Causes of Headaches and Neck Pain
Headaches and neck pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Inflammation of soft tissues in the neck
- Misaligned vertebrae
- Overuse or a repetitive motion injury
- Sprains and strains
- Stress and anxiety
- Text neck
- Whiplash
Headache Symptoms
The most common types of headaches are tension headaches and migraines. Depending on the type of headache, you may experience:
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dull or sharp aching in the head
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Stiff or sore neck
Neck Pain Symptoms
Neck pain can occur on its own or in conjunction with a headache. Common symptoms include:
- Dull headache
- Herniated disks in the neck
- Loss of range of motion
- Neck pain
- Tingling down one or both arms
- Upper back pain
TMJ Symptoms
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction involves problems with the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Common symptoms include:
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw
- Difficulty or pain while chewing
- Headaches or facial pain
- Jaw stiffness or limited range of motion
- Ear pain or a feeling of fullness in the ears
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Pain in the neck, shoulders, or upper back
Vertigo Symptoms
Vertigo refers to a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often caused by issues with the inner ear or vestibular system. Common symptoms include:
- A spinning or swirling sensation
- Loss of balance or unsteadiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Hearing loss (sometimes)
- A feeling of fullness in the ears
- Headaches
- Difficulty walking or standing without support
- Sensitivity to head movements or changes in position
Chiropractic Treatments for Headaches and Neck Pain
When you choose the DeFabio Difference for your chiropractic care, the causes of your headaches and neck pain will be identified via a physical assessment, medical history, and digital images. Once our team knows the causes of your pain, a custom holistic treatment program will be developed.
Common chiropractic treatment options often include chiropractic adjustments to the upper back and neck, Winback TECAR Therapy, Radial Pulse Wave Therapy, and hot & cold therapy to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. In some instances, corrective exercises may also be recommended to strengthen the muscles of the neck and improve flexibility.
To learn more about how chiropractic care can help with your headache and neck pain, give our office a call at (908) 771-0220. We’d love to be your chiropractic care team.