Cervicogenic Headaches: How a Chiropractor Can Treat the Neck Pain Causing Your Headaches
You’ve tried painkillers, dark rooms, and maybe even cutting back on screen time, but the headache
keeps coming back, often starting at the base of your skull and creeping toward your temple or behind
one eye. If that sounds familiar, the real source of your pain might not be your head at all. It could be a
cervicogenic headache: a headache that originates in the joints, muscles, or nerves of your neck.
Understanding where this pain comes from is the first step toward finding relief, and for many people in
Coquitlam and Burnaby, chiropractic care is part of that path forward.
What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?
A cervicogenic headache is different from a typical tension headache or migraine because it starts in the cervical spine, the top section of your neck, rather than in the head itself. Irritation in the upper cervical spine, whether from poor posture, a previous whiplash injury, prolonged desk work, or general muscle tension, can refer pain upward into the skull. The result often feels like a tight band around one side of the head, a dull ache that starts at the neck, or discomfort that worsens with certain neck movements or positions. Because the pain shows up in the head, many people focus on treating the headache itself and overlook the neck, which is actually where the problem began.
How Chiropractic Adjustment Can Help Address Neck-Related Headache Pain
Because cervicogenic headaches start in the neck, addressing the neck is often key to finding relief. At Strive Health and Performance, our chiropractic care in Coquitlam and Burnaby begins with a thorough assessment of your posture, cervical spine mobility, and muscle tension to understand what may be contributing to your headaches.
From there, your chiropractor may use:
- Spinal manipulation
- Gentle chiropractic adjustment techniques
- Soft tissue work to help improve joint mobility in the upper cervical spine and reduce tension in the neck and shoulders.
This approach may help reduce the frequency and intensity of headache episodes and support better movement in the neck over time, without relying on medication as the first line of defence.
What to Expect When You See a Chiropractor for Headache Relief
Your first visit will include a conversation about your headache patterns, health history, and any past injuries such as whiplash from a motor vehicle accident, along with a physical assessment of your neck and posture. Your chiropractor will review their findings and create a personalized treatment plan based on your goals, whether that means fewer headaches, less neck stiffness, or returning to your usual activities.
For some patients, complementary care such as massage therapy can also help release tension in the neck and shoulders alongside chiropractic treatment. Consistency matters, so your chiropractor will also talk to you about a realistic schedule for adjustments and any simple changes at home, like desk setup or stretching, that may support your progress between visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a cervicogenic headache feel like?
Cervicogenic headaches often feel like a dull, one-sided ache that starts at the base of the skull or neck and radiates toward the forehead, temple, or behind the eye. Movement or certain neck positions can make the pain feel worse, and some people also notice stiffness or reduced range of motion in the neck alongside the headache.
Can a chiropractor help with headaches caused by neck problems?
Yes. Chiropractors are trained to assess and treat conditions of the cervical spine, and many patients find that chiropractic adjustment and soft tissue therapy help reduce neck-related headache pain. At Strive Health and Performance, our chiropractors build a plan around your specific neck and posture findings.
How many chiropractic visits does it take to notice a difference?
This varies from person to person depending on how long you have had symptoms and their severity. Some patients notice improvement within a few visits, while others with longstanding tension may need a longer course of care. Your chiropractor will discuss a realistic timeline based on your assessment.
Is chiropractic treatment for headaches safe?
Chiropractic care is considered safe when provided by a licensed practitioner. Our chiropractors use evidence-based techniques suited to your comfort level, and most patients only experience mild, temporary effects like soreness after an adjustment.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor for headaches?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with one of our chiropractors at our Coquitlam, Brentwood, or Port Moody locations.
Ready To Address The Headache That Won’t Quit?
Our chiropractors in Coquitlam and Burnaby are here to help you find out what is really going on and build a plan around your goals. Book your appointment today.