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How Your Neck Could Be Causing Your Headaches (And How a Chiropractor Can Help)

You wake up with a stiff neck and by lunchtime, there’s a dull, pounding ache sliding up the back of your head. Sound familiar to you?

For many people, chronic headaches don’t always stem from stress or screen time. They’re coming from a place most don’t think to check. The neck.

When the muscles tighten in your neck or the joints fall out of alignment, it can create pressure that triggers pain in your temples, behind your eyes, or across your forehead.

That’s exactly where you need reliable chiropractic care.

Total Body Chiropractic in Bend helps patients every day who are struggling with neck-related headaches.

If you’re ready to understand what’s really causing your headaches—and finally start feeling better, you’re in the right place.

How Do Neck Problems Trigger Headaches

Woman sitting at a desk looking at her computer and rubbing her neck from neck pain.

Let’s start with what’s actually happening in your body.

Your neck is a complicated structure of bones, nerves, muscles, and your spine that acts as a vital bridge connecting your head to the rest of your body. When something’s off, like your neck muscles tighten or your spine joints are stuck, or years of slouching at a screen, it can send pain signals straight to your head.

Similar to how a fuse works, if it’s overloaded or out of balance, things start short-circuiting, thus the headache. Even mild tension or poor posture can compress nerves or restrict blood flow to the brain. Over time, this pressure builds until it finally screams for attention…often in the form of a pounding headache. Some studies have also revealed that treating the neck directly can significantly reduce both the intensity and frequency of their headaches.

What Types of Headaches Come From the Neck?

A black woman sits on the sofa and holds her head from tension headache pain.

Not all headaches are created equally, and thus, they also don’t work equally either. However, understanding the type you’re dealing with is key to getting the right kind of care. Here are the three main culprits we see most often in headache sufferers:

Tension Headaches

Tension-type headaches are one of the most common major headache types. Researchers have reported that more than 70% of people have episodic tension headaches.

Such kinds of headaches make you feel as if a tight band is wrapped around your head, leading to a dull and persistent ache. Chronic tension headaches are usually caused by tight neck and shoulder muscles. Hours hunched over your laptop or phone can set them off. Add a little stress, and you have a headache.

Neck-Related Headaches (Cervicogenic)

Cervicogenic headaches are caused by a direct impact on your neck. Nearly 47% of the global population suffers from headaches, and 15-20% of those headaches are cervicogenic. The CGHs often start from the base of your skull or deep within your neck, going all the way up to your temples, forehead, or even behind your eyes. They can be triggered by movement ,and they often come with stiffness or limited neck mobility. If turning your head makes the pain worse, this might be your type.

Migraines

Migraines are one of the most common forms of headaches. According to SingleCare, 35 million people in the U.S. get migraine headaches. These are generally more intense than those mentioned above, coming with signs like sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, or even visual interruptions. And while the neck is not always the culprit here, stiffness, tension, or a misalignment in your upper spine can serve as a trigger, giving you an intense migraine attack. But many people find that when they treat the underlying neck tension, their migraines become less intense and less frequent

How Chiropractic Care Can Help?

A chiropractor sitting working on the neck of a patient.

If you’ve ever tried to “stretch it out” or rolled your neck in every direction, hoping the ache would ease…you’re not alone. But here’s what you need to know: when headaches are rooted in your neck, you need more than a quick fix. You need a deeper reset.

That’s where chiropractic care shines.

At Total Body Chiropractic, we understand how deeply connected your neck, spine, and nervous system really are. When something’s out of alignment, be it even slightly, it can create a ripple effect of tension, pressure, and pain that travels up into your head. How can our chiropractors help? They can help you restore balance, naturally and gently, so your body can do what it’s meant to do: move freely and heal itself.

Our chiropractors in Bend use manual therapy techniques such as spinal adjustments that release tension without adding to it. We adjust the joints in your neck and spinal column to relieve pressure on nearby nerves, loosen tight muscles, and improve your mobility.

Apart from restoring your spinal alignment, one of the best benefits of chiropractic treatment is that it’s a natural and drug-free approach. Unlike others, we don’t cover your symptoms with random medicines, but concentrate on helping your body function and heal better.

And we’re not the only ones saying it works.

●       According to the National Library of Medicine, spinal manipulation may be an effective technique to reduce migraine pain. If the actual cause of the tension is identified, chiropractic care offers a permanent solution.

●       Chiropractic care is effective, similar to some headache medications, but without the side effects. Therefore, those who prefer a safe and effective substitute, chiropractic adjustments are an ideal option.

What Can You Expect During a Visit?

Bend chiropractor Bari Liebowitz using the graston technique on the neck of a patient for neck pain.

When you visit our Bend Chiropractors, here is what you can expect with your headache treatment:

Detailed Consultation

We will question you about the headaches: when they started, what they feel like, how frequently they disturb you, and if there are any patterns. We will also ask about your lifestyle, daily habits, posture, and any injuries in the past.

Gently Feel Your Neck

Our chiropractors will feel your neck and spine to examine the level of muscle tension, neck pain, and whether areas are hindering your motion. Please perform simple movement tests to observe how much your neck can move.

Adjust The Target

Your Bend chiropractor will do the targeted adjustments to correct spinal misalignment. The adjusting part is precise and designed to restore proper placement and function to your spinal cord, offering immense comfort and long-term relief.

Tailored Treatment

Our Bend chiropractors will create a customized treatment plan based on your type of headache and specific wellness goals. For instance, to add tips for improving posture, and simple exercises to strengthen your muscles.

Many individuals notice a significant reduction in their headache frequency, but if your case is in the chronic category, then that might take longer to achieve the desired relief. Furthermore, your chiropractor in Bend will provide you with a treatment schedule to visit regularly in the beginning days, then slowly space them out as your neck movement becomes better.

Everyday Lifestyle Habits That Can Help Too

A senior woman sits and gently performs neck stretches.

Try integrating chiropractic care into your daily routine to enhance your overall well-being and prevent severe headaches from disrupting your peaceful life. Our Bend chiropractors offer these healthy habit tips:

  1. Sit Up Straight: Sit properly, especially when using a phone or a computer. Imagine you have a string pulling the crown of your head towards the ceiling, fixing your spine.
  2. Keep Taking Breaks: If you have a desk job, keep taking breaks. Every 30-60 minutes, take frequent breaks and stretch to prevent stiffness.
  3. Do Neck Stretches Daily: Adopt simple neck stretches to reduce tension. Your chiropractor can show you particular stretches, suiting your needs.
  4. Stay Hydrated: How much is your water consumption? Lack of intake results in such headaches. The same goes for inadequate sleep, too. Therefore, sleep for at least 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night and drink plenty of water.
  5. Don’t Carry Heavy Bags on One Shoulder: Avoid carrying bags, and especially the heavy ones, on one shoulder. Instead, get a backpack or distribute the weight evenly between both shoulders.

Your chiropractor in Bend can share more lifestyle advice and specific requirements whenever you visit.

When Should You See a Chiropractor for Headaches?

Refrain from delaying and reach out to our Bend chiropractors if you experience the following:

●       Headache pain starting in your neck or upper back.

●       Get the pain after using a desk or a computer for hours.

●       Feel tightness or stiffness consistently in your shoulders or jaw.

●       Or want a natural, drug-free technique to find relief.

Chiropractic care works even better when following healthy lifestyle habits, too.

Ready for Relief? Don’t Let Headaches Control Your Life.

You don’t have to just “deal with it.” Persistent headaches that stem from your neck can absolutely be treated, and lasting relief could be just one adjustment away.

At Total Body Chiropractic in Bend, we’re all about helping you move better, feel better, and live pain-free—without relying on medication to get through the day.

Let’s get to the root of the pain—together.

Book your visit today, and let’s start building a care plan that helps you take back your day, your energy, and your peace of mind.

 

A black woman sits on the sofa and holds her head from tension headache pain.

Relieve Headaches Naturally with the Power of Chiropractic and Massage

Does your day grind to a halt every time a headache strikes? Headaches easily derail your whole day. They sap your energy and make even simple tasks feel like pushing a boulder up a hill. If you’re a Bend resident who struggles with frequent headaches – and around 1 in 6 Americans do so, too – you’re probably on the lookout for a drug-free path toward lasting relief, right?

Headaches are one of the most common health complaints in the world. They affect people of all ages, genders, occupations, and backgrounds. But you can overcome them naturally. At Total Body Chiropractic in Bend (and surrounding areas), we help you find relief by uncovering the root causes of your headaches.

So, let’s see how many different types of headaches exist. What causes them? How do our chiropractors in Bend help you find relief? What makes massage therapy the perfect treatment?

Let’s explore how you can break free from the cycle of pain and reclaim your life.

Understanding Headaches: Types and Root Causes

Headaches are more common than you think. Nearly 75% of kids get them before turning 16. Migraine attacks make employees miss 4.4 workdays each year. But headaches come in many types; they also stem from a variety of reasons. If you want long-term pain relief from headache symptoms, you must start by understanding the type and its root cause. Getting chiropractic care and massage therapy in Bend will help you find lasting relief.

man-with-headache-at-computer

Common Types of Headaches

  • Tension Headaches: It’s the most common type. You feel a dull, aching pain around your head, like wearing a very tight band. This headache stems from stress. Also, if you spend long hours at a desk or on your phone, you’ll likely suffer from chronic tension headaches.
  • Migraines: A study says that 11.7% to 14.7% of Americans suffer from migraine headaches. This condition can be intense with a throbbing headache. You’ll feel the migraine pain on one side of your head. Migraine symptoms last a few hours or several days, depending on the root cause, including:
    • Light/sound sensitivity
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Auras (visual disturbances)
  • Cluster Headaches: Cluster ones are rare (1 out of 1,000 people). But they are extremely severe. You will feel a burning, piercing pain around a single eye. Cluster headaches also come in cycles.
  • Cervicogenic Headaches: This type of headache starts with neck pain, slowly radiating to your head. These headaches often stem from neck trauma. Muscle spasms and poor posture may also lead to cervicogenic headaches. These headaches most often occur at the same time every day, like clockwork.
  • Sinus Headaches: These painful headaches cause pressure and pain around your face, chiefly sinuses. If you have a sinus headache, you may also get nasal congestion or infection.

Root Causes of Headaches

  • Poor Posture: When you habitually slouch or hunch over your phone, it weakens the muscles in your back and neck. The result is spinal alignment, ergo muscle soreness and headaches.
  • Stress: High stress levels stiffen the muscles in your neck and shoulders. That’s why stress or depression sets the stage for headaches.
  • Neck Injuries: Whiplash or other neck-related injuries can disrupt the alignment of your cervical spine. As a result, you experience chronic headaches.
  • TMJ Dysfunction: When your jaw joints are in pain, it causes your head to ache as well.
  • Sleep Deprivation: When you don’t get enough sleep (or sleep in an awkward position), you can have throbbing pain in your head.
  • Dehydration: Not drinking enough water or consuming too much coffee can cause headaches.

What is Chiropractic Care?

A chiropractor sitting working on the neck of a patient.

Chiropractors focus on your musculoskeletal system, mainly the spine, with manual therapies. Our Bend chiropractors will use hands-on techniques to:

  • Restore spinal alignment
  • Relieve nerve irritation
  • Accelerate your body’s self-healing

Let’s see how chiropractic care works.

How Chiropractic Works?

Spinal adjustments are the basis of chiropractic care in Bend. Chiropractors will gently realign your spine and its vertebrae, especially the neck ones. That’s why they reduce pressure on your nerves and bolster your joints’ mobility. Your nervous system also becomes well-balanced. No wonder several studies done in the past have confirmed that chiropractic care can “reduce the migraine severity, frequency, duration of suffering and associated disability.”

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Headaches

  • Chiropractors reduce nerve irritation and muscle tension caused by a misaligned spine.
  • Realigning your spine/joints means your joints and muscles are now under less strain, so your headaches will be less frequent than before.
  • Your headaches will also be less intense (occurring less often as well), especially for tension-type and cervicogenic headaches.
  • You can avoid the side effects and dependency risks of pain meds thanks to our chiropractors in Bend.

4 Chiropractic Techniques for Headache Relief

Our Bend chiropractors use several effective treatments to help headache sufferers.

1. Spinal Manipulation (Chiropractic Adjustments)

Our chiropractors reduce pressure on your nerves by realigning the cervical spine carefully. They correct postural imbalances as well. This technique works perfectly well for tension/cervicogenic headaches.

2. Soft Tissue Therapy

As headaches are often caused by tension in your neck and shoulder muscles, our chiropractors will use trigger-point therapy and myofascial release for triggering tight muscles. They will break up knots, trying to restore normal movement. So, this technique will give you pain relief, and your headaches may even disappear for good.

3. Postural Education & Ergonomic Advice

Since poor posture is the culprit behind many headache types, our chiropractors in Bend will show you how to maintain a healthy posture. They will give you practical ergonomic advice as well on how to make your workspace health-friendly. We’ll show you simple stretches and home care strategies to keep your muscles relaxed and your spine aligned.

4. Lifestyle and Nutritional Counseling

Headaches also have lifestyle triggers like dehydration or certain allergies. Our team identifies these triggers so you may avoid them. They will offer you personalized advice on hydration and nutrition. You will also get stress management advice from them.

Complementary Massage Therapy Techniques

Massage therapy, migraine massage, neck pain. muscle pain

At Total Body Chiropractic, we offer massage therapy to complement our chiropractic care in Bend for headache sufferers. Our therapists may use several different massage techniques for headache pain:

  • Deep Tissue MassageThis technique will target chronic tension in your muscle’s deep layers, chiefly your neck and shoulders. So, deep tissue massage will break up stubborn knots and improve blood flow. This type of massage prevents future flare-ups as well.
  • Craniosacral TherapyHow about a gentle, hands-on technique? Craniosacral therapy focuses on how your cerebrospinal fluids flow around the brain. This massage therapy releases tension in your head and neck, providing migraine relief and less severe headaches
  • Trigger Point TherapyTrigger points often refer pain to other body parts. These pressure points are tight, tender points in your muscles. Our massage therapists use targeted pressure to release these knots.

Chiropractic adjustments work hand in hand with massage therapy. Chiropractic care realigns your spine and restores nerve function. Massage therapy leads to muscle relaxation and better blood circulation. A combined effect of both these approaches is long-lasting pain relief. Thus, our Bend chiropractors and massage therapists collaborate to create a personalized care plan that addresses your unique needs.

When to See Our Bend Chiropractors for Headaches?

You’re probably wondering if your headaches are spine-related. When is it perfectly suitable to look for chiropractic care in Bend? What are the signs? Well, here’s when you should see a chiropractor:

  • You have splitting headaches that disrupt your daily life.
  • Your headaches have become more frequent than before.
  • Headaches start after an injury or when you spend hours at work.
  • Your headaches come with neck pain, stiffness, and motion-related pain.
  • OTC painkillers aren’t helping, or you want to avoid medication cold turkey.

Do any of these signs sound familiar to you? If they do, schedule an appointment with our Bend chiropractic clinic. We’ll conduct a thorough assessment of your symptoms and headache types. This way, we’ll identify the root cause of your pain to develop a customized treatment plan.

Reclaim Your Life from Headache with Massage Therapy in Bend

Don’t let headaches control your life — get relief from migraines with chiropractic care and massage therapy at Total Body Chiropractic. Our Bend chiropractors address the underlying causes and help you find lasting comfort. Whether it’s spinal misalignment or muscle tension, we’ll discuss how these non-invasive treatment options improve your quality of life. If you’re ready to take the next step, make an appointment today and get on the path to a headache-free future.