Chiropractic Adjustments for Tension-Related Headaches in Bradford

Tension-related headaches often begin in the neck. Stiff joints at the top of the spine and tight muscles across the shoulders and the base of the skull can refer pain to the back of the head, the temples and behind the eyes. At WellCare Medical in Bradford, chiropractic adjustments for tension headaches are directed at the neck and upper back, with the aim of reducing how often the headaches come and how strong they are.

A headache is more likely to be neck-related if:

• it starts at the base of the skull and spreads forward
• your neck feels stiff or sore before or during the headache
• it builds through the day, especially after desk work or driving
• pressing on tight spots in the neck or shoulders brings on the familiar pain
• it eases when you move, stretch or change position

Adjusting stiff joints in the neck and upper back restores movement and lets the overworked muscles relax, which reduces the signals that refer pain to the head. For headaches, treatment is gentle and specific:

• adjustments or mobilization of the upper neck and upper back
• soft-tissue release for the muscles under the skull and across the shoulders
• advice on screen height, phone use and sleeping position
• breathing and movement breaks to lower neck tension during the day

If you are uncomfortable with a neck adjustment, we can use gentle mobilization instead.

Your chiropractor asks about the pattern of your headaches and checks your neck movement, posture and the muscles around the neck and shoulders. They also screen for signs that a headache needs medical attention. You will hear whether your neck is likely to be the source before any treatment begins.

Get urgent medical help for a sudden, severe headache, a headache after a head injury, or a headache with fever, a stiff neck, confusion, weakness, numbness or changes in speech or vision. See your doctor about headaches that are new, changing or becoming more frequent.

For a broader look at headache types, including migraines, see chiropractic treatment for headaches and migraines. Many people combine adjustments with massage for stress and tension relief or acupuncture. If desk posture is a trigger, physiotherapy for postural problems builds the endurance to sit comfortably. Our chiropractor in Bradford can put these together in one plan.