Headache Treatment in Vancouver
Headaches can interfere with work, sleep, exercise and everyday life. They can also have many different causes. If your headaches occur along with neck pain, stiffness, restricted movement or muscle tension, a musculoskeletal assessment may help determine whether your neck is contributing to your symptoms.
At Vancouver Chiropractic, Dr. Michael Horowitz and associates assess patients experiencing recurring headaches, neck pain and related musculoskeletal symptoms. The goal is to understand the pattern of your headaches, identify factors that may be contributing to them and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.
Can Neck Problems Contribute to Headaches?
Yes. Some headaches are associated with structures in the neck. These are commonly referred to as cervicogenic headaches. People with this type of headache may also experience neck stiffness, reduced neck movement or pain that begins around the neck or back of the head.
Headaches may also occur alongside muscle tension, prolonged computer work, sustained postures, previous neck injuries or other mechanical problems. However, headaches have many possible causes, so an appropriate history and examination are important before deciding on treatment.
If your headaches are accompanied by neck discomfort, you may also want to learn about our neck pain treatment in Vancouver.
Types of Headaches
Cervicogenic Headaches
A cervicogenic headache is a headache associated with a problem involving the cervical spine or surrounding structures. Symptoms may be accompanied by neck pain, stiffness or restricted movement. The discomfort can sometimes begin in the neck or back of the head and extend toward other areas of the head.
Tension-Type Headaches
Tension-type headaches are common and may feel like pressure or tightness around the head. Some people also experience tenderness or tension involving the neck and shoulder muscles. Stress, sleep, prolonged postures and other factors may contribute to an individual's headache pattern.
Migraine
Migraine is a neurological headache disorder and is different from a cervicogenic headache. Migraine symptoms can include throbbing pain, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound, and some people experience an aura.
Because migraine and other headache disorders can overlap with neck symptoms, determining the likely source of a patient's symptoms is an important part of deciding whether chiropractic care is appropriate. Patients with migraine may also require assessment or management by their physician or another healthcare professional.
How We Assess Headaches Associated With Neck Pain
When you visit our Vancouver chiropractic clinic with headaches and neck symptoms, your assessment may include:
- A discussion of when your headaches began and how frequently they occur
- The location and pattern of your headache symptoms
- Questions about neck pain, stiffness and previous injuries
- Assessment of cervical spine movement and function
- Evaluation of relevant muscles and joints
- Discussion of work, computer use, posture, exercise and other contributing factors
- Screening for findings that may indicate the need for medical evaluation or referral
Not every headache is appropriate for chiropractic treatment. If your history or examination suggests that your symptoms require further medical investigation, referral may be recommended.
Chiropractic Care for Cervicogenic Headaches
For appropriately selected patients with headaches associated with neck pain, chiropractic management may include a combination of:
- Manual therapy
- Spinal mobilization or manipulation when clinically appropriate
- Soft-tissue treatment
- Neck and upper-back exercises
- Mobility and stretching recommendations
- Posture and ergonomic advice
- Strategies for managing contributing activities or movements
Treatment recommendations depend on your examination findings and individual circumstances rather than simply treating every headache in the same way.
Headaches, Neck Pain and Computer Work
Many Vancouver patients spend long periods working at computers or using phones and tablets. Sustained positions and repetitive activities can contribute to neck discomfort, muscle fatigue and stiffness in some people.
When these factors appear relevant, your treatment plan may include changes to your workstation, movement breaks, exercises or strategies intended to reduce strain on your neck and upper back.
Headaches Following a Car Accident or Whiplash
Headaches can also occur following a motor vehicle collision, particularly when neck symptoms are present. In these situations, it is important to consider the injury history as part of the assessment rather than assuming that all post-accident headaches have the same cause.
If your headaches began following a motor vehicle accident, our clinic can also discuss whether chiropractic treatment may be appropriate as part of your recovery.
When Should a Headache Receive Medical Attention?
Most headaches are not medical emergencies, but certain symptoms require prompt medical assessment.
Seek urgent medical attention for a sudden, severe headache that is different from your usual headaches, or a headache accompanied by symptoms such as sudden weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, sudden vision changes, confusion, significant problems with balance, or fever with a stiff neck.
New headaches, headaches that are becoming progressively worse or more frequent, or headaches with unusual symptoms should also be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional.
Headache and Neck Stretches
Movement and exercise may form part of the management plan for some people experiencing headaches associated with neck discomfort. The appropriate exercises depend on your individual presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Headaches
Can a chiropractor help with headaches?
Chiropractic care may be appropriate for some headaches associated with the neck, particularly cervicogenic headaches. Because headaches can have many different causes, assessment is important before determining whether chiropractic treatment is suitable.
How do I know if my headache is coming from my neck?
Headaches associated with the neck may occur along with neck pain, stiffness, restricted movement or symptoms that appear to be influenced by neck movement or position. These features alone do not establish a diagnosis, which is why a clinical assessment can be helpful.
Are headaches and migraines the same thing?
No. Migraine is a neurological headache disorder with characteristic symptoms that can include throbbing pain, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Other headache disorders have different characteristics and causes.
Do you treat headaches after whiplash?
Patients can experience headaches along with neck pain following a motor vehicle collision. We assess the nature of the injury and symptoms to determine whether chiropractic management is appropriate or whether further medical evaluation is indicated.
What happens during my first appointment?
Your first visit includes a history and physical assessment focused on understanding your symptoms and identifying relevant musculoskeletal findings. If chiropractic care is appropriate, your chiropractor will discuss treatment options and recommendations with you.
Book a Headache & Neck Pain Assessment in Vancouver
If recurring headaches are accompanied by neck pain, stiffness or restricted movement, contact Vancouver Chiropractic to arrange an assessment with Dr. Michael Horowitz & Associates.
Hycroft Chiropractic & Massage
Suite 114 - 3195 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V6H 3K2
Phone: 604-733-7744
