Not all headaches are the same…

Headaches are one of the most common reasons people seek care—but they’re often misunderstood and mistreated. If you find yourself reaching for medication more often than you’d like, it may be time to look at the source of the problem, not just the symptoms.

While there are many types of headaches, the most common we see in a chiropractic and rehabilitation setting include:

Tension headaches – Often described as a tight band around the head, typically linked to muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
Cervicogenic headaches – Originating from dysfunction in the neck joints and soft tissues
Postural headaches – Triggered by prolonged sitting, screen time, and forward head posture
Migraine headaches – Typically more intense, often one-sided, and may include symptoms like nausea, sensitivity to light/sound, or visual disturbances

Migraines are more complex and can involve neurological and vascular components—but many people with migraines also have underlying neck dysfunction that can act as a trigger or contributing factor.

The Real Problem: Your Neck (Even With Migraines)
The upper cervical spine (the top part of your neck) plays a crucial role in head positioning and movement. When joints become restricted or muscles become overactive or weak, it can refer pain into the head or contribute to headache patterns—including migraines in some individuals.

Common contributing factors include:

Poor desk or phone posture
Previous injuries (even minor ones)
Repetitive strain from workouts or daily habits
Stress and muscle tension

Why Temporary Fixes Don’t Last
Medication can be helpful—especially for migraines—but it often focuses on symptom control rather than correcting the underlying issue. That’s why headaches may continue to return.

A better long-term approach is to:

-Restore proper joint motion
-Improve muscle balance and control
-Reduce mechanical triggers
-Correct movement patterns and posture

A Simple Tip You Can Use Today

Try this quick reset if you’ve been sitting for a while:

1) Sit tall

2) Gently tuck your chin straight back (like making a “double chin”)

3)Hold for 5 seconds, repeat 5–10 times

This helps activate deep neck stabilizers and reduce strain on overworked muscles.

Our approach combines hands-on care with targeted rehabilitation:

 -  Joint mobilization and adjustments to improve neck function

 - Soft tissue therapy to reduce muscle tension

  -Corrective exercises to build support and stability

 - Postural coaching to reduce daily strain

For migraine sufferers, this approach is often used alongside medical care to help reduce frequency, intensity, or triggers.

Whether it’s tension headaches or migraines, recurring head pain is often your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t working properly. When you address the root cause, you don’t just feel better—you function better.

If headaches have become part of your routine, they don’t have to stay that way.

Ready to get to the root of your headaches?

Schedule an evaluation—we’re here to help.