Headaches often start in the neck
Many headaches, especially tension-type headaches and those that begin at the base of the skull, are connected to the upper neck: joints that have lost movement, muscles that never switch off and a nervous system stuck in stress. Chiropractic care addresses those drivers directly. For migraines, care aims at the neck tension and nervous-system stress that so often accompany them, alongside your medical care.
Headaches we commonly see
- Tension headaches: a band around the head or pressure at the base of the skull
- Headaches after long days at a screen, often with neck stiffness
- Cervicogenic headaches: pain that starts in the neck and spreads to the head
- Migraines with neck tension before or during the attack
- Headaches in children and teenagers, often screen- and posture-related
The neck-headache connection
The nerves of the upper neck share pathways with the nerves that carry sensation from the head and face. When the upper cervical joints are restricted and the surrounding muscles are chronically tight, that shared circuit can produce head pain. Add a nervous system that is stuck in "fight or flight", with shallow breathing and a clenched jaw, and headaches become a weekly fixture.
Our assessment looks at the movement of each neck segment, posture and forward head position, and how the nervous system is coping, using the INSiGHT scan. Red flags are screened at the first visit and referred where needed.
What care looks like
Specific, gentle adjustments to restore movement in the neck and upper back, advice on screens, posture and hydration, and progress checks that track frequency and intensity of headaches alongside your scans. Many people notice fewer and milder headaches within the first weeks of care.
We do not diagnose or treat diseases. We assess the spine and nervous system, adjust where we find restriction, and refer you to the right specialist whenever something needs another set of eyes.
Updated: September 2026 · Dr. Kelli Turelli, DC & Dr. Francisco Turelli, DC
Frequently asked questions
Can chiropractic help with migraines?
We do not treat migraine as a disease. What we address is the neck restriction and nervous-system stress that frequently come with migraines, and many people report fewer and less intense episodes. Keep your medical care in place; we work alongside it.
How do I know if my headache comes from my neck?
Common clues: it starts at the base of the skull, it is worse after screen time, turning the neck is stiff, and pressing the muscles at the top of the neck reproduces it. Our exam confirms it.
Is it safe if I get headaches often?
Yes. We screen for warning signs at the first visit and refer you if anything needs medical assessment first.