University Place, WA
Headaches and Neck-Related Head Pain
Not all headaches are the same. Some are related to the joints and muscles of the neck and upper back, and those are the ones chiropractic care may help. Dr. Anderson examines your neck in University Place, looks for a mechanical pattern, and refers you on when a headache needs medical evaluation.
What it usually feels like
- Head pain that starts at the base of the skull and wraps forward
- Headaches that follow long stretches at a desk or after poor sleep
- Neck stiffness that shows up with the headache
- Pain on one side more than the other
- Tenderness in the muscles along the neck and upper shoulders
Common causes we see locally
- Joint irritation in the upper neck
- Sustained postures at work or on devices
- Muscle tension through the neck and upper back
- Old neck injuries
- Poor sleep, dehydration and stress layered on top of a mechanical problem
How chiropractic care fits in
When examination points to a neck-related pattern, care may include joint and soft tissue work along with changes to how you sit, sleep and move. Chiropractic care is not a care plan for every kind of headache, and Dr. Anderson is direct about which situations belong with your physician instead.
What Dr. Anderson looks at
- The pattern, where it starts, where it goes, what triggers it
- Upper neck joint mobility and tenderness
- Muscle findings through the neck, jaw line and shoulders
- Your workstation, screens, sleep position and stress load
- Red flags requiring medical referral
What a visit involves
- 1.A careful headache history, this is where most of the answer lives
- 2.Examination of the neck and upper back
- 3.An explanation of whether your headaches look neck-related
- 4.If appropriate, care and practical daily adjustments
- 5.A referral when the pattern doesn't fit mechanical care
Related
Other reasons people come in
Ready to do something about your headaches?
If something's been bothering you, start with a conversation. Dr. Anderson will listen first and tell you honestly whether he thinks he can help.
Discover Chiropractic · University Place, WA