The Two Types of Headaches

Headaches are one of the most common and disruptive forms of pain, yet many people do not realize there are different types of headaches with different underlying causes. From tension headaches brought on by stress to cervicogenic headaches that originate in the neck, understanding what’s behind your symptoms is the first step toward lasting relief.

Chiropractic care takes a whole-body approach to headaches, focusing on spinal alignment, muscle tension, and nervous system function to address the root causes of many headaches. Depending on your headache and its underlying cause, chiropractic treatment can help to reduce their frequency, severity, and impact on daily life.

How Many Types of Headaches Are There?

There are well over 150 types of headaches, but they all fall into two general categories – primary and secondary. Primary headaches are those not caused by another condition. These represent around 90 percent of headaches, and include tension, migraine and cluster headaches.

Secondary headaches are those that occur as a result of another condition. This can include from head and neck injuries, spinal misalignment, sinus issues, hormonal imbalances, dehydration, infections, tumors, and the use of certain medications. 

Can Being Out of Alignment Cause Headaches?

Being out of spinal alignment can indeed contribute to headaches. When the spine (especially the cervical region) is misaligned, it can place excess strain on surrounding muscles, joints, and ligaments. This can lead to muscle tension and reduced range of motion. These imbalances may also irritate or compress nerves and restrict blood flow to the head and neck – both of which are common triggers for tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches.

Over time, poor posture, repetitive movements, or untreated spinal misalignment can cause chronic tightness and inflammation that radiates upward, resulting in frequent or persistent headaches. Addressing spinal alignment through proper posture, ergonomic adjustments, and professional care can often help reduce headache frequency and severity.

What Can a Chiropractor Do for Headaches?

Headaches and chiropractic care can go hand in hand. A chiropractor can help relieve headaches by addressing underlying issues related to spinal alignment, muscle tension, and nerve irritation – all of which are common contributors to headache pain. Through gentle spinal adjustments (particularly in the cervical region) chiropractors aim to improve joint mobility, reduce pressure on nerves, and restore proper alignment, which can ease tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches.

Chiropractors may also use soft tissue therapies, posture correction, ergonomic guidance, and targeted stretches to reduce muscle tightness and prevent future episodes. By focusing on the root cause rather than just masking symptoms, chiropractic care can be an effective, drug-free option for reducing the frequency, intensity, and duration of headaches.

Holistic Chiropractic Care for Headaches and More

Total Chiropractic Care and Wellness offers a holistic approach to headache treatment. We offer chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy, physical therapy, lifestyle advice, and other treatment modalities to help you feel better now and to prevent headaches from recurring. For more information or to schedule an appointment contact us online or call our offices.