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Chiropractic Care for Headaches in New Iberia

Recurring headaches can interfere with work, sleep, exercise, family time, and everyday activities. If you’re experiencing headaches regularly, you may be wondering what is causing them and whether your neck, posture, or other musculoskeletal factors could be playing a role.

At Theriot Family Chiropractic Center in New Iberia, LA, we take the time to understand your symptoms, look for factors that may be contributing to them, and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your situation.

Not every headache comes from the neck, and chiropractic care isn’t appropriate for every type of headache. Our goal is to help you understand your symptoms and determine the right next step.

 

Common Types and Triggers of Headaches

Headaches can feel very different from one person to another. They can range from mild pressure or aching to more intense, debilitating pain.

Some common types of headaches include:

Tension-Type Headaches

Tension-type headaches are among the most common types of headaches. They may feel like pressure, tightness, or a dull ache around the head and may occur along with tension in the neck or shoulders.

Migraines

Migraines can involve moderate to severe, often throbbing or pulsating pain. They may occur on one or both sides of the head and can be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.

Some people experience an aura before or during a migraine, which can include visual or other neurological symptoms.

Headaches Associated With the Neck

Some headaches originate from structures in the neck and are known as cervicogenic headaches. These headaches can be associated with neck pain, restricted movement, or irritation of structures in the cervical region.

However, neck discomfort and headaches can occur together without the neck necessarily being the cause of the headache.

Common Headache Triggers

Headaches can have many potential triggers, including:

  • Stress
  • Lack of sleep
  • Dehydration
  • Skipping meals
  • Changes in routine
  • Certain foods or beverages
  • Screen time
  • Prolonged sitting
  • Muscle tension
  • Neck or shoulder tension
  • Changes in activity
  • Environmental factors

Keeping track of when your headaches occur and what was happening before they started can sometimes help identify patterns.

When Headaches Need Medical Attention

Most headaches are not caused by a serious medical condition. However, certain headache symptoms can indicate that urgent medical evaluation is needed.

Seek immediate medical attention for a headache that:

  • Comes on suddenly and is extremely severe or reaches maximum intensity very quickly
  • Occurs after a significant head injury
  • Is accompanied by weakness, numbness, confusion, fainting, or difficulty speaking
  • Is accompanied by significant vision changes
  • Occurs with a high fever or stiff neck
  • Is accompanied by a seizure
  • Is a new or significantly different type of headache
  • Is progressively worsening or becoming significantly more frequent
  • Occurs during pregnancy or the postpartum period with concerning symptoms
  • Occurs in someone with a significant underlying medical condition and is unusual for them

These symptoms can have several possible causes and should not simply be assumed to be related to muscle tension or the neck.

If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek emergency medical care rather than waiting for a chiropractic appointment.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Headaches:

Can a chiropractor help with headaches?

Chiropractic care may be appropriate for some people with certain types of headaches, particularly when musculoskeletal factors such as neck pain, restricted movement, or muscle tension appear to be contributing.

However, headaches have many possible causes, and chiropractic care isn’t appropriate for every headache.

Can neck pain cause headaches?

Some headaches originate from structures in the neck and are called cervicogenic headaches. Neck tension and discomfort may also occur alongside other types of headaches.

An evaluation can help determine whether your neck may be contributing to your symptoms.

Can poor posture cause headaches?

Prolonged or repetitive positions may contribute to neck and shoulder tension for some people, which may be associated with certain headaches.

However, headaches have many potential causes, so posture should not automatically be assumed to be the source.

What is a cervicogenic headache?

A cervicogenic headache is a headache that originates from structures in the neck. It can be associated with neck pain or restricted neck movement and may change with certain neck positions or movements.

Because other headaches can have similar symptoms, proper evaluation is important.

Can stress cause headaches?

Stress can be a trigger or contributing factor for some types of headaches, including tension-type headaches. Stress can also contribute to muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.

Identifying patterns between stress, daily activities, and headaches may be helpful.

Should I keep a headache journal?

A headache journal can be useful, particularly if you experience recurring headaches. Recording when headaches occur, how long they last, what they feel like, what you ate or drank, your sleep, stress level, activities, and possible triggers can help identify patterns.

When should I see a doctor about my headaches?

You should seek medical evaluation for a new, severe, unusual, rapidly worsening, or significantly changing headache—particularly if it occurs with neurological symptoms, fever, stiff neck, significant injury, vision changes, confusion, or other concerning symptoms.

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms require medical attention, it’s better to seek appropriate medical advice rather than assuming the headache is musculoskeletal.