Headaches are often caused when your neck is out of alignment, dehydration, allergies or physical and emotional tension. Chiropractors can successfully treat most headaches and teach you how to prevent the pain recurring.

Is it really a Headache?

Pain and tension start at the top of the neck in the case of most people and as the pain increases it can spread to the back of the head, temples, forehead or behind the eyes. By moving your neck or bending your neck forward for a long period of  time can in fact make it worse.

This increase in pain can occur as the nerves in the upper part of your neck are connected to the nerves in your head and face. A disorder of the upper neck joints or muscles can cause referred pain to your head. A headache can be caused by bad posture, you may be hunching your shoulders without realising it.

If you experience any of the following in conjunction with a headache, it can suggest that your neck is causing the headache:  

• If the pain goes from the back to the front of your head.
• Dizziness or light-headedness.
• Headache brought on or aggravated by neck movement or staying in the same position for a prolonged time.
• Headache that constantly feels worse on one side of your head.
• Headache that can be eased by applying pressure to the base of the skull.
• Headache which persists after drinking fluids to increase hydration in the body.

How Chiropractors can help

Chiropractors are experts in posture and human movement and they will be able to determine if your neck is causing the headaches. Chiropractors may use:

• Manipulation
  
• Massage
  
• Postural assessment, correction and advice
  
• Relaxation

Self-help advice such as adjusting furniture, changing your mattress or pillow, relaxation techniques, exercises or stretches.