Headache Treatment in Sewickley, PA

Understanding Headaches and Your Treatment Options

Headaches can range from a mild annoyance to a condition that significantly affects your ability to work, sleep, exercise, and enjoy everyday life.

Some headaches may be associated with tension in the muscles of the neck and shoulders, changes in posture, or dysfunction involving the neck and upper back. Other headaches may have completely different causes and require evaluation and treatment from a medical provider.

At Sewickley Chiropractic Center, Dr. Jared Yevins provides personalized chiropractic care for patients experiencing certain types of headaches and neck-related discomfort. Our approach begins with understanding your symptoms and evaluating your individual condition to determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate.

Depending on your needs, care may include chiropractic treatment, therapeutic exercises, posture and ergonomic recommendations, and other conservative approaches.

If you regularly experience headaches or headaches accompanied by neck pain and tension, schedule an evaluation to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.

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What Causes Headaches?

There are many different types and potential causes of headaches.

Some headaches may be related to:

  • Muscle tension
  • Neck and upper back tension
  • Poor posture
  • Prolonged computer use
  • Extended smartphone or tablet use
  • Stress
  • Lack of sleep
  • Dehydration
  • Certain foods or dietary factors
  • Hormonal changes
  • Illness or infection
  • Medication use or overuse
  • Migraine disorders
  • Other medical conditions

Because headaches can have many potential causes, identifying the type and pattern of your headaches is an important part of determining appropriate care.

Common Types of Headaches

There are many different types of headaches. Understanding the differences can help you and your healthcare provider determine the appropriate approach.

Tension-Type Headaches

Tension-type headaches are among the most common types of headaches.

They may feel like:

  • Pressure or tightness around the head
  • A band-like sensation around the forehead
  • Pressure at the temples
  • Tightness in the neck or shoulders
  • A dull, aching pain

Tension-type headaches may sometimes be associated with muscle tension, stress, prolonged posture, or discomfort in the neck and upper back.

Cervicogenic Headaches

A cervicogenic headache is a type of headache that originates from structures in the neck but is experienced as pain in the head or face.

These headaches may be associated with:

  • Neck pain
  • Reduced neck mobility
  • Stiffness
  • Pain that begins in the neck and travels toward the head
  • Pain that is worse with certain neck movements
  • Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders

Because the source of the pain may be related to the cervical spine, an evaluation of the neck and surrounding structures may be appropriate.

Learn more about Neck Pain Treatment.

Migraines

Migraines are a neurological condition that can cause moderate to severe headaches and may be accompanied by other symptoms.

Migraine symptoms may include:

  • Throbbing or pulsating pain
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sensitivity to sound
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Visual disturbances
  • Symptoms that worsen with physical activity

Some people experience an aura before or during a migraine. This may include visual changes, sensory symptoms, or other neurological symptoms.

Migraines can have many potential triggers and causes. If you experience frequent or severe migraines, it is important to discuss them with an appropriate medical provider.

Chiropractic care may be considered as part of a comprehensive approach for some individuals, depending on their specific symptoms and condition.

Can Neck Pain Cause Headaches?

In some cases, problems involving the neck may contribute to headaches.

The muscles, joints, and other structures in the neck can interact with the nervous system and surrounding tissues. When these structures become irritated or dysfunctional, some people may experience pain that extends into the head.

This may be particularly relevant for people who experience headaches along with:

  • Neck pain
  • Neck stiffness
  • Shoulder tension
  • Upper back discomfort
  • Headaches that begin in the neck
  • Headaches associated with prolonged sitting or computer use

If your headaches occur together with neck pain or stiffness, an evaluation may help determine whether the neck could be contributing to your symptoms.

How Chiropractic Care May Help With Certain Headaches

Chiropractic care may be appropriate for some individuals experiencing headaches that have a musculoskeletal or neck-related component.

At Sewickley Chiropractic Center, Dr. Jared Yevins takes an individualized approach to care. Your evaluation may include an assessment of your neck, upper back, posture, mobility, and other factors that could potentially contribute to your symptoms.

Depending on your condition, your care may include:

Chiropractic Care

Specific chiropractic techniques may be used to address areas of spinal and joint dysfunction and improve mobility.

Techniques can be adapted based on your condition, symptoms, and comfort level.

Not every patient receives the same type of adjustment. Your care is individualized based on your needs.

Therapeutic Exercise

Appropriate exercises may help improve strength, flexibility, mobility, and stability in the neck and upper back.

Your exercise recommendations will depend on your individual condition and goals.

Posture and Ergonomic Recommendations

Spending long periods sitting at a computer or looking down at a phone may contribute to neck and upper back tension in some people.

Depending on your situation, we may discuss:

  • Computer workstation setup
  • Monitor positioning
  • Sitting posture
  • Smartphone use
  • Sleeping positions
  • Workplace ergonomics
  • Taking regular movement breaks

Lifestyle Recommendations

Depending on your symptoms, we may also discuss factors such as sleep, hydration, activity levels, and other lifestyle habits that may influence your overall well-being.

Can a Chiropractor Help With Headaches?

Chiropractic care may be appropriate for certain types of headaches, particularly when symptoms appear to have a musculoskeletal or neck-related component.

However, not every headache is caused by the spine or musculoskeletal system.

The goal of an evaluation is to better understand your symptoms and determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate.

If your symptoms suggest that you need additional medical evaluation, we may recommend that you consult with your primary care physician or another appropriate healthcare provider.

Headaches and Poor Posture

Modern lifestyles may contribute to neck and upper back tension.

Many people spend hours each day:

  • Sitting at a computer
  • Working from home
  • Looking down at a smartphone
  • Driving
  • Using tablets
  • Sitting for extended periods

Maintaining the same posture for long periods may contribute to muscle fatigue and tension in the neck and shoulders.

Some people notice that their headaches become more frequent after spending several hours at a computer or using a smartphone.

Improving workstation ergonomics, taking movement breaks, and addressing contributing factors may be helpful for some individuals.

Headaches After an Accident or Injury

Headaches can sometimes develop after a motor vehicle accident, sports injury, fall, or other trauma.

A neck injury, including whiplash, may be associated with headaches, neck stiffness, and upper back discomfort.

Symptoms following an injury may include:

  • Headaches
  • Neck pain
  • Neck stiffness
  • Shoulder pain
  • Upper back pain
  • Reduced neck mobility
  • Muscle tension

If you’ve experienced an injury and are developing new or persistent headaches, an evaluation is important to determine the potential cause of your symptoms.

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When Should You See a Chiropractor for Headaches?

You may want to consider an evaluation if you experience headaches that are:

  • Associated with neck pain or stiffness
  • Associated with upper back or shoulder tension
  • Related to prolonged sitting or computer use
  • Recurring or persistent
  • Affecting your daily activities
  • Associated with reduced neck mobility
  • Developing after an injury

An evaluation can help determine whether your symptoms may have a musculoskeletal component and whether chiropractic care may be appropriate.

When Headaches Require Immediate Medical Attention

Most headaches are not emergencies. However, certain headache symptoms require immediate medical evaluation.

Seek emergency medical attention for a headache that:

  • Comes on suddenly and is extremely severe
  • Is the worst headache you have ever experienced
  • Develops following a significant head injury
  • Is accompanied by new weakness or numbness
  • Is accompanied by difficulty speaking
  • Is accompanied by confusion or loss of consciousness
  • Is accompanied by a significant change in vision
  • Occurs with a high fever and severe neck stiffness
  • Is accompanied by other sudden or rapidly worsening neurological symptoms

If you are experiencing a new, severe, or unusual headache, especially when accompanied by neurological symptoms, seek appropriate medical evaluation.

Take the Next Step Toward Understanding Your Headaches

Recurring headaches can interfere with your work, family life, sleep, and overall quality of life.

At Sewickley Chiropractic Center, Dr. Jared Yevins provides personalized chiropractic care for patients experiencing certain types of headaches and neck-related discomfort.

If your headaches occur alongside neck pain, stiffness, or muscle tension, we can evaluate your condition and discuss whether chiropractic care or other conservative approaches may be appropriate for you.

[Schedule Your Appointment]

Call Sewickley Chiropractic Center today at 412-741-5451.

Serving patients in Sewickley, Moon Township, Coraopolis, Ambridge, Baden, and surrounding communities.