What causes headaches?
- Poor posture, especially forward head posture
- Muscle tension in the neck, shoulders and upper back
- Spinal joint dysfunction, especially in the cervical spine
- Stress and nervous system dysregulation
- Jaw tension or clenching
- Hormonal changes
- Lack of sleep, dehydration, or skipped meals
The spine–headache connection
The upper neck (C1–C3) shares close neurological pathways with the trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensation to the head and face. When there is tension, misalignment or restricted motion in the upper cervical spine, it can send confusing signals to the brain — pain that feels like it comes from the head, face, or behind the eyes. This is known as a cervicogenic headache.
Common symptoms
- Throbbing, dull or sharp pain — one-sided or both
- Tension across the forehead, temples or back of the head
- Neck stiffness or shoulder tightness
- Visual changes, nausea, or sensitivity to light and sound
- Feeling foggy or irritable
How chiropractic care can help
Chiropractic care looks beyond the symptom to the underlying cause. We assess the function of your spine and nervous system, identify areas of joint restriction or misalignment, and work to restore better movement and balance. Evidence suggests cervical adjustments may help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches, muscle tension, nerve irritation, and dependency on medication.