If you're experiencing persistent pain in your left or right upper trapezius (upper trap) muscle that radiates toward your neck and head, you’re not alone. Many patients at our Olathe chiropractic office come in with complaints of neck pain, shoulder pain, and tension headaches, not realizing they are all connected. One common culprit: cervicogenic headaches originating from muscular tension and joint dysfunction in the upper cervical spine and trapezius region.

What Are Cervicogenic Headaches?

Cervicogenic headaches are secondary headaches, meaning they are caused by an underlying musculoskeletal issue—typically originating from dysfunction in the neck and shoulder area. The upper trapezius muscle, located between the shoulder and the base of the skull, plays a crucial role in posture and neck movement. When overused or tight, this muscle can pull on the cervical spine and irritate nearby nerves and joints, resulting in referred pain into the head, commonly perceived as a dull, aching headache.

Common symptoms of cervicogenic headaches include:

Headache that starts in the neck or shoulder and radiates forward
Pain on one side of the head or behind the eye
Stiffness or restricted movement in the neck
Tenderness in the upper trapezius or base of the skull

Causes of Upper Trap Pain

Several daily activities can lead to upper trap pain and cervicogenic headaches:

Poor posture at a desk or computer
Carrying heavy bags or purses on one shoulder
Repetitive arm motions, such as lifting or reaching
Stress and tension, which can cause muscle guarding

Left unaddressed, this muscular and joint dysfunction can become chronic, leading to a cycle of tension, stiffness, and recurring headaches.

Chiropractic Treatment in Olathe for Trap Pain and Headaches

At Woodroof Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we offer a targeted treatment plan to relieve upper trapezius pain, neck dysfunction, and cervicogenic headaches:

1. Chiropractic Adjustments

Our precise and gentle cervical adjustments help restore proper joint alignment and mobility in the neck and upper back. This reduces mechanical stress on the upper traps and relieves pressure on the nerves that may be triggering your headaches.

2. Cervical Decompression Therapy

Non-invasive spinal decompression relieves compression in the upper cervical spine. By creating negative pressure within the spinal discs, we can reduce inflammation, alleviate nerve irritation, and relieve chronic neck and shoulder pain.

3. Stretching and Mobility Routine

We’ll guide you through a custom stretch and mobility routine focused on:

Upper trap stretches to reduce muscular tension
Scapular retraction exercises to improve posture
Neck mobility drills to increase range of motion and reduce stiffness

When performed consistently, these stretches and exercises help prevent future flare-ups and promote long-term spine health.

Don’t Let Neck and Shoulder Pain Turn Into Chronic Headaches

If you're struggling with upper trap pain and tension headaches, our Olathe chiropractic team can help you break the cycle. With expert chiropractic care, cervical decompression therapy, and a simple yet effective stretching routine, we’ll help you get back to living pain-free.