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
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?
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?
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?
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
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:
- 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.
- Keep Taking Breaks: If you have a desk job, keep taking breaks. Every 30-60 minutes, take frequent breaks and stretch to prevent stiffness.
- Do Neck Stretches Daily: Adopt simple neck stretches to reduce tension. Your chiropractor can show you particular stretches, suiting your needs.
- 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.
- 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.
