Headaches are extremely common, but not all headaches are the same. Symptoms may come from muscle tension, joint dysfunction, nerve involvement, or neurologic sensitivity. Identifying the headache type and primary pain generator is essential for effective, long-term relief.
Care focuses on addressing the source of irritation rather than masking symptoms, though medical management plays an important role. To book a headache consultation appointment today and improve your headaches, click here:
Common Types of Headaches
Tension-Type Headaches
Tension-type headaches are the most common headache seen in clinical practice. They often feel like a dull, pressing, or tightening band around the head and may last from minutes to days.
Common contributors include:
- Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
- Stress and poor sleep
- Prolonged sitting or poor posture
These headaches are not typically associated with nausea or worsening with physical activity. Manual therapy, spinal manipulation, soft tissue techniques, and posture-focused exercises are effective in reducing pain and limiting recurrence.
Migraines
Migraines are a complex neurologic condition characterized by recurrent moderate to severe headaches. Some migraines occur with aura, which may include visual disturbances, numbness, nausea, or sensitivity to light and sound.
Migraines are thought to involve a hyperexcitable nervous system and may be influenced by:
- Neurologic and vascular factors
- Hormonal changes
- Lifestyle triggers such as hydration, diet, stress, and sleep
Care often focuses on trigger management, lifestyle modification, exercise, and manual therapies shown to reduce frequency and intensity when used appropriately.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches originate from the cervical spine and account for an estimated 15–25% of all headaches. Pain is referred from irritated joints, muscles, or nerves in the neck and perceived in the head.
These headaches are commonly associated with:
- Neck stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Poor posture or prolonged screen use
- Upper cervical joint dysfunction
Because the source is mechanical, treatment focuses on restoring normal joint motion, reducing muscle tension, and improving movement patterns. Learn more here:
Why Headaches Often Overlap
Many patients experience more than one headache type at the same time. Tension-type and cervicogenic headaches frequently coexist, and neck dysfunction may worsen migraine symptoms. This overlap makes individualized evaluation essential. There are few other types of headaches, but these are the most common.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Headaches
Chiropractic care uses a multimodal approach tailored to headache type and tolerance level.
Tools may include:
- Safe, efficacious spinal manipulation or mobilization when appropriate
- Non-adjusting techniques to reduce joint and nerve irritation
- Soft tissue therapy and trigger point work
- Exercise, posture, and lifestyle guidance
These approaches are well tolerated, extremely safe, and supported by clinical research for many headache presentations.
Take the Next Step
If headaches are affecting your work, sleep, or quality of life, identifying the source matters. Whether symptoms stem from muscle tension, joint dysfunction, or neurologic sensitivity, targeted care can help reduce frequency, intensity, and recurrence.
Our office treats headaches every day. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, please contact our office to schedule an appointment.