Can Chiropractic Care Help With Headaches and Neck Pain?
Headaches and neck pain are common reasons people seek chiropractic care. But not every headache is the same, and not every person with neck pain needs the same treatment.
The most evidence-based role for chiropractic care is in the management of certain musculoskeletal causes of neck pain and some types of headache, particularly when care includes more than spinal manipulation alone.
Neck Pain Is Often Musculoskeletal
Neck pain can come from many different sources, including:
Muscle tension
Joint irritation
Poor posture
Prolonged computer or phone use
Reduced mobility
Previous injury
Repetitive strain
For many people, conservative treatment is appropriate, especially when there are no warning signs of a more serious condition.
Evidence supports several non-surgical approaches to neck pain, including exercise, mobility work, manual therapy, and in some cases spinal manipulation or mobilization.
The best results are often seen when treatment combines hands-on care with exercises and strategies patients can use outside the office.
What About Headaches?
Some headaches are related to the neck and surrounding musculoskeletal structures.
Cervicogenic Headache
A cervicogenic headache originates from structures in the neck and may cause pain that travels into the head.
Patients may also notice:
Limited neck movement
Pain triggered by certain neck positions
Tenderness in the neck or upper shoulders
Head pain that is commonly worse on one side
Manual therapy and targeted exercise may help some patients with cervicogenic headache.
Tension-Type Headache
Tension-type headaches are also common and can occur along with muscle tightness and neck discomfort.
Exercise, stress management, sleep, hydration, and addressing musculoskeletal contributors may all play a role in treatment.
Manual therapy may provide relief for some patients, although it should be considered one part of a broader treatment approach rather than a guaranteed solution.
What Chiropractic Care May Include
Evidence-based chiropractic care for neck pain and headache should involve more than simply performing an adjustment.
Depending on the patient, care may include:
Spinal manipulation or joint mobilization
Soft-tissue techniques
Neck and upper-back mobility exercises
Strengthening exercises
Postural education
Ergonomic recommendations
Advice on activities that may be contributing to symptoms
Treatment should be individualized based on the patient’s symptoms, examination, medical history, and goals.
Not Every Headache Belongs in a Chiropractic Office
This is important.
Some headaches require medical evaluation rather than musculoskeletal treatment.
Seek urgent medical care for symptoms such as:
A sudden, severe headache that is different from previous headaches
Headache following significant head or neck trauma
New weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or facial drooping
Loss of consciousness
Fever with severe headache or neck stiffness
New vision changes
A significant change in a person’s usual headache pattern
A responsible chiropractor should screen for warning signs and refer a patient for medical evaluation when symptoms do not appear to be musculoskeletal.
The Bottom Line
Chiropractic care may be helpful for some people with neck pain and certain headaches, particularly cervicogenic headaches.
Current evidence supports a multimodal approach that may include manual therapy, exercise, mobility work, and patient education along with adjustments.
At Life Source Chiropractic, our goal is to determine whether your symptoms are appropriate for chiropractic care and create a treatment plan focused on improving movement, function, and comfort.
If neck pain or recurring headaches are interfering with your daily life, schedule an appointment online to find out whether conservative chiropractic care may be appropriate for you.
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