A headache is pain or pressure felt in the head, scalp, face, or upper neck. Headaches vary in location, intensity, duration, and cause.

Some headaches develop occasionally, while others occur frequently or follow a recurring pattern. They may feel like:

  • Tightness or pressure
  • A dull ache
  • Throbbing discomfort
  • Pain behind the eyes
  • Pain at the base of the skull
  • Pain on one or both sides of the head
  • Pain that begins in the neck
  • Tenderness in the scalp, neck, or shoulders

Headaches are symptoms rather than a single condition. They may be associated with muscle tension, posture, stress, dehydration, sleep changes, vision strain, medication use, sinus problems, neurological conditions, or other health concerns.

A proper evaluation is important because not every headache is appropriate for chiropractic care.

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Types of Headaches We Evaluate

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches commonly cause a dull, aching, or pressure-like sensation around the forehead, temples, or back of the head.

They may be associated with:

  • Tight neck and shoulder muscles
  • Stress
  • Poor posture
  • Prolonged computer use
  • Jaw tension
  • Lack of sleep
  • Repetitive work positions

    • Patients often describe tension headaches as feeling like a tight band around the head.

    Cervicogenic Headaches

    A cervicogenic headache begins in the neck but is felt in the head. It may result from restricted movement or irritation involving the joints, muscles, or other structures of the cervical spine.

    Common cervicogenic headache symptoms include:

  • Pain beginning at the base of the skull
  • Pain traveling toward the forehead or eye
  • Headache on one side
  • Neck stiffness
  • Reduced neck movement
  • Pain aggravated by certain head positions
  • Shoulder or upper back tension

Posture-Related Headaches

Long periods of sitting, looking down at a phone, or working at a computer may place additional stress on the neck and upper back.

This can contribute to muscle fatigue, restricted neck movement, and headaches associated with postural tension.

Headaches After an Auto Accident

A car accident may cause whiplash, neck strain, joint restriction, or muscle tension. Headaches may begin immediately or develop several hours or days after the collision.

Headaches following an accident should be evaluated, especially when they are new, severe, or accompanied by dizziness, confusion, nausea, or neurological symptoms.

Migraine Headaches

Migraines are a neurological condition that may cause throbbing pain, nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, visual changes, or other symptoms.

Chiropractic care does not cure migraines. However, some patients with migraines may also have neck tension, posture problems, or restricted spinal movement that can be evaluated and addressed as part of a broader care plan.

Common Headache Symptoms

Headache symptoms vary depending on the type and possible cause.

Common symptoms include:

  • Pressure around the forehead
  • Pain at the base of the skull
  • Pain behind one or both eyes
  • Temple pain
  • One-sided head pain
  • Neck stiffness
  • Shoulder tension
  • Tenderness in the scalp
  • Reduced neck range of motion
  • Pain aggravated by posture
  • Pain after prolonged computer use
  • Headaches upon waking
  • Headaches after an auto accident
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • Nausea
  • Difficulty concentrating

Tell your healthcare provider about the location, duration, frequency, and intensity of your headaches, as well as any symptoms that occur with them.

What Causes Headaches?

Headaches can have many possible causes and contributing factors.

Musculoskeletal factors may include:

  • Poor posture
  • Prolonged computer or phone use
  • Restricted neck movement
  • Tight neck and shoulder muscles
  • Whiplash
  • Previous neck injuries
  • Repetitive workplace positions
  • Stress-related muscle tension
  • Jaw clenching
  • Sleep position
  • Upper back stiffness

    • Other possible causes may include:

  • Dehydration
  • Lack of sleep
  • Vision problems
  • Skipping meals
  • Hormonal changes
  • Medication overuse
  • Sinus or viral illness
  • High blood pressure
  • Neurological conditions

Because headaches can have many causes, treatment should be based on an individual evaluation rather than symptoms alone.

When Is a Headache an Emergency?

Seek immediate medical attention for a headache that is:

  • Sudden and extremely severe
  • The worst headache you have experienced
  • Associated with confusion
  • Accompanied by fainting
  • Associated with difficulty speaking
  • Accompanied by weakness or numbness
  • Associated with loss of coordination
  • Accompanied by fever and a stiff neck
  • Associated with vision loss
  • Accompanied by repeated vomiting
  • Following a significant head injury
  • New during pregnancy
  • New in someone with cancer or a weakened immune system

A new or unusual headache should not be ignored, particularly when it differs from your typical headache pattern.

How Are Headaches Evaluated?

Your evaluation begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms and health history.

Dr. Kline may ask:

When did the headaches begin?

How often do they occur?

Where is the pain located?

How long does each headache last?

Does the pain begin in the neck?

Do certain movements make it worse?

Do you experience nausea or visual changes?

Did the headaches begin after an accident?

Do you have neck or shoulder tension?

Are the headaches affecting sleep or work?

What medications or treatments have you tried?

Have you noticed any neurological symptoms?

A physical examination may evaluate:

  • Posture
  • Neck range of motion
  • Spinal joint mobility
  • Muscle tension
  • Tenderness in the neck and shoulders
  • Upper back movement
  • Strength
  • Reflexes
  • Sensation
  • Balance and coordination
  • Signs of nerve irritation

Imaging is not required for every patient. Additional testing or referral may be recommended if your symptoms suggest that another medical condition should be ruled out.

Chiropractic Treatment for Headaches

Treatment depends on the type of headache, examination findings, health history, and whether musculoskeletal factors are contributing to your symptoms.

A personalized care plan may include:

Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments may be used to improve movement in restricted joints of the neck or upper back.

Techniques are selected according to your symptoms, comfort, and examination findings.

Gentle and Low-Force Techniques

Gentle, low-force, or instrument-assisted techniques may be recommended for patients who are sensitive, sore, or uncomfortable with traditional adjustments.

Dry Needling

Dry needling may be used to address tight muscles, trigger points, or muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, or upper back.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy may help reduce muscular tension, improve circulation, and support relaxation in areas that may contribute to headache discomfort.

Posture Correction

Postural recommendations may help reduce strain associated with prolonged sitting, computer use, phone use, or repetitive workplace positions.

Therapeutic Exercises

Exercises may be recommended to improve neck mobility, strengthen postural muscles, and reduce recurring tension.

Ergonomic Guidance

You may receive recommendations for computer setup, chair position, screen height, phone use, sleep position, and movement breaks.

Treatment recommendations may be adjusted based on your response and changes in headache frequency, intensity, and associated symptoms.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Certain Headaches

When headaches are associated with muscle tension, posture, or restricted neck movement, chiropractic care may help:

  • Improve neck mobility
  • Reduce muscle tension
  • Improve posture
  • Reduce stiffness
  • Support better upper-back movement
  • Improve comfort during computer work
  • Address musculoskeletal factors associated with some headaches
  • Reduce strain on the neck and shoulders
  • Support relaxation
  • Improve confidence with movement

Results vary, and chiropractic care cannot guarantee that headaches will completely stop or never return.

When Should You See a Chiropractor for Headaches?

Consider scheduling an evaluation when:

  • Headaches occur frequently
  • Headaches begin in the neck
  • Headaches are associated with neck stiffness
  • You experience shoulder tension
  • Symptoms worsen after computer use
  • Headaches began after a car accident
  • Poor posture appears to trigger symptoms
  • Neck movement is limited
  • Headaches interfere with work or sleep
  • Your healthcare provider has ruled out urgent medical causes

An evaluation can help determine whether joint restriction, muscle tension, posture, or another musculoskeletal factor may be contributing to your symptoms.

Schedule a Headache Evaluation in Woodbridge, VA

Recurring headaches can make it difficult to focus, work, sleep, and enjoy daily activities. A personalized evaluation can help determine whether posture, muscle tension, restricted neck movement, or another musculoskeletal factor may be contributing to your symptoms.

Kline Chiropractic & Wellness provides chiropractic care for tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, posture-related discomfort, neck pain, and headaches associated with whiplash in Woodbridge, VA.

Call Kline Chiropractic & Wellness at (703) 680-4344 or request an appointment online today.

Kline Chiropractic & Wellness
4004 Genesee Place, Suite 213
Woodbridge, VA 22192

Chiropractic care is not a substitute for emergency or primary medical care. Headaches can have many possible causes, and individual results vary. Seek immediate medical attention for sudden, severe, or unusual headaches or headaches accompanied by neurological symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a chiropractor help with headaches?

Chiropractic care may help certain headaches associated with neck tension, restricted movement, poor posture, or musculoskeletal strain. Treatment should be based on an individual evaluation.

Can neck problems cause headaches?

Yes. Irritation or restricted movement involving the neck may contribute to cervicogenic headaches. Tight muscles in the neck and shoulders may also contribute to tension headaches.

What is a cervicogenic headache?

A cervicogenic headache begins in the cervical spine or surrounding tissues but is felt in the head. It may be associated with neck stiffness, reduced range of motion, and one-sided head pain.

Can poor posture cause headaches?

Poor posture may increase stress on the muscles and joints of the neck and upper back. This may contribute to tension, stiffness, and posture-related headaches.

Can chiropractic care help migraines?

Migraines are a neurological condition and cannot be cured through chiropractic care. However, chiropractic care may help address neck tension, posture problems, or restricted movement that occur alongside migraine symptoms in some patients.

Why do I get headaches after working at a computer?

Prolonged computer use may contribute to eye strain, poor posture, muscle fatigue, and tension in the neck and shoulders. Taking breaks and improving workstation ergonomics may help.

Can whiplash cause headaches?

Yes. Whiplash may strain the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the neck, which can contribute to headaches following an auto accident.

Do headaches always require imaging?

No. Imaging is not necessary for every headache. Additional testing may be recommended when symptoms are new, unusual, severe, or associated with neurological changes.

How long does chiropractic care for headaches take?

The length of care varies depending on the headache pattern, contributing factors, duration of symptoms, and individual response to treatment.

What can I do at home to reduce tension headaches?

Helpful strategies may include movement breaks, hydration, improved sleep, gentle stretching, stress management, and better workstation posture. Recommendations should be personalized to your condition.

When should I see a medical doctor for headaches?

Seek medical evaluation for new, worsening, unusual, or persistent headaches. Immediate care is necessary for sudden severe headaches or headaches accompanied by neurological symptoms, fever, fainting, or major trauma.