Understanding Headaches
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are one of the most common types of headaches. Many people describe them as a dull, steady pressure, tightness, or a “band-like” feeling around the head. They may be felt on both sides of the head and can be connected with tenderness through the neck, scalp, jaw, and shoulders. At InMotion Chiropractic in Buffalo, MN, we often see tension headaches show up alongside neck stiffness, stress, long hours at a desk, poor sleep, jaw clenching, or increased muscle tension. The goal is not just to chase the headache, but to understand what may be contributing to it.
Neck-Related Headaches
Some headaches are closely connected to how the neck is moving and functioning. These are sometimes called cervicogenic, or neck-related, headaches. They may start near the base of the skull, travel toward the temples or forehead, or feel worse with certain neck positions or movements. The International Headache Society notes that cervicogenic headaches are headaches caused by issues involving the cervical spine or soft tissues of the neck, often with neck pain or reduced neck motion. Because headache types can overlap, a careful evaluation matters.
Stress, Posture, and Jaw Tension
Headaches are rarely caused by just one thing. Stress, posture, and jaw tension can all add load to the neck and upper back. Long periods of sitting, screen time, driving, clenching the jaw, or sleeping in an awkward position can increase tension in the muscles that support the head and neck. This does not mean posture has to be “perfect.” It means your body needs enough movement, strength, recovery, and mobility to handle the demands of your day. Small habits repeated over time can contribute to recurring headaches, especially when stress and poor sleep are part of the picture.
When to Seek Care
You should seek emergency medical care right away if you have a sudden, severe headache, the worst headache of your life, a headache with weakness or numbness, confusion, fever, stiff neck, vision changes, trouble speaking, fainting, or a headache after a head injury. You should also schedule a healthcare evaluation if your headaches are becoming more frequent, changing in pattern, interfering with work or sleep, or requiring more medication than usual. Recurring headaches are common, but they should not be ignored.
How InMotion Evaluates Headache Contributors
At InMotion Chiropractic, we start by listening to your story. We want to understand when your headaches started, where you feel them, what triggers them, what helps, and how they affect your life.
Your evaluation may include a review of your neck mobility, posture, jaw and shoulder tension, spinal joint motion, muscle tenderness, work setup, sleep habits, exercise routine, and previous injuries. From there, we build a care plan that may include chiropractic care, soft tissue work, mobility exercises, posture or workstation strategies, and home recommendations.
Our goal is to help you move better, reduce unnecessary tension, and understand the patterns that may be contributing to your headaches.
FAQ
Can chiropractic care help with headaches?
Chiropractic care may help when headaches are related to neck tension, joint restriction, posture, muscle tightness, or movement limitations. The first step is an evaluation to understand what may be contributing to your symptoms.
What is the difference between tension headaches and neck-related headaches?
Tension headaches often feel like pressure or tightness around the head. Neck-related headaches may start in the neck or base of the skull and may worsen with certain neck movements or positions. These patterns can overlap, which is why evaluation matters.
Can stress cause headaches?
Yes. Stress can contribute to headaches by increasing muscle tension, jaw clenching, poor sleep, changes in breathing, and sensitivity to pain.
When should I worry about a headache?
Seek urgent care for a sudden, severe headache, headache after injury, headache with fever or stiff neck, or headache with neurological symptoms like weakness, numbness, confusion, vision changes, or trouble speaking.
Do I need imaging for headaches?
Not always. Many headaches do not require imaging, but certain warning signs or unusual patterns may call for further medical evaluation. If we see signs that your headache needs additional medical workup, we’ll refer appropriately.
