Headaches and neck pain are two of the most common issues we treat here at Woodroof Chiropractic in Olathe. Whether your discomfort begins at the base of your skull, wraps behind your eyes, or feels like a tight band across your forehead, these symptoms are often connected to tension, inflammation, or misalignment in the cervical spine. As a chiropractor in Olathe, my goal is to help you understand why these symptoms happen and how chiropractic care can provide fast, natural, long-lasting relief without medication or invasive procedures.
Headaches and neck pain often occur when the upper cervical joints lose normal motion or become irritated, which increases tension in the surrounding muscles and places pressure on sensitive nerves. When these structures become inflamed or mechanically restricted, they can trigger tension headaches, migraine-type pain, or cervicogenic headaches. You can learn more about this pattern on our dedicated Neck Pain Treatment page.
Many patients describe pain at the base of the skull, pressure behind the eyes, stiffness when turning the head, tightness into the shoulders, or discomfort after long periods of sitting. Forward head posture, stress, long hours at a computer, and repetitive strain from phone use or driving make these patterns worse. When the cervical spine isn’t moving well, the surrounding muscles work overtime to compensate, leading to constant tightness, fatigue, and recurring headaches. If you also experience migraine-type symptoms, our Headaches & Migraines page explains this connection in detail.
Common symptoms include neck stiffness, tight muscles between the shoulders, headaches that start in the neck and radiate to the temples or forehead, pain that worsens after sitting at a desk, discomfort turning the head, sensitivity to light or sound with migraine-type headaches, tension after stressful days, and morning stiffness that improves with movement. Some patients also notice tingling or numbness in the shoulders or arms if nerve irritation is present.
In the office, I often see clinical patterns such as headaches that start after long hours at a desk, pain that increases when looking down at a phone, tightness that worsens after stress, headaches beginning on one side of the neck and spreading forward, or discomfort that intensifies during or after driving. Many patients report temporary relief with massage, stretching, or over-the-counter medication, but symptoms return because the underlying mechanical issue—joint restriction or misalignment—was never corrected. When symptoms radiate or feel nerve-related, cervical Spinal Decompression can be especially effective.
Chiropractic care helps relieve headaches and neck pain by restoring normal cervical joint motion, reducing inflammation, and improving the alignment of the upper spine. When the joints move correctly, pressure on the surrounding nerves decreases, muscle tension eases, and blood flow to the head and neck improves. Chiropractic adjustments are gentle, targeted, and designed to restore mobility and balance to the spine. Cervical decompression reduces pressure on irritated discs or joints, while targeted exercises strengthen the deep stabilizing muscles to improve long-term stability. To relax tight muscles and break the tension cycle, many patients benefit from Hydromassage Therapy at our office.
At Woodroof Chiropractic, our treatment approach includes chiropractic adjustments, cervical spinal decompression, hydromassage therapy, stretching and strengthening routines, posture training for work and sleep, ergonomic recommendations for desk workers, and corrective exercises to improve long-term stability. You can learn more about these movements on our Exercise & Stretch Routine page. Most patients begin noticing improvement within the first few visits as tension decreases and normal cervical motion is restored.
Frequently asked questions include:
• Why do headaches get worse after long workdays? Poor posture and cervical strain irritate joints and muscles, triggering tension and cervicogenic headaches. Our Neck Pain page explains this in detail.
• Should I see a chiropractor for recurring headaches? Yes—if your headaches are related to the neck, chiropractic care can significantly reduce frequency and intensity. Learn more on our Headache Treatment Page.
• How do I know if my headache is coming from my neck? If pain begins at the base of your skull or worsens with neck movement, the cervical spine is likely involved.
• Can chiropractic help migraines? Many migraine patients benefit when neck tension, joint irritation, or posture contribute to their symptoms.
• How long until I feel better? Many patients notice relief within the first few visits, especially when adjustments are combined with exercises and posture changes. If you have insurance questions, visit our** Insurance Information page to learn more about coverage.
If you’re dealing with headaches, neck pain, or tension that keeps returning, we can help. Call our Olathe chiropractic office today at 913-735-6351 or click Schedule Your Visit to get started. You can also explore our Chiropractic Care or Spinal Decompression pages to learn how these treatments may help you feel better faster.
Dr. Ike Woodroof
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