Some headaches begin in the neck and upper back, especially with long hours at a screen, stress or an old injury. We’ll help you understand whether that may be part of yours, and how we approach it.
Not sure yet? Start with a complimentary consultation.
Does this sound familiar?
- Pain that starts at the base of your skull and spreads forward
- Headaches on one side that come with neck stiffness
- Tightness in your neck and shoulders before or during a headache
- Headaches that build through the workday or after driving
- Pain that changes when you move your neck
What may be going on
The joints and small muscles at the top of your neck share nerve pathways with the back of your head. When they’re irritated or tight, some people feel it as a headache, often called a cervicogenic or tension-type headache.
Not every headache comes from the neck. Migraines and other causes are common too, so if your headaches are new, changing or severe, it’s important to have a medical provider evaluate them. We’ll tell you honestly if yours needs a different specialist.
When to get help right away
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- A sudden, severe headache, the worst you’ve ever had
- A headache with confusion, weakness, numbness or trouble speaking or seeing
- A headache after a blow to the head or an accident
- A headache with a high fever and a stiff neck
How we approach it
- 01
We listen first
Dr. Gentry starts with your story: when it began, what makes it better or worse, and what you’ve already tried.
- 02
A thorough evaluation
We look at how your neck and upper back move, check posture and muscle tension, and screen for signs that your headaches need a medical provider’s evaluation first.
- 03
A plan built around you
Your plan may combine hands-on care with simple changes to your setup and habits. If your headaches need a medical provider, we’ll tell you honestly.
Care that may help
Not everyone needs every option. Your plan is based on your evaluation.
- Chiropractic careHands-on care for the upper neck and upper back, with gentler options always available.Learn more
- Therapeutic massageReleases tension in the neck, shoulders and the base of the skull.Learn more
- Neck pain careIf neck stiffness comes with your headaches, see how we approach the neck.Learn more
Clear pricing, memberships for ongoing care and most PPO plans accepted, usually out of network. See pricing and payment →
Questions
Book online, or call or text us at (949) 888-0404. A complimentary consultation is always a good first step.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Your care is based on an individual evaluation, and results vary.