Headaches and Chiropractic Care: Causes, Relief, and Treatment in the Southeast Valley

Quick Highlights

• Can a chiropractor help headaches? Chiropractic care may help reduce the frequency and intensity of cervicogenic headaches, tension headaches, and some migraines by improving neck and spinal function.
• Why do headaches start in the neck? More than 80% of headaches have a neck component, making posture, muscle tension, and restricted cervical joints common contributors.
• When should you see a chiropractor for headaches? If headaches keep returning, begin in your neck, worsen with poor posture, or don’t improve with self-care, a chiropractic evaluation can help identify the underlying cause.
• What happens during a chiropractic visit? Your chiropractor will evaluate your headache pattern, examine your neck and spine, and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate.
• Where can you find headache relief? The Joint Chiropractic provides walk-in headache evaluations and chiropractic care at five Southeast Valley clinics, including Gilbert, Queen Creek, Power Ranch, Mesa Gateway, and San Tan Valley.

How Headaches and Neck Problems Are Connected 

If you’ve ever rubbed the back of your neck when having a headache without really thinking about it, you were probably onto something. A lot of headaches don’t actually start in the head. They start in the neck, the upper back, or the muscles and joints that support your head.

Hours spent looking down at a phone, sitting at a desk with rounded shoulders, or sleeping in an awkward position can all put strain on the cervical spine, which is the neck portion of your spine. When those joints get restricted or those muscles get tight, it can refer pain upward into the head. 

That’s often where chiropractic care comes in. This doesn’t mean every headache is a neck problem. However, it does mean that research has found that more than 80% of headaches have a neck component.  Therefore, patients who seek chiropractic care to clear problems from their necks have phenomenal results in regard to headache relief.   For people who feel headaches accompanied by pain, stiffness, or achiness in the base of the skull or the neck, chiropractic is the perfect solution for conservative care to get the relief needed. 

The Types of Headaches Chiropractic Care May Help With

Not all headaches are the same, and they don’t all respond the same way to treatment. Understanding which type of headache you’re dealing with is one of the first things a chiropractor will try to figure out.

Cervicogenic Headaches

Cervicogenic headaches are headaches that originate from a problem in the neck, such as a joint that isn’t moving the way it should or muscles that have become tight and irritated. The pain often starts at the back of the head or neck and can spread toward the forehead or behind the eyes.

If you suffer from neck-related headaches, chiropractic care is a highly effective, non-invasive first line of defense.

When your daily routine continuously strains your upper back and neck, headaches are bound to follow.

The truth is, popping Tylenol or Ibuprofen every day isn’t a treatment plan.

To find true relief, you have to address the source. Routine chiropractic adjustments are the most logical starting point, providing a proactive, natural solution that keeps your spine aligned and stops neck-related headaches before they start.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache overall. They tend to feel like a tight band or pressure wrapped around the head, often involving the muscles in the neck, shoulders, and scalp. Stress, posture issues, and muscle tightness are common contributors.

For ongoing tension headaches, spinal adjustments can provide short-term relief. Patients typically experience moderate pain reduction and a slight improvement in their daily physical function.

Migraines

Migraines are a different beast. They’re often more intense, may come with nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and can last much longer than a typical tension headache. Migraines have a strong neurological component, which means chiropractic care is usually thought of as one piece of a bigger picture rather than a standalone fix.

Spinal adjustments are a great tool for managing migraines. Chiropractic care does more than just offer temporary relief; it actively cuts down how often your migraines happen, how bad they feel, and how long they last. By fixing the spinal misalignments that irritate your nerves, routine adjustments stop severe headaches before they disrupt your day.

Headaches From Posture and Daily Habits

Many headaches simply come from daily life. Long hours at a computer or staring down at a phone pull your neck out of alignment. Heavy bags and bad sleeping positions make it worse. Over time, this constant strain triggers recurring headaches, even without a sudden injury.

Living in Arizona adds another common headache trigger: dehydration.

Dehydration alone can trigger headaches, and when combined with poor posture, prolonged screen time, and muscle tension, it can create the perfect storm for recurring pain.

What the Research Says

The evidence for cervicogenic headaches in a 2020 review found that spinal manipulation reduces both the frequency and intensity of headaches.

There’s also growing interest in how chiropractic care might fit into headache management from a medication standpoint. A retrospective cohort study looked at whether adults receiving chiropractic spinal manipulation for tension-type headaches were less likely to be prescribed butalbital, a medication that current headache guidelines generally discourage as a first-line option because of its potential for overuse.

The bottom line is that chiropractic care isn’t a guaranteed fix for headaches, and it isn’t right for every type of headache. But for people whose headaches are connected to the neck, especially cervicogenic and tension-type headaches, it is the most effective choice to prioritize, especially when combined with the other lifestyle factors that drive your long-term relief.

When Should You See a Chiropractor for Headaches?

If your headaches are becoming more frequent, begin in your neck, return regularly, or interfere with work, sleep, or daily activities, it may be time to see a chiropractor. A chiropractic evaluation can help determine whether your headaches are related to neck dysfunction, muscle tension, posture, or another mechanical issue.

How a Chiropractor Evaluates a Headache

If your main reason for coming in is headaches, your first visit will look a little different from someone coming in for low back pain, even though the overall experience will be similar. Your chiropractor needs to understand your headache pattern and evaluate your spine before deciding whether an adjustment makes sense and what kind of approach fits best.

Health History Specific to Headaches

Expect questions that go beyond the basics. Your chiropractor will likely ask how often the headaches happen, where exactly they’re located, what they feel like, what tends to trigger them, and whether anything makes them better or worse. They’ll also ask about your sleep, stress levels, screen time, and any past neck injuries, since all of these can play a role.

Neck and Upper Back Exam

Because so many headaches connect back to the cervical spine, the exam will likely focus heavily on your neck and upper back. This typically includes checking your posture; how far you can comfortably turn and tilt your head, and palpating, or feeling, for tight muscles and restricted joints along the neck and shoulders.

Ruling Things Out

Part of a good evaluation is also figuring out what’s not causing the headache. If something during the exam suggests the headache might be related to something outside the scope of chiropractic care, our chiropractors will say so immediately and point you toward the right type of provider.

How Chiropractic Adjustments Help Relieve Headaches

When the joints in your neck aren’t moving the way they should, the muscles around them tighten up to protect the area. Chiropractic adjustments help restore that movement, reduce muscle tension, and improve how your neck functions. We see this every day in our clinics, and many of our patients tell us they notice fewer headaches, less neck tension, and better mobility as their care progresses. While every person responds differently, improving movement in the cervical spine can play an important role in reducing headaches that originate in the neck.

So what does that actually feel like?

What a Chiropractic Adjustment for Headaches Feels Like

If your headaches are connected to your neck, your chiropractor may focus adjustments on the cervical spine and upper back. The expert chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic adjust their patients’ spines using a controlled, targeted motion designed to produce relief as quickly as possible.  

Many patients describe an immediate sense of loosened movement in the neck after a cervical adjustment, almost like a tight knot has been released. Some people notice their headache easing immediately, while for others the benefit builds gradually over a series of visits as the underlying tension and restriction improve.

As with any adjustment, you might hear a popping sound. That’s simply gas releasing from the joint, the same thing that happens when you crack your knuckles, and it doesn’t indicate anything is wrong or that the adjustment did or didn’t work.  In fact, the noise doesn’t matter at all.  What actually matters is the restoration of the joint movement as a result of the adjustment. 

Lifestyle Habits That Make a Difference Alongside Care

Chiropractic adjustments can help address restrictions in the neck and spine, but headaches that are driven by daily habits tend to respond best when those habits change, too. A few things worth paying attention to between visits include the following.

Screen Position and Posture

If you spend hours looking at a phone or computer, try to keep screens at eye level rather than looking down for long stretches. Even small adjustments to desk height or how you hold your phone can take pressure off the neck over time.  If you have multiple screens, try to center them the best you can—or center the one screen that you look at the majority of your time.  

Sleep Position and Pillow Height

A pillow that’s too high, too flat, or doesn’t support the natural curve of the neck can leave you waking up with tension that turns into a headache later in the day. If you wake up with neck stiffness most mornings, your sleep setup is worth a closer look.

Stress and Muscle Tension

Stress has a way of settling into the shoulders and neck, and that tension can build into headaches over time, especially for women. This doesn’t mean stress has to disappear completely, but noticing where you tend to hold tension and taking small breaks to stretch or reset your posture can help.

Red Flag Symptoms: When a Headache Needs Medical Attention First

Most headaches, even frequent ones, are not medical emergencies. But certain symptoms mean you should see a medical doctor before a chiropractic visit. If you experience any of the following, seek medical evaluation first:

• A sudden, severe headache that feels different from any headache you’ve had before
• A headache following a head injury, fall, or accident
• Headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, or a rash
• Headache with weakness, numbness, slurred speech, or vision changes
• A headache that wakes you from sleep or is worse in the morning and progressively gets worse over days or weeks

Our licensed chiropractor will screen for these during intake. But if something on this list applies to you, don’t wait; get evaluated by a medical provider right away.

What to Expect at The Joint Chiropractic in the Southeast Valley

If you’ve been dealing with recurring headaches and you’re not sure whether chiropractic care could help, The Joint Chiropractic makes it easy to find out without committing to anything upfront. There’s no appointment needed, no insurance required, and no pressure to sign up for a long-term plan before your first visit is even done.

When you walk in, you’ll meet with a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic who will take your health history, ask about your headache pattern, and conduct a focused exam of your neck and spine. If an adjustment makes sense based on what they find, it can happen during that same visit. You can review all your options ahead of time on the pricing page so there are no surprises.

After your first visit, follow-up appointments are quick, often under ten minutes, which makes it realistic to stay consistent if you and your chiropractor decide ongoing care is a good fit for your headaches.

The $29 new patient visit covers the consultation, spinal exam, and your first adjustment. Your $29 new patient visit includes your initial consultation, a comprehensive spinal exam, and your first adjustment. Whether you are near Power Ranch, Mesa Gateway, Gilbert (San Tan Village), Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley, you can find your nearest location and book your visit here Southeast Valley Chiropractic Clinics.

If you’re curious about what the first visit itself looks like step by step, our guide on what to expect at your first chiropractic visit walks through the entire process from intake to adjustment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Headaches and Chiropractic Care

Can chiropractic care help with headaches?

Yes. Chiropractic care is a highly effective, proven solution for headaches, especially cervicogenic headaches that physically originate from structural issues in your neck. In fact, a major review by the NCCIH confirmed that spinal manipulation actively reduces both the frequency and intensity of these painful episodes. By correcting the root spinal misalignments and nerve irritation that trigger tension headaches and migraines, routine adjustments stop the pain before it starts. Instead of temporarily masking your symptoms with daily medication, chiropractic care serves as the most logical starting point for lasting, natural relief.

What’s the difference between a cervicogenic headache and a regular headache?

A cervicogenic headache starts with a problem in the neck, like a restricted joint or tight muscles, and the pain travels up into the head. A regular tension headache or migraine has different underlying causes, even though the pain can feel similar. A chiropractor can help figure out which type you’re dealing with based on your symptoms and a physical exam. Chiropractic can help with all 3 of these types of headaches. 

How many chiropractic visits does it take to help with headaches?

This varies a lot from person to person. Some people notice a difference after just one or two visits, especially if their headaches are closely tied to neck restriction. Others need a series of visits over a few weeks before they notice a consistent change. Your chiropractor can give you a better idea after your first exam.

Is it safe to get a chiropractic adjustment for a headache?

Yes, when performed by a licensed chiropractor who has properly evaluated you first. Should I see a chiropractor or a medical doctor for my headaches?

If your headaches are tied to symptoms like fever, vision changes, weakness, or confusion, see a medical doctor first. If your headaches are recurring, affecting your daily life, and tied to neck stiffness or pain, a chiropractor is the best place to start.

Will I be adjusted on my first visit for headaches?

Often, yes, if the exam supports it. At The Joint Chiropractic, your first visit includes a health history, a focused exam, and an adjustment if everything checks out, all in one appointment.

Do I need an appointment at The Joint Chiropractic in the Southeast Valley?

No. All five Southeast Valley locations, including Power Ranch, Mesa Gateway, Gilbert, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley, offer walk-in chiropractic care. Same-day visits are available, and no insurance is needed.

Ready to Come In?

If headaches have become a regular part of your week, especially ones tied to neck tension, screen time, or stress, it might be worth finding out whether your neck is part of the picture.

At The Joint Chiropractic, a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate what’s going on and let you know whether chiropractic care fits your situation. Walk-ins are welcome, no appointment is needed, and no insurance is required. Whether you are near Power Ranch, Mesa Gateway, Gilbert (San Tan Village), Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley, your first visit, including the consultation, spinal exam, and adjustment, is $29.

The Bottom Line

Headaches are complicated, and there’s no single cause or single fix that works for everyone. But for over 80% of people with headaches, chiropractic care is extremely effective at knocking out their headaches and worth exploring as a solution.

Many Southeast Valley patients are surprised to learn that chronic headaches are not just something they have to live with. Chiropractic care provides the most logical starting point for true relief, targeting the structural root causes of your pain instead of just masking the symptoms.

References

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2025). Spinal Manipulation: What You Need To Know. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/spinal-manipulation-what-you-need-to-know

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Headaches: What You Need To Know. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/headaches-in-depth/

Roesch, A., et al. (2024). Association Between Spinal Manipulation, Butalbital Prescription, and Medication Overuse Headache in Adults With Tension-Type Headache: Retrospective Cohort Study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11605481/

Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not provide medical or chiropractic diagnosis or treatment recommendations for any individual person. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for an examination, diagnosis, and personalized treatment plan.

Written by Dr. Craig Peterson, DC

The Joint Chiropractic, Southeast Valley, Arizona