Headaches are the most common health complaint in the world! Headache treatment in Tigard is so common people think they’re “normal!” Symptoms often start as a dull ache at the base of the skull, a band of pressure across the forehead. Many times it’s a sharp pain radiating behind the eyes prompting the search for headache relief in Tigard. While it’s easy to reach for over the counter remedies, recurring headaches are generally a sign that something deeper is going on.
From the perspective of this Tigard Chiropractor, headaches frequently have both mechanical and soft tissue involvement. That means both joint problems and muscle spasms. We call this a cervicogenic headache. Very often, headaches are a result of muscle tension and movement restriction. This is more of a tension type headache. Understanding these causes is the first step toward lasting, headache relief in Tigard Or, 97223.
Cervicogenic Headache
A cervicogenic headache is one that starts in the neck. Unlike migraines, cervicogenic headaches are secondary. They’re triggered by problems in the neck joints, discs, or supporting muscles. Joint restriction or misalignment in the upper neck is a very common situation. Pile on strained or spasmed muscles in the neck and upper back and the need for headache treatment is set!
Cervicogenic headaches often present one sided. Symptoms typically start in the neck or at the base of the skull and radiate up and over the head. Many patients also notice pain and pressure behind the eyes or around the temples. Often symptoms worsen with postural strain, on certain neck movements like turning the head while driving or when looking down at a phone screen. (Tech neck / text neck)
Tension Headaches
Headaches can also be directly caused by muscles. These are known as tension headaches and are the most common reason for headache treatment. Prolonged stress, poor posture, and repetitive strain can cause restricted movement in regional muscles that attach directly to the cervical spine and skull.
When neck muscles spasm they limit normal neck motion, irritate local nerves and affect blood vessels. A classic example is the suboccipital muscles, those tiny muscles at the base of the skull. Problems here can shoot pain into the base of the skull or behind the eyes. Similarly, spasm in the upper trapezius often creates a band of pain and pressure wrapping around the head.
It’s been the experience of this Chiropractor in Tigard that muscle spasm rarely exists alone. Muscles attach to bones and bones protect nerves. Spasm is often the body’s way of compensating for spinal joint instability. In other words, when vertebrae lose their ideal motion, muscles tighten to protect the involved joint. That’s why addressing both the muscular and joint components is key to true headache relief in Tigard, OR.
How Chiropractic Addresses Headaches
Chiropractors spend years understanding the body. Headache treatment includes assessing regional muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and nerve function. We look for potential problems in these areas that might be causing the headache and correct them at the source. How? Good question!!
Adjustments are precise, gentle movements of the joints to restore normal motion and reduce nerve irritation. Science shows adjustments reduce the intensity and frequency of both cervicogenic and tension-type headaches. It does this by strengthening the prefrontal cortex in the brain.
Manual therapy is a term used to describe any of the many types of massage. Many chiropractors incorporate some sort of muscle work, trigger point release, or instrument-assisted soft tissue techniques to reduce muscular tension and soften knots that contribute to headache pain.
Postural and ergonomic coaching are huge considerations. These are things a headache sufferer must think about throughout the day. Modern life puts a ton of stress on the neck through driving, computer work and handheld screens. Chiropractors evaluate posture and typically investigate workstation setup. Specific home exercises should be addressed to combat the effects of modern life.
Of course, hydration, stress management, and proper nutrition all influence headache frequency. Chiropractors offer guidance to complement in office care.
Signs Your Headache May Be Coming from Your Neck
It’s not always easy to tell whether a headache is neck related. Good clues include having a desk job, the pain starts at the base of the skull and radiates upward, or the headache is consistently on one side. If you experience associated neck stiffness or certain neck movements make it worse and you find yourself rubbing neck muscles, your headaches likely have a mechanical component that chiropractic care can resolve effectively.
The Natural Advantage: Why Chiropractic Works
Unlike medication that temporarily dulls pain, chiropractic headache treatment aims to correct the system. By restoring proper spinal motion, reducing muscular spasm and normalizing nerve function, chiropractors help the body restore normal communication between the brain and nervous system.
The result is more than just headache relief. Patients often report more energy, improved sleep, less tension, and a way more fun!
Final Thoughts…
Headaches may be common, but they’re not “normal.” For many people, the true source is not a lack of pain killers. The problem is in the neck and supporting muscles. Problems that BeWell Chiropractic is uniquely equipped to address.
Through a combination of spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and postural correction, chiropractic headache treatment in Tigard offers and a clearer path to wellness.
