If you suffer from frequent headaches, you're likely familiar with the discomfort, frustration, and disruption they can cause in your daily life. What many people don't realize is that headaches may not be just a standalone issue-they can actually be linked to other physical conditions, such as neck pain. At our Columbia MO chiropractic center, we frequently see patients who ask, "Can neck pain cause headaches?" The answer is yes, and the connection between the two is more common than you might think.

In this blog post, we'll explore the relationship between neck pain and headaches, discuss how chiropractic care can provide relief, and introduce our new patient special to help you start your journey toward better health for just $39.

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The Relationship Between Neck Pain and Headaches In Columbia MO

Neck pain and headaches often go hand-in-hand, particularly in cases of tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches. Let's take a closer look at the causes and symptoms of these types of headaches and how they're connected to the cervical spine.

• TENSION HEADACHES
  Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, often caused by stress, poor posture, or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. If you sit at a desk all day or spend hours looking down at your phone, it's easy to see how tension builds up in the neck and shoulders, eventually leading to headache pain.
  
  How neck pain contributes to tension headaches:
  • Muscle Tightness: Prolonged tension in the neck muscles can cause tightness in the scalp and forehead, leading to headache pain.
  • Poor Posture: Slouching or hunching forward for long periods puts stress on the neck and shoulders, which can trigger a tension headache.
• CERVICOGENIC HEADACHES
  Cervicogenic headaches are a type of secondary headache, meaning that the headache is caused by an issue elsewhere in the body-in this case, the neck. This type of headache originates from problems in the cervical spine (the neck area of your spine) or the surrounding tissues, such as muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Cervicogenic headaches are often caused by misalignments in the cervical spine, trauma to the neck, or conditions like arthritis.
  
  Common symptoms of cervicogenic headaches include:
  • Headache pain that starts at the base of the skull and radiates to the front of the head.
  • Pain on one side of the head or face.
  • Reduced range of motion in the neck.
  • Increased pain with certain neck movements, such as turning the head or looking down.
• MIGRAINE HEADACHES
  Although migraines are often thought of as being purely neurological, there is growing evidence that neck pain and muscle tension can contribute to migraine attacks. People with chronic migraines often report neck stiffness or pain leading up to or during a migraine episode. This may be due to nerve irritation or muscle spasms in the neck, which can trigger or worsen migraines.

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How Chiropractic Care Can Help Relieve Neck Pain and Headaches

At Columbia Chiropractic Center, we specialize in treating both neck pain and headaches by addressing the underlying issues in the cervical spine and musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to relieving pain, improving mobility, and reducing the frequency and intensity of headaches.

• CHIRORPACTIC ADJUSTMENTS
  Chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulations, are designed to correct misalignments (subluxations) in the spine. When the vertebrae in the neck are misaligned, it can put pressure on the nerves and muscles, leading to pain and inflammation that contribute to headaches. By restoring proper alignment in the cervical spine, chiropractic adjustments help to:
  • Relieve pressure on nerves: Misaligned vertebrae can pinch or irritate nerves that run from the neck to the head, causing headache pain. Adjustments free up these nerves, allowing them to function properly.
  • Reduce muscle tension: Misalignments can also cause muscle imbalances, leading to tightness and spasms. Adjustments help bring the body back into balance, reducing tension and improving muscle function.
  • Improve blood flow: Chiropractic adjustments improve circulation by removing physical blockages in the spine, which can also help reduce headache symptoms.
• SOFT TISSUE THERAPY
  In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractic care often includes soft tissue therapy to target the muscles and ligaments around the neck and shoulders. Techniques like cupping, trigger point therapy, dry needling, and myofascial release help to:
  • Loosen tight muscles that contribute to tension headaches.
  • Release trigger points in the neck and upper back that may be causing referred pain to the head.
  • Improve flexibility and range of motion, reducing the likelihood of future headaches.
• POSTURAL CORRECTIONS
  One of the most common causes of neck pain and headaches is poor posture, especially among people who spend long hours sitting at a desk or using electronic devices. Over time, slouching or forward head posture places excessive strain on the neck muscles and cervical spine, leading to pain and headaches. Chiropractors can evaluate your posture and provide corrective exercises and ergonomic recommendations to help you:
  • Strengthen the muscles that support good posture.
  • Stretch and release tension in overworked muscles.
  • Create a more balanced, healthy posture that reduces strain on the neck.
• LIFESTYLE & NUTRITIONAL ADVICE
  At Columbia Chiropractic Center, we take a holistic approach to your health. In addition to spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapy, we offer lifestyle and nutritional advice to help you manage stress, maintain proper posture, and reduce the frequency of headaches. Hydration, proper nutrition, and regular exercise are all crucial for overall health and can play a significant role in headache prevention.

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When to See a Chiropractor for Neck Pain and Headaches

If you're experiencing frequent headaches, especially if they're accompanied by neck pain or stiffness, it may be time to seek chiropractic care. Chiropractic treatment is particularly effective for tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches, but it can also provide relief for those who suffer from migraines or other types of headaches.

• You should consider visiting a chiropractor if:
• You experience headaches that start in the neck or base of the skull.
• Your headaches are triggered by specific neck movements or poor posture.
• You have a reduced range of motion in your neck.
• Pain medication isn't providing lasting relief from your headaches.
• You're looking for a natural, drug-free solution to your headache and neck pain.

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Take Advantage of Our New Patient Special!

At Columbia Chiropractic Center, we're dedicated to helping you find relief from both neck pain and headaches. If you're ready to take control of your health, we invite you to take advantage of our new patient special for just $39. This limited-time offer includes:

• A consultation to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and health goals.
• A comprehensive exam to evaluate your spine and neck for misalignments or other issues that may be contributing to your pain.
• A report of findings, where we'll explain the results of your exam and recommend a personalized treatment plan.
• X-rays if needed, to get a complete picture of your spinal health.

This is a great opportunity to see how chiropractic care can help relieve your neck pain and headaches, improve your quality of life, and promote overall wellness.

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Conclusion: Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain and Headaches

The connection between neck pain and headaches is clear, and chiropractic care offers an effective, natural solution for both. Whether you're suffering from tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, or even migraines, chiropractic care can address the root cause of your pain by improving spinal alignment, reducing muscle tension, and promoting better posture.

If you're tired of living with neck pain and headaches, don't wait any longer. Schedule your new patient appointment today at Columbia Chiropractic Center and take advantage of our $39 special. Call us at (573) 443-7755 or click here to book your consultation and start feeling better today.