Quick answer: The three most common kinds of headaches are migraine, cluster and tension headaches. Tension headaches and headaches that start in the neck are often linked to posture, screen time, stress and tight neck muscles. At Forward Spine Center in Golden Valley, Dr. Timothy Klesk, DC and Dr. Madeline Klesk, DC start with an assessment of whether your headaches are coming from the neck and muscles or from other factors. Care may include adjustments, soft-tissue work, acupuncture, craniosacral technique and exercises, plus help finding your triggers.
People with frequent headaches often live hyper-aware of the triggers that bring them on. Once a headache starts, it can be hard to get under control, and they range from day-destroyers to annoying inconveniences. You can't always prevent a headache, but the right care and a few changes to your routine may reduce how often they come and how intense they are. This post covers:
- The most common kinds of headaches
- How to avoid everyday headaches
- Headache care in Golden Valley
- When a headache needs medical care
Migraine headaches
Migraines are intense and usually come with telling signs. Once those signs start, the best thing to do is find a dark, quiet place to rest. They can last from a couple of hours to several days.
- Common triggers: bright light, strong smells and loud sounds; mental stress; vision problems; too much screen time; hormonal changes.
- Common symptoms: nausea and vomiting; strong sensitivity to light, sound and smell; throbbing pain on one side of the head; pain that worsens through the day.
- What helps: rest in a dark, quiet room; step away from screens; avoid eye strain; a cold cloth on the forehead.
Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches come with little warning and start strong. They last minutes to hours, stop, then restart in a pattern that can go on for weeks or months, and may not return for years after a cycle ends.
- Common triggers: alcohol and tobacco, high altitude, intense heat, an irregular sleep schedule.
- Common symptoms: sharp pain on one side of the head or behind the eye; a red, tearing or puffy eye and drooping eyelid; runny nose; sweating.
- What helps: fresh air and deep breathing, rest. Cluster headaches should be managed with your medical doctor.
Tension headaches
Tension headaches are the most common kind and can be mild or very painful. They usually last around 30 minutes but can last up to a week. Stress is a leading cause.
- Common triggers: computer work or long periods on a device, eye strain, stress, neck injury, too much alcohol, not enough sleep.
- Common symptoms: dull pressure around the head like a tight band; pain that spreads into the neck and shoulders; trouble sleeping.
- What helps: massaging the scalp, neck and temples; good posture; neck stretches; heat or ice on the neck.
Headaches that start in the neck are called cervicogenic headaches. Dr. Madeline explains them in 3 tips on managing cervicogenic headaches.
Tips to avoid everyday headaches
- Get plenty of sleep, stay hydrated and don't skip meals
- Exercise, and stretch or massage your neck and scalp
- Avoid neck strain and use good posture and ergonomics
- Set up your workstation correctly and take screen breaks
- Get regular vision checks
- Notice your triggers and listen to your body
Headache care in Golden Valley
A thorough assessment tells us whether your headaches are coming from the neck and muscles or from outside factors. Adjustments can bring quick relief, but our goal is long-term management, so we help you find your triggers and give you tools to use at home. Depending on your exam, care may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments to reduce tension and restore movement in the neck joints
- Soft-tissue work before adjustments, sometimes starting with heat or electrical muscle stimulation
- Acupuncture on the head, neck or shoulders, depending on where you hold tension (see acupuncture for chronic headaches)
- Craniosacral technique, a gentle, light-touch technique often used for tension headaches and neck tension
- Exercises and nerve glides to strengthen weak deep neck muscles, stretch tight ones, and occipital nerve flossing when that nerve is irritated
- Yoga and coaching on posture, hobbies, exercise and sleep
When a headache needs medical care
Call 911 or get emergency care for a sudden, severe "worst ever" headache; a headache after a head injury; a headache with fever and a stiff neck; or a headache with confusion, weakness, numbness, vision changes or trouble speaking. A new pattern of headaches should also be checked by your medical doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can a chiropractor help with headaches and migraines?
Chiropractic care is most often used for tension headaches and headaches that start in the neck. At Forward Spine Center in Golden Valley, care combines adjustments, soft-tissue work, acupuncture, craniosacral technique and exercises with help identifying your triggers. Migraines and cluster headaches should also be managed with your medical doctor.
What is a cervicogenic headache?
A headache that starts in the neck. It often comes with neck stiffness and pain that spreads from the neck into the head, and can make it hard to turn or bend your neck.
Where can I find a chiropractor for headaches near Golden Valley?
Forward Spine Center, 701 Decatur Ave N, Ste 102, Golden Valley, MN 55427, with Dr. Timothy Klesk, DC and Dr. Madeline Klesk, DC. The clinic serves Golden Valley, Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Plymouth, New Hope, Robbinsdale and Crystal. Book online or call 763-332-2680.
How long does an acupuncture visit for headaches take?
Treatment usually takes about 30 minutes; plan for 30 to 40 minutes in the office.
Does insurance cover headache care?
Most health insurance plans cover chiropractic care, and Forward Spine Center is in network with most major plans. We also accept Medicare, most Medicaid plans, workers' compensation and personal injury claims, and HSA and FSA cards.
Keep reading
- Headache and migraine care in Golden Valley
- Neck pain care in Golden Valley
- Headache relief: chiropractic in action
- Why your neck hurts, and what helps
Originally published May 3, 2023. Updated by Forward Spine Center, Golden Valley, MN. This article is educational and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation.
