Headaches and migraines can interfere with work, sleep, exercise, concentration, and everyday life. Some are related to tension, neck dysfunction, posture, stress, or other musculoskeletal factors, while others may have different underlying causes.
At Achieve Health Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Champlin, MN, we evaluate possible contributing factors and create an individualized treatment plan designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you function more comfortably.
Common Headache and Migraine Symptoms
Symptoms can vary widely from person to person.
Common symptoms may include:
- Pressure or aching in the head
- Pain behind the eyes
- Pain at the base of the skull
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Tightness across the forehead or temples
- One-sided head pain
- Throbbing or pulsating pain
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Nausea
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headaches triggered by posture or prolonged computer use
Some people experience occasional headaches, while others have recurring or more severe episodes.
What Can Cause Headaches?
Headaches may have many different causes.
Possible contributors include:
- Muscle tension
- Neck joint irritation
- Poor posture
- Prolonged computer or phone use
- Stress
- Sleep problems
- Dehydration
- Eye strain
- Jaw tension
- Whiplash or previous neck injuries
- Hormonal changes
- Certain foods or environmental triggers
Because different types of headaches can have very different causes, an evaluation can help determine whether neck, muscle, posture, or other mechanical factors may be contributing.
How We Treat Headaches and Migraines
Treatment depends on your symptoms, examination findings, health history, and the type of headache you are experiencing.
Your care may include:
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic treatment may be used to improve joint mobility in the neck and upper back and reduce mechanical stress that may contribute to certain types of headaches.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back can contribute to tension and discomfort.
Soft tissue treatment may help reduce muscle tension and improve movement.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may be used as part of a treatment plan for headaches, migraines, muscle tension, and stress-related symptoms.
REACT Magnetic Therapy
Our office also offers REACT magnetic neuromuscular therapy, which may be used to help address muscle tension, spasms, and neuromuscular dysfunction.
Posture and Therapeutic Exercise
Specific exercises may be recommended to improve posture, neck mobility, upper back strength, and movement patterns that may contribute to recurring headaches.
Can Neck Problems Cause Headaches?
Yes.
Certain headaches can originate from structures in the neck. These are sometimes referred to as cervicogenic headaches.
Neck-related headaches may be associated with:
- Neck stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- Pain at the base of the skull
- Pain that travels toward the forehead or eye
- Headaches triggered by certain neck positions
- Muscle tightness in the upper shoulders
If headaches are consistently associated with neck pain or stiffness, addressing the neck may be an important part of treatment.
What About Migraines?
Migraines are more complex than ordinary tension headaches and can involve neurological symptoms such as sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, visual disturbances, and severe throbbing pain.
Chiropractic care and acupuncture do not eliminate every cause of migraine, but some patients use conservative care as part of a broader approach to managing symptoms and reducing musculoskeletal triggers.
Headaches After an Auto Accident
Headaches are common following whiplash and other auto accident injuries.
They may develop immediately or appear hours or days later and may be associated with neck pain, muscle tension, or restricted movement.
If you develop persistent headaches after a collision, an evaluation can help determine whether the neck or surrounding tissues may be involved.
When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention?
Some headaches require urgent medical evaluation.
Seek immediate medical care if you experience:
- A sudden, severe “worst headache of your life”
- Headache following significant head trauma
- New weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
- Confusion or loss of consciousness
- New vision loss
- High fever with severe neck stiffness
- Seizure
- Severe dizziness or loss of coordination
- A new or rapidly worsening headache unlike your usual pattern
These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition.
Headache and Migraine Treatment Near Champlin, Maple Grove and Brooklyn Park
Achieve Health Chiropractic and Acupuncture is located in Champlin, Minnesota, and serves patients from Champlin and surrounding communities including Maple Grove, Brooklyn Park, Dayton, Anoka, Coon Rapids, and the northwest Twin Cities metro area.
If recurring headaches or migraines are interfering with your daily life, an evaluation can help determine whether neck, muscle, posture, or other mechanical factors may be contributing.
Schedule a Headache or Migraine Evaluation
Achieve Health Chiropractic and Acupuncture
11650 Winnetka Ave North
Champlin, MN 55316
Call: 763-323-3456
Contact our office to schedule an evaluation for headaches, migraines, neck tension, or recurring head and neck pain.
