Chiropractic Care for Headaches - FAQ

Suffering from chronic or debilitating headaches?  Learn how drug-free chiropractic treatments can help.

Can a chiropractor treat tension headaches?

Tension headaches are the most common type, and tight muscles in the neck and shoulders often cause them. Chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for a tension headache because it can help to release the tight muscles and relieve the pain.

Can your neck being out of alignment cause headaches?

There is no sure answer to this question since it varies from person to person. Some people may find that their chronic headaches improve after seeing a chiropractor, while others may find that their headaches worsen. 

Can neck tension cause headaches?

Neck tension can cause headaches. In fact, it's one of the most common causes.

There are a few different ways that neck tension can cause headaches. First, if the muscles in your neck are tight, they can put pressure on the blood vessels that supply your head with blood, leading to a decrease in blood flow to your head and triggering a headache.

Second, neck tension can cause headaches by putting pressure on the surrounding nerves, leading to pain in your head and neck and other symptoms like dizziness or nausea.

How long does it take for a chiropractor to fix headaches?

Most people who seek chiropractic care for their headaches significantly improve within a few weeks. However, some people may need ongoing care to maintain their results.

Can chiropractic treatment help migraines?

There is no cure for migraine headaches, but there are treatments that can help ease the symptoms. Chiropractic care is one treatment that is effective in relieving migraine headaches.

A chiropractor uses various techniques to adjust the spine and other joints in the body to relieve pressure on the nerves and reduce inflammation. Chiropractic care can also help to improve blood flow and reduce muscle tension.

Is a chiropractor good for tension headaches?

Chiropractic care is natural and requires no medication. For many, it is more effective than headache medications and reduces the intensity and frequency of tension headaches. Treatment helps alleviate stress and brings the body into alignment and balance, all of which help to relieve tension throughout the body.

What does a cervicogenic headache feel like?

Cervicogenic headaches are often characterized by a dull, aching pain that originates in the neck and radiates up into the head. The pain is usually worse on one side of the head and may be accompanied by symptoms like tenderness in the neck, shoulder, and upper back muscles. This headache pain may also worsen with certain activities, like bending over or lying down.

What does a pinched nerve headache feel like?

When you have a pinched nerve headache, it can feel like a sharp, shooting pain or a throbbing sensation. The pain might be worse when you move your head or neck, and you may notice that the headache pain worsens when you bend over or stand up after sitting for a while.

Can chiropractic make headaches worse?

There is no sure answer to this question since it varies from person to person. Some people may find that their headaches improve after seeing a chiropractor, while others may find that their headaches become worse. 

What treatment options do headache chiropractors use?

Many different headache treatment options help chiropractic patients find relief from their pain. Some of the most common techniques include:

• Spinal manipulation and adjustments
• Massage therapy
• Trigger point injections
• Acupuncture

Why do spinal adjustments help with headaches?

There are a few reasons why chiropractic adjustment may help with headaches. 

First, if the head is not correctly aligned with the spine, it can cause muscle tension, shoulder pain, and neck pain. This tension can lead to headaches. Spinal adjustments can help to correct this misalignment and relieve the tension. 

Additionally, misalignments in the spine can cause nerve impingement, leading to headaches. Spinal adjustments can help to correct subluxations and relieve the associated nerve impingement.

Finally, spinal adjustments can help to increase the range of motion in the spine, which can help to reduce headaches caused by muscle tension and stiffness.

Dr. Darren Faherty D.C.

In 2004, Dr. Darren Faherty graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from UWEC - University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. Dr. Darren continued education at the highly esteemed University of Western States (formerly Western States Chiropractic College) where he obtained his chiropractic degree in 2007. He has been helping people recover from injuries and return to their normal lifestyles ever since.