Headaches

Headaches can interfere with concentration, work, sleep, exercise, and everyday activities. For some people, headaches may occur along with neck pain, stiffness, muscle tension, or restricted movement.

At Spine Align Chiropractic & Wellness in Huntsville, AL, we evaluate the musculoskeletal factors that may be contributing to certain types of headaches and determine whether conservative care may be appropriate.

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Can Neck Problems Contribute to Headaches?

Not every headache originates from the neck. However, certain headaches can be associated with joints, muscles, and other structures of the cervical spine and upper back.

Headaches with a possible musculoskeletal component may occur along with:

  • Neck pain or stiffness
  • Restricted neck movement
  • Muscle tension
  • Symptoms aggravated by certain neck movements or positions
  • Prolonged computer or desk work
  • Postural strain
  • Recurrent discomfort involving the neck and upper back

Because headaches can have many different causes, an evaluation is important before determining whether conservative musculoskeletal treatment is appropriate.

Our Approach to Headache Care

Treatment is personalized based on your history, examination findings, symptoms, and functional limitations.

When examination findings suggest that the neck or surrounding musculoskeletal structures may be contributing to headaches, care may include:

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care may be used when appropriate to address restricted joint mobility involving the cervical and upper thoracic spine and improve comfortable movement.

Therapeutic Exercise

Individualized exercises may be used to improve neck and upper-back mobility, strength, stability, and movement patterns.

Physiotherapy

Supportive therapies may be incorporated when appropriate to address muscle tension, discomfort, and soft-tissue involvement.

Shockwave Therapy

When appropriate, shockwave therapy may be used on certain muscles and soft tissues associated with neck tension and restricted movement as part of an individualized treatment plan.

Treatment Focused on More Than Headache Frequency

Headaches accompanied by neck problems can affect much more than pain levels. We also consider how your symptoms affect movement and everyday function.

Treatment may focus on helping you:

  • Improve comfortable neck movement
  • Reduce neck stiffness and muscle tension
  • Work or use a computer more comfortably
  • Improve strength and stability
  • Exercise more comfortably
  • Perform normal daily activities with fewer limitations

Headaches and Neck Pain

If your headaches frequently occur with neck pain, stiffness, or limited movement, evaluating the cervical spine and surrounding muscles may help determine whether musculoskeletal factors are contributing.

Learn more about our Neck Pain Treatment in Huntsville, AL.

When Does a Headache Require Medical Evaluation?

Some headaches require prompt medical attention rather than conservative musculoskeletal care.

Seek appropriate medical evaluation for a sudden severe or unusual headache, a significant change in your usual headache pattern, headache following significant trauma, or headache accompanied by fever, confusion, fainting, seizures, weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, vision changes, or other concerning neurological symptoms.

Headache Care in Huntsville, Alabama

Spine Align Chiropractic & Wellness provides personalized chiropractic and conservative musculoskeletal care in Huntsville, AL. When appropriate, we evaluate whether neck mobility, muscle tension, and other musculoskeletal factors may be contributing to headaches and develop an individualized treatment plan.

Spine Align Chiropractic & Wellness
7914 Memorial Parkway SW, Suite E-18
Huntsville, AL 35802

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