Headaches and migraines are among the most common reasons people seek care at our Victoria Park clinic. While many people assume headaches originate solely within the head, symptoms are often influenced by factors involving the neck, upper back, jaw, posture, and surrounding muscles.

For some people, headaches develop suddenly. For others, they build gradually over time due to a combination of physical stress, muscle tension, movement restrictions, sleep habits, and daily workload.

At Freeman Chiropractic, we don't just focus on the location of the headache. We assess how the head, neck, jaw, and upper spine are functioning together, as these areas can often contribute to ongoing symptoms.

Why do I get headaches or migraines?

Headaches and migraines can have many different contributing factors. While some people can identify specific triggers, others experience symptoms without an obvious cause.

Common contributing patterns seen in practice include:

Muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
Reduced mobility through the cervical or thoracic spine
Prolonged desk work and screen use
Forward head posture
Jaw clenching or teeth grinding
Stress and increased muscle tension
Poor sleep quality or sleeping position
Previous neck injuries, including whiplash

Many people are surprised to learn that headaches may be influenced by areas outside the head itself. Restrictions or tension through the neck, jaw, and upper back can sometimes contribute to recurring symptoms.

What are headaches and migraines?

Headaches refer to pain or discomfort experienced in the head, face, scalp, or upper neck. Symptoms can vary significantly in intensity, location, and frequency.

Migraines are a specific type of headache that may involve additional symptoms such as nausea, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, visual disturbances, or changes in concentration.

Both headaches and migraines can affect daily activities, work performance, exercise, and overall quality of life.

What are the common types of headaches?

Headaches can present in different ways depending on the underlying contributing factors.

Tension Headaches

Often described as a dull ache, pressure, or tight band around the head. These headaches are commonly associated with muscle tension, stress, and postural strain.

Cervicogenic Headaches

Headaches that may originate from structures in the neck. Symptoms are often accompanied by neck stiffness, reduced movement, or discomfort through the upper shoulders.

Migraine Headaches

Migraines can cause moderate to severe head pain and may be accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and visual disturbances.

Jaw-Related Headaches

Tension and dysfunction within the jaw (TMJ) can contribute to headaches around the temples, face, and sides of the head.

Postural Headaches

Headaches that may be influenced by prolonged sitting, desk work, screen use, or sustained positions that place stress on the neck and upper back.

When should I see a chiropractor for headaches?

You don't need to wait until headaches become severe or frequent before seeking an assessment.

You may consider having your symptoms assessed if:

Headaches are becoming more frequent
Neck stiffness regularly accompanies your headaches
You experience recurring tension through the shoulders and upper back
Work, exercise, or sleep is being affected
Pain keeps returning despite temporary relief
You notice jaw tension or clenching alongside headaches
Symptoms are gradually worsening over time

Early assessment is often about understanding what may be contributing to recurring headaches and identifying factors that could be placing ongoing stress on the body.

Headaches are rarely influenced by a single factor. They are often associated with how the neck, jaw, posture, upper back, and surrounding muscles are functioning together.

At our Victoria Park clinic, we focus on identifying these contributing factors and assessing movement patterns throughout the spine and surrounding structures to help support improved function and everyday comfort.