Headaches can feel like a mystery. They may come and go without warning, disrupt your focus, and leave you wondering whether you simply need stronger pain relief. At Inspired Chiropractic, headaches are one of the most common reasons people contact us for chiropractic care, often after they have been present for months or even years.
One helpful way to think about headaches is this: they are rarely a “painkiller deficiency”. More often, they are a signal that something in the body is not functioning as well as it should.
Why The Neck Matters
Many headaches are classed as cervicogenic, meaning the pain is referred into the head from structures in the upper neck. The neck has a close relationship with the nervous system, joint movement, muscle tone, and posture. When the upper cervical spine is not moving well, it can contribute to patterns of tension and irritation that may present as head pain.
What We Look For In An Assessment
Headaches are not all the same, so our role is to identify likely contributing factors. We consider the location of pain, what triggers it, whether it can be reproduced with certain movements, neck range of motion, posture (including forward head carriage), and how the spine and pelvis are functioning together.
This is important because regular headaches can lead the body to compensate over time. Some people develop reduced spinal movement, increased muscle tension, altered posture, or subtle changes in the way they walk. Desk work, long periods of sitting, and computer use are also common features in many headache histories.
When To Take Headaches Seriously
If headaches are occurring more than once per month, it is worth taking them seriously rather than excusing them away. Most headaches have manageable contributing factors, but some require further investigation to rule out more serious causes. If symptoms are severe, sudden, unusual for you, or accompanied by concerning features, you should seek urgent medical advice.
How Chiropractic Care May Help
Chiropractic care aims to improve spinal function and reduce irritation patterns that may be linked to headaches, particularly when the neck and posture are involved. Many of our clients report a noticeable improvement in symptoms over time.
If headaches or neck pain are becoming a regular feature of life, we would be pleased to assess what may be contributing and discuss your options. Book online to arrange an appointment at Inspired Chiropractic in Norwich.