Why Headaches Often Start in the Neck
What if your headaches were never about your head? For many people, chronic headaches trace back to tension and misalignment in the neck, not the head itself. A chiropractor for headaches in West LA can address that root cause directly, rather than just managing the pain with medication month after month.
Why Headaches Often Start in the Neck
The cervical spine sits directly beneath the base of the skull, sharing nerve pathways with the head and face. When the upper neck is misaligned or under chronic tension, it can trigger what’s known as a cervicogenic headache — pain that originates in the neck but is felt in the head. Tension headaches follow a similar pattern, often building from tight muscles and restricted movement in the same area.
Tension vs. Cervicogenic vs. Migraine: How They Compare
| Type | Common Trigger | Typical Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Tension headache | Muscle tightness, stress, posture | Dull, band-like pressure, often both sides |
| Cervicogenic headache | Neck joint or nerve irritation | One-sided, worsens with certain neck movements |
| Migraine | Neurological, often with triggers | Throbbing, may include light sensitivity or nausea |
All three can overlap, and a proper evaluation is the only reliable way to tell them apart.
What the Research Shows
A 2001 Duke University evidence report found that spinal manipulation produced immediate improvement in cervicogenic headache severity compared to a placebo control, with effectiveness comparable to common headache medication and a more favorable side-effect profile. That’s a meaningful finding for patients who’d rather address the cause than manage symptoms indefinitely.
Source: Duke University Evidence Report, 2001
How West Los Angeles Chiropractic® Approaches Headache Care
Dr. Michael Karr, a UCLA Kinesiology graduate who has treated West LA patients since 1989, starts every headache evaluation the same way: a full history and same-day digital X-rays, read by Dr. Karr himself, before any treatment begins. Some patients feel real relief after a single adjustment. Others need an ongoing plan that may include chiropractic adjustment, cold laser therapy, or MedX rehabilitation. It’s why West Los Angeles Chiropractic® means it when we say We Treat ALL SPINES of People® — the approach is built around your specific neck and spine, not a generic headache protocol.
Curious what your first visit actually involves? See our About page for more on Dr. Karr’s approach to care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor help with headaches?
Yes, particularly tension and cervicogenic headaches that originate from neck tension or misalignment. Research shows spinal manipulation can produce relief comparable to medication, with fewer side effects.
How do I know if my headache is coming from my neck?
Cervicogenic headaches often show up on one side, worsen with certain neck movements, and may come with neck stiffness. A chiropractic evaluation, including digital X-rays, can help identify the actual source.
How fast can chiropractic care relieve a headache?
It varies by patient — some notice improvement after a single adjustment, while others need an ongoing treatment plan. Your specific case determines what’s realistic.
✅ Same-day digital X-rays — Dr. Karr reads them himself
✅ Most PPO insurance accepted, Medicare accepted
✅ Ground floor, free parking, paperless intake
✅ New Patient Special: $99 (exam, digital X-rays, and first treatment)
We serve patients throughout West LA, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Bel Air, Venice, and Westwood.
📞 Call Betty today: 310-914-9400
🌐 westlosangeleschiropractic.com
📍 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 165, Los Angeles, CA 90064
Individual results vary. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any treatment program.
Yours in health,
West Los Angeles Chiropractic®
📞 310-914-9400
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