Conditions we treat

Headache Relief in Bellingham

Natural chiropractic care for tension headaches and headaches that start in the neck, with a whole-person look at what is triggering them.

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Finding what’s behind your headaches

Headaches have many causes, so there’s no one-size-fits-all fix. Two of the most common types we see are tension-type headaches, often linked to tight muscles and stress, and cervicogenic headaches, which start in the neck and are felt in the head. Many people also have triggers like poor sleep, dehydration, skipped meals, or long hours at a screen.

We look at the whole picture: how your neck and upper back are moving, your posture and jaw tension, and lifestyle factors like stress and nutrition. Then we work to reduce how often your headaches happen and how strong they are.

Common causes

  • Tight neck, shoulder, and jaw muscles
  • Joint stiffness in the upper neck
  • Posture strain from screens and desk work
  • Stress and poor sleep
  • Dehydration, skipped meals, and other nutrition factors
  • Old neck injuries, including whiplash

Signs you may notice

  • A band-like pressure around the head
  • Pain that starts at the base of the skull and moves forward
  • One-sided headaches that get worse with neck movement
  • Neck stiffness along with your headaches
  • Headaches that build later in the workday

Our approach

How we help with headaches

Every plan starts with a thorough exam and a free 15-minute consultation, so you know exactly what’s going on before we begin.

1

Understanding your headaches

We ask about your headache patterns and triggers, then check your neck, upper back, jaw, and posture, along with orthopedic, neurological, and muscle testing.

2

Gentle, targeted care

Adjustments to the upper neck and back, plus soft-tissue work for tight muscles at the base of the skull, shoulders, and jaw. Gentle, no-pop options are available.

3

Reducing your triggers

We help you spot patterns and make practical changes: workstation setup, stretches, hydration and nutrition, and tools for managing stress, including Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) when it fits.

What the research says

Systematic reviews suggest that spinal manipulation can reduce pain and how often headaches happen for people with cervicogenic headaches (headaches that start in the neck). For tension-type headaches, manual therapy combined with exercise and stress management may also help.

Migraines are different, and research on chiropractic care for migraine is more limited. If you have migraines, we can still help with neck tension and common triggers, and we will work alongside your medical provider.

Sources: Systematic review and meta-analysis of spinal manipulation for cervicogenic headache, European Journal of Pain (2020); Rubio-Ochoa et al., Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (2016).

When to see a doctor right away

Most headaches are not an emergency. Seek urgent medical care if you have any of the following:

  • A sudden, severe “worst headache of your life” (call 911)
  • Headache with fever, a stiff neck, confusion, or a rash
  • A headache after a head injury
  • Changes in vision, speech, or balance, or weakness on one side of the body
  • New headaches after age 50, or headaches that keep getting worse

Frequently asked questions

Can chiropractic help with migraines?

Some people with migraines find chiropractic care helps with neck tension and other triggers, but migraines are a complex condition. We will be honest about what we can help with and work alongside your doctor.

How do I know if my headache is coming from my neck?

Clues include headaches that start at the base of the skull, get worse with certain neck movements or postures, or come with a stiff neck. Your exam will help us tell for sure.

What can I do between visits?

Take regular screen breaks, keep your monitor at eye level, stay hydrated, and try the simple stretches we show you. Tracking when your headaches happen can also help us spot triggers.

Related reading

See all conditions we treat or explore our services.

Ready for fewer headaches?

New patients: start with a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Tran or Dr. Hsu. Call (360) 922-0626 or book online.

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