Headaches and Neck Tension

Chiropractic Care for Head Pain, Stiff Neck, and Upper Back Tension

Headaches and neck tension are among the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care. Whether your pain feels like pressure, tightness, throbbing, or a constant ache, it often starts in the neck, upper back, or nervous system—not just the head itself.

At Avad Chiropractic & Wellness, we focus on identifying why your headaches are happening and helping your body correct the underlying mechanical and neurological stress.

Common Symptoms We See

People with headaches and neck tension often report:

  • Tight or stiff neck muscles

  • Reduced range of motion when turning the head

  • Pressure at the base of the skull

  • Headaches that start in the neck and travel upward

  • Pain behind the eyes or temples

  • Upper back and shoulder tightness

  • Headaches triggered by stress or posture

  • Headaches after working at a computer or phone

  • Jaw tension or clenching

  • Headaches that improve with movement or stretching

Types of Headaches Commonly Linked to the Neck

Many headaches are cervicogenic, meaning they originate from the neck. Common patterns include:

Tension Headaches

  • Dull, aching pressure around the head

  • Tightness across the forehead or back of the skull

  • Often related to muscle tension, posture, or stress

Cervicogenic Headaches

  • Headaches caused by joint dysfunction in the neck

  • Pain often starts at the base of the skull

  • Common with poor posture, past injuries, or desk work

Postural Headaches

  • Triggered by prolonged sitting, phone use, or forward head posture

  • Neck and shoulder tension builds throughout the day

Stress-Related Headaches

  • Linked to muscle guarding and nervous system overload

  • Often accompanied by jaw tension or upper back tightness

(Note: Chiropractic care does not treat migraines or neurological disease but may help reduce musculoskeletal triggers that contribute to headache frequency.)

Why Headaches and Neck Tension Happen

Headaches are rarely random. Common contributing factors include:

  • Poor posture or forward head posture

  • Prolonged computer or phone use

  • Neck joint restrictions or misalignment

  • Muscle imbalances in the neck and upper back

  • Previous whiplash or sports injuries

  • Stress causing muscle guarding

  • Poor movement habits

  • Sleep position or pillow support

When the joints of the neck aren’t moving well, surrounding muscles tighten and nerves become irritated—often resulting in head pain.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care focuses on restoring normal motion, reducing tension, and improving nervous system function.

Our approach may include:

  • Gentle chiropractic adjustments to the cervical and upper thoracic spine

  • Muscle work to reduce tension and trigger points

  • Postural assessment and correction

  • Mobility and stretching guidance

  • Ergonomic and lifestyle recommendations

  • Nervous system regulation through improved spinal mechanics

The goal is not just symptom relief, but long-term improvement.

Conditions Commonly Associated with Headaches & Neck Tension

We commonly see headaches alongside:

  • Neck pain and stiffness

  • Upper back pain

  • Shoulder tightness

  • Forward head posture

  • TMJ / jaw tension

  • Whiplash injuries

  • Desk-related pain

  • Stress-related muscle tension

What to Expect at Your Visit

  • Thorough history and symptom review

  • Assessment of neck motion and posture

  • Gentle, targeted care based on your needs

  • Clear explanation of findings and next steps

No rushed visits. No cookie-cutter care.

When Should You Seek Care?

You may benefit from chiropractic care if:

  • You experience frequent headaches

  • Your headaches start in the neck or upper back

  • Neck stiffness limits your movement

  • Pain worsens with stress or posture

  • You rely on medication to manage head pain

  • You want a natural, non-drug approach

Schedule a Headache & Neck Evaluation

If headaches or neck tension are interfering with your daily life, chiropractic care may help address the root cause.

Schedule an evaluation at Avad Chiropractic & Wellness and take the first step toward moving—and thinking—more clearly.