appropriate.

Headaches vs. Migraines

Headaches and migraines are not necessarily the same thing.

Migraine is a neurological condition that can involve moderate to severe headache as well as symptoms such as sensitivity to light or sound, nausea and other neurological features.

Some people with migraine may also experience neck pain.

That does not mean the neck is necessarily the cause of the migraine.

Patients with recurrent or severe headaches should receive an appropriate evaluation and diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions About Headaches

Can a chiropractor help headaches?

Chiropractic care may be appropriate for certain headaches associated with musculoskeletal problems of the neck and upper back. An evaluation is important because headaches have many possible causes.

Can neck problems cause headaches?

Some headaches can originate from structures in the neck and are known as cervicogenic headaches. However, not all headaches are caused by the neck.

Can poor posture cause headaches?

Prolonged or repetitive positions may contribute to neck and upper-back tension for some people, which can occur alongside headaches. Posture is only one potential contributing factor.

Can looking at a phone cause headaches?

Long periods of looking down at a phone may contribute to neck and upper-back strain. In some people, neck discomfort may occur alongside headaches.

Can chiropractic care help migraine headaches?

Some people with migraine also experience neck pain, but migraine is a neurological condition with multiple potential factors. Chiropractic care should not be presented as a universal treatment for migraine.

Can headaches happen after a car accident?

Yes. Headaches can occur after whiplash and other injuries. Because trauma can involve multiple structures, appropriate evaluation is important.

What is a cervicogenic headache?

A cervicogenic headache is a headache associated with a source in the cervical spine or surrounding structures.

When should a headache be evaluated by a doctor?

A sudden severe headache, a headache after significant trauma, or a headache accompanied by neurological symptoms such as weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking or loss of consciousness warrants urgent medical evaluation.

Headache & Neck Pain Resources

Explore additional Big Stone Chiropractic resources:

[Neck Pain Treatment]