Headache & Migraine Relief in Porter Ranch & Northridge, CA
Understanding Migraine, Tension Headaches, Cervicogenic Headaches & Neck-Related Head Pain Headaches are extremely common, but not every headache has the same cause. Some headaches originate primarily from neurological mechanisms, such as migraine. Others may be associated with muscle tension, stress, posture, restricted neck movement, irritated cervical joints, or other conditions. At Soft Touch Chiropractic, we take a broader approach by evaluating the neck, muscles, joints, posture, movement, lifestyle factors, and headache pattern before deciding whether conservative chiropractic care may be appropriate. What Type of Headache Do You Have?Identifying the headache pattern is important because different types of headaches may require very different approaches. 1. Tension-Type Headaches Tension-type headaches commonly produce a dull, aching, pressure-like sensation that may feel like a band around the head. Some people also experience:
Read the evidence-based guideline for headaches associated with neck pain. 2. Cervicogenic Headaches — When the Headache May Begin in the Neck Sometimes the head hurts, but the neck may be contributing to the problem. This is known as a cervicogenic headache. Cervicogenic headaches are secondary headaches associated with structures in the cervical region. Symptoms may include neck stiffness, limited neck movement, and head pain associated with neck movement or positioning. This is why examining the cervical spine can be important in selected headache patients. Research examining manual and exercise therapy for cervicogenic headaches found evidence of benefits for headache intensity, frequency, and disability, although the strength of evidence varies depending on the treatment and outcome. Another systematic review of physiotherapy interventions found that manual therapy may provide short-term benefits, while neck exercise may be particularly valuable for longer-term management. Learn more about our multimodal approach to neck pain and headaches. 3. Migraine Headaches Migraine is more than simply a severe headache. It is a neurological disorder that can produce symptoms such as:
Common migraine triggers vary considerably from person to person and may include stress, changes in sleep, skipped meals, certain foods, hormonal changes, dehydration, and other individual factors. Importantly, chiropractic treatment should not be presented as a cure for migraine. However, if a patient also has neck pain, stiffness, muscle tension, or another musculoskeletal component, those problems may deserve separate evaluation and conservative management. 4. Is It Really a Sinus Headache?Many people assume that pressure around the forehead, eyes, or face automatically means they have a sinus headache. That is not always the case. Migraine and other headache disorders can sometimes produce symptoms that people mistake for sinus problems. True headache associated with sinus inflammation should therefore be distinguished from migraine, tension-type headache, and other causes. Persistent facial pressure, fever, significant congestion, infection symptoms, or recurrent sinus problems may require evaluation by an appropriate medical professional. How Can the Neck Contribute to Headaches?The upper cervical spine contains joints, muscles, ligaments, connective tissues, and nerves that constantly communicate with the nervous system. When the neck becomes stiff or painful, a person may experience: Muscle guarding → restricted movement → increased neck tension → altered movement → headache symptoms This does not mean that every headache originates from a spinal problem. But for patients with cervicogenic headaches or headaches accompanied by neck pain, evaluating the cervical spine may be appropriate. A major systematic review of manual therapy and exercise examined these treatments for neck pain with or without cervicogenic headache and found evidence supporting combined approaches for selected patients. Can Chiropractic Care Help Neck-Related Headaches?For appropriately selected patients with cervicogenic headaches, conservative treatment may include:
This is one reason we prefer a multimodal approach rather than assuming that one adjustment or one treatment is appropriate for every headache patient. You can learn more about our gentle Soft Touch Chiropractic approach. We Treat the Patient — Not Just the HeadacheWhen someone comes into our office complaining of headaches, we want to understand the bigger picture. We may evaluate: Neck mobility → muscle tension → posture → cervical joint function → previous injuries → daily activities → exercise habits → headache pattern If the examination suggests that the headache may not be musculoskeletal, we may recommend appropriate medical evaluation or referral. The goal is to determine whether conservative care is appropriate—not simply to assume that every headache should receive the same treatment. When a Headache Needs Immediate Medical AttentionMost headaches are not emergencies, but new, sudden, or unusual headaches should never automatically be assumed to come from the neck. Seek urgent medical evaluation for symptoms such as:
Headache Treatment in Porter Ranch & Northridge, CAIf your headaches occur along with neck stiffness, neck pain, muscle tension, restricted cervical movement, or posture-related discomfort, a musculoskeletal evaluation may help determine whether the neck is contributing to your symptoms. At Soft Touch Chiropractic, treatment is individualized and may combine several conservative approaches rather than relying on a single therapy. Explore our neck pain and headache treatment approach or learn more about chiropractic care at Soft Touch Chiropractic. Schedule a Headache & Neck Evaluation Are headaches interfering with your work, sleep, exercise, or everyday activities? If your headaches are associated with neck pain or stiffness, contact us to determine whether conservative chiropractic care may be appropriate for you. If you are looking for a chiropractor in Porter Ranch for headaches associated with neck tension or musculoskeletal factors, learn more about our personalized chiropractic approach. Patients searching for a chiropractor in Northridge can also learn about our personalized approach to neck-related headaches and musculoskeletal care. Contact Soft Touch Chiropractic Call: 818-831-0100 Soft Touch Chiropractic Porter Ranch & Northridge, California Written and Presented by Dr. Masoud Shamaeizadeh, DC Soft Touch Chiropractic – Porter Ranch & Northridge, CA This article provides general educational information and is not intended to diagnose or treat an individual medical condition. New, severe, persistent, or unusual headaches should be appropriately evaluated. rel=”author”>Masoud Shamaeizadeh
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