Head and neck condition · Canton, OH
Headache treatment in Canton, OH
Headaches have many causes, and some start in the neck. At Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Canton, OH, we start with a full exam to find what type of headache you have and whether your neck is involved, then walk you through non-surgical care options or refer you when other care fits better.
Reviewed by Dr. Brent Ungar, DC · Last reviewed [date]
- 40+ years in practice
- Non-surgical care
- Massage therapy on site
Neck-related headaches at a glance
| Also called | Cervicogenic headache (starts in the neck), neck-related headache |
|---|---|
| Body area | Base of the skull, upper neck, and one side of the head, temple or eye area |
| Structure involved | Joints, discs, muscles and nerves of the upper neck |
| Common symptoms | Pain that starts at the base of the skull and spreads forward, neck stiffness, pain with certain head positions, one-sided head pain |
| Common causes | Upper neck joint or disc problems, muscle tension, posture and screen time, past neck injury such as whiplash |
| How we evaluate | Health and headache history, neck and neurological exam, imaging if needed |
| Care options | Chiropractic adjustments, cervical spinal decompression, massage therapy, physical rehabilitation |
| Referral needed? | [confirm with practice] |
What is a cervicogenic headache?
A cervicogenic headache is head pain that starts in the neck. Problems in the joints, discs, muscles or nerves of the upper neck can send pain into the head, usually starting at the base of the skull and spreading forward, often on one side.
These headaches can look a lot like migraines or tension headaches, so they are easy to mislabel. Headaches vary in where they start, how they feel and how often they come back.
Not every headache comes from the neck. That is why care starts with a full history and exam to find what type of headache you have.
Neck-related headache symptoms and causes
What does a neck-related headache feel like?
Symptoms often begin in the neck and build from there.
- Pain that starts at the base of the skull or upper neck and spreads forward
- Pain that gets worse with certain head positions, turning your neck or long sitting
- Neck stiffness or less neck movement
- Headaches mostly on one side
- Tension in the shoulders or upper back that seems to travel up
- Headaches that get worse with screen time or a forward head posture
What causes neck-related headaches?
Several problems in the upper neck can trigger them.
- Stiff or irritated joints in the upper neck
- Worn, bulging or herniated discs in the neck
- Tight neck and shoulder muscles
- Long hours at a screen or desk with the head forward
- A past neck injury, such as whiplash from a car accident
- Risk factors: desk work, poor sleep posture, stress
Is it a neck-related headache or something else?
Many headaches look alike, and some need a physician’s care. Your history and exam help tell them apart, and we refer you when another type of care fits better.
| Feature | Neck-related headache | Migraine | Cluster headache |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it hurts | Base of the skull or upper neck, spreading forward, usually on one side | Often one side of the head, sometimes behind the eye | Around or behind one eye |
| Other signs | Neck stiffness and pain with certain neck movements | Sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, vision changes | Red or watery eye and runny nose on the same side |
| Often worse with | Head positions, long sitting and screen time | Triggers such as stress, poor sleep or bright light | Comes in daily bouts over weeks, often at the same time of day |
Get emergency care right away if
- You have a sudden, severe headache, the worst of your life
- Your headache comes with fever, a stiff neck or a rash
- You have confusion, fainting, trouble speaking, vision loss, or weakness or numbness on one side
- The headache started after a head injury
- You are over 50 and have a new headache pattern that keeps getting worse
- You have a seizure
What to expect at our Canton office
Our typical process involves:
- Obtaining a thorough history of the problem and health history of the patient
- Performing a complete examination of the patient
- Obtaining any diagnostic tests (if necessary) to better understand the problem
- Discussing the diagnosis with you
- Reviewing the findings and treatment options with you
Every case is different and results vary.
Your first visit for headaches
Before
Wear comfortable clothes. Bring a list of medications and, if you can, notes on when your headaches happen and what helps.
During
We ask where your headaches start, how often they come and what triggers them, then check your neck movement, posture, reflexes and nerve function.
After
We explain what we found and the options that fit, so you can decide how to move forward.
Dr. Ungar on headache treatment
Headache care options in Canton
Every care plan depends on your exam. Options your provider may recommend include:
- Chiropractic adjustments Gentle, targeted care to improve how the joints of the neck and upper back move.
- Cervical spinal decompression Slow, computer-guided stretch of the neck that may ease pressure on discs and nerves when imaging shows a disc problem.
- Massage therapy Hands-on work to relax tight neck and shoulder muscles that can feed headaches.
- Physical rehabilitation and posture guidance Exercises to strengthen the neck and upper back, plus desk and screen habits to use at home.
If your exam points to migraine, cluster headaches or another cause, your provider can coordinate with your physician or refer you to a headache specialist.
Headaches that start in your neck and keep coming back?
Your headache care team
Dr. Brent Ungar, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician | Laser Therapy Educator
Dr. Anthony Gatelaro, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Over 30 Years of Experience
Headache questions we hear in Canton
Yes. Cervicogenic headaches are a recognized type of headache that starts in the neck. Problems in the upper neck joints, discs, muscles or nerves can send pain into the head. A history and exam, and sometimes imaging, help confirm whether your neck is involved.
Clues include pain that starts at the base of the skull or upper neck, gets worse with certain head positions or long sitting, and comes with neck stiffness. A past neck injury is another clue. Your exam helps show whether your pattern fits.
Some people with migraines also have neck tension or neck problems that may add to their headaches, and care for the neck may help with that part. Migraine is a neurological condition, so we may suggest working with your physician or a headache specialist as well.
Yes. Long-term medication use does not rule you out. Keep taking your medications as prescribed and talk with your physician before changing them. Your exam helps show whether a neck-related cause is part of the picture.
Most people describe a gentle, slow stretch of the neck while lying on a padded table. The settings can be adjusted at any time, and you can tell your provider if anything does not feel right.
[Confirm referral wording with practice] Imaging is ordered only if your exam shows it is needed.
Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center treats headaches at 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, in Canton, near North Canton, Massillon and the Belden Village area.
Visit our Canton office
- Address
- 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, Canton, OH 44718
- Phone
- 330-493-0009
- Hours
- Mon–Thu: Dr. Ungar 7:45 a.m.–6 p.m.
Mon–Thu: Dr. Gatelaro 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Fri–Sun: Closed - Parking
- [parking and entrance notes]
Patients visit us from Canton, North Canton and across Stark County.
Find out what is behind your headaches
Start with a full exam and a clear talk about your options. Call 330-493-0009 or send a request.