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Why headaches keep coming back
Recurring headaches and migraines often feel unpredictable. You might go days or weeks without one — then suddenly it’s back.
That’s because pain is usually the final signal, not the root problem.
In many of the headache cases we see, the underlying drivers include:
- Restricted movement in the neck and upper spine
- Ongoing posture strain from sitting and screen use
- Nervous system irritation affecting blood flow and muscle tone
- Muscles tightening to protect overloaded joints
Medication may dampen symptoms, but if the underlying pattern doesn’t change, the cycle usually continues.
Common headache patterns we see
Although headaches are often labelled differently, most fall into a few consistent patterns:
1. Neck-driven headaches
Pain starting at the base of the skull and spreading upward or behind the eyes. Often worse after sitting or driving.
2. Tension-style headaches
A tight band or pressure sensation across the head, temples, or forehead, commonly linked to posture and sustained muscle tension.
3. Migraine-style patterns
Throbbing pain, light sensitivity, nausea, or visual disturbances, often triggered or amplified by neck dysfunction and nervous system stress.
These patterns overlap more than most people realise, which is why one-size-fits-all solutions rarely work.
The neck–posture–headache connection
The nerves, joints, and muscles of the upper neck have a direct relationship with how the head perceives pain.
When posture collapses — especially with forward head position — the upper neck joints become compressed and irritated. Over time:
- Normal joint movement reduces
- Muscles tighten to stabilise the head
- Nerve signals become less clear
- The brain becomes more sensitive to stress and strain
This is why many headaches worsen with long days at a desk, poor sleep, or sustained screen time.
What self-help can — and can’t — do
Self-help strategies like stretching, massage, hydration, or medication can be useful.
They may:
- Reduce symptom intensity
- Take the edge off during a flare-up
- Help short-term comfort
They do not:
- Restore lost movement in the neck
- Correct postural strain patterns
- Address nervous system irritation driving recurrence
This is why many people manage headaches for years without ever changing the underlying cause.
How we assess headaches properly
At Aligned Chiro, we focus on understanding why your headaches are happening — not just how they feel.
Assessment typically includes:
1. Detailed history and examination
Looking at onset, triggers, frequency, and how headaches affect your work and daily life.
2. Posture and spinal assessment
Identifying head and neck positions that overload joints and muscles.
3. Nerve scans
Assessing nervous system balance and areas of under- or over-activity.
4. X-rays (when clinically appropriate)
To evaluate spinal alignment and structural patterns that can’t be seen externally.
These give us objective baseline measurements to guide recommendations.
How care is guided
Care recommendations are based on:
- What your assessments show
- Your goals and tolerance
Care may include:
- Specific chiropractic adjustments to restore neck movement
- Corrective exercises to improve posture and load tolerance
- Traction devices (such as a Denneroll) to help reshape spinal curves over time
- Lifestyle guidance to reduce recurring triggers
Progress is measured by re-assessing and comparing results against your initial baseline.
When it’s time to get headaches checked
If you’re experiencing:
- Headaches that keep returning
- Pain starting in the neck or behind the eyes
- Migraines that disrupt work or sleep
- Headaches linked with neck stiffness or posture strain
It’s worth getting clarity rather than continuing to manage symptoms alone.
The next step
The first step is understanding what’s actually driving your headaches.
We explain what we find in plain English, outline clear options, and reassess progress along the way. If our approach isn’t right for you, there’s a full money-back guarantee.
Headaches & Migraines — Common Questions
Free Training: Headaches, Neck Pain & Posture Explained
If your headaches or migraines keep coming back, this free training explains how neck function, posture, and the nervous system are linked — and what actually helps long term.