A headache can negatively impact your ability to work, socialize, or go about your day pain-free and with a positive attitude. While it may be tempting to lean on over-the-counter pain medication to curb headache symptoms, understanding the cause of your discomfort and taking steps to rectify these issues can provide relief, particularly if your headache is related to general neck pain. Here’s some insight into the link between neck pain and headaches, so you know when it’s time to pursue treatment. 

Understanding the Connection Between Neck Pain & Headaches

What’s Causing Your Tension Headache?

A tension headache is defined by a dull, aching pain, tightness, or pressure surrounding the head, and tenderness at the base of the neck and shoulders. While these headaches are sometimes triggered by stress, many medical professionals believe the root cause is connected to pinched nerves, muscle pain, joint inflammation, or injury in the neck and shoulders. As such, treating neck pain and focusing on balancing the nervous system, reducing muscle stiffness, and promoting healthy joint function can reduce the frequency and severity of tension headaches.  

What Treatment Options Should You Explore?

To better understand the source of your tension headaches and to find neck pain relief, consider scheduling an appointment with a chiropractor. After a consultation to better understand your symptoms and medical history, a chiropractor can perform a series of spinal adjustments geared toward balancing your nervous system, establishing proper alignment and improving your range of motion.

Routine chiropractic care can provide longstanding pain relief that minimizes your headaches and improves your overall quality of life without the use of medication or invasive surgery. Chiropractors can also recommend physical therapy, stretches, exercise, or lifestyle changes geared toward reducing back and neck pain and ultimately, reducing headaches caused by neck injuries, pinched nerves, or misaligned vertebrae. 

If you’re a resident in the Columbia, IL, area, and you’re looking for a chiropractor that can treat your neck pain and tension headaches without medication, contact Nobbe Chiropractic Clinic. Their team offers spinal adjustments, sports injury treatment, and physical therapy to help you recover from any accident or injury. For more information on this family-owned practice and their reputation for providing quality, individualized care since opening for business in 1976, visit their website, and call (618) 281-4000 to schedule an appointment.