Should I see a chiropractor for upper trap pain and headaches?

Yes. Chiropractors are trained to evaluate and treat cervicogenic headaches and upper trapezius pain by improving cervical joint movement, reducing muscle tension, and decreasing nerve irritation. A focused treatment plan using chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, and targeted exercises can help relieve symptoms and address the underlying mechanical causes.

When are upper trap pain and headaches serious?

Upper trap pain and headaches may be serious if they are associated with recent trauma, a sudden severe headache, neurologic changes such as numbness, weakness, visual changes, difficulty speaking, or loss of coordination. These red-flag symptoms should be evaluated immediately by a medical provider or emergency department to rule out more serious conditions.

How long does it take to feel better from cervicogenic headaches?

Many patients begin noticing improvement within the first few chiropractic visits as cervical joints move more freely and muscle tension in the upper trapezius decreases. The total duration of care depends on how long the problem has been present, overall health, and how consistently patients follow recommended treatment, stretching, and posture changes.

Why does computer or phone use make my upper trap pain and headaches worse?

Prolonged computer or phone use often leads to forward-head posture and rounded shoulders, which significantly increase load on the upper trapezius and upper cervical joints. Over time, this posture creates muscle fatigue, joint irritation, and nerve sensitivity that can trigger or worsen cervicogenic headaches and upper trap pain.

Upper Trap Pain & Headache Relief in Olathe

Diagram showing how upper trapezius muscle tension can refer pain into the neck and head, contributing to headache symptoms.

If you’re dealing with upper trapezius (upper trap) pain on the left or right side that radiates into your neck and causes headaches, you’re not alone. Many patients who visit our Olathe chiropractor don’t realize that shoulder tension, neck pain, and headaches often share the same root cause. At Woodroof Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we frequently see upper trap irritation trigger cervicogenic headaches—pain that starts in the neck and refers upward into the head.

Cervicogenic headaches happen when tight muscles, irritated nerves, or restricted joints in the upper cervical spine create referred pain into the head. When the upper trapezius becomes overworked or inflamed, it can pull on the cervical joints and irritate the nerves that feed into the scalp, creating headache patterns that start at the shoulder or neck and wrap upward behind the eye or temple.

Why this problem happens: The upper trapezius attaches from your shoulder blade to the base of the skull. When it becomes overused—often from posture, stress, or repetitive movements—it increases tension on the cervical spine. This leads to joint fixation, disc irritation, nerve sensitivity, and muscular guarding that refer pain into the head. Many patients feel a “band of pressure,” a dull ache behind one eye, or a headache that starts at the base of the skull and works its way upward.

Patients commonly notice symptoms such as headaches that begin in the neck, one-sided head pain, tightness along the top of the shoulder, pain behind the eye, scalp sensitivity, trouble turning the head, shoulder and neck stiffness, pain that is worse after computer work, and headaches that improve temporarily when rubbing the upper trap. These long-tail patterns help us identify true cervicogenic headaches rather than migraines or tension headaches.

In the office, we see predictable clinical patterns: headaches that flare after long periods of sitting, pain that starts after carrying a heavy purse or bag on one shoulder, headaches worse while driving, pain when looking down at phones or laptops, relief after stretching or moving, and tenderness over the upper trapezius that recreates the headache pain. Patients also report morning stiffness, discomfort lying on one side, and pain that increases with stress or jaw clenching.

Chiropractic care helps by restoring normal joint mechanics, reducing muscular tension, and decreasing nerve irritation. Gentle chiropractic adjustments improve motion in the upper cervical spine, reducing the mechanical stress that fuels upper trap tightness. Non-invasive spinal decompression helps reduce disc pressure and nerve irritation, especially when headaches are linked to cervical disc dysfunction. Soft-tissue work and hydromassage therapy calm muscle guarding, improve circulation, and help the upper traps relax. Targeted home exercises from our exercise & stretch routine program reinforce better posture and mobility.

At Woodroof Chiropractic, our treatment approach for upper trap pain and cervicogenic headaches includes chiropractic adjustments, chiropractic care for joint mobility, spinal decompression for disc and nerve irritation, hydromassage therapy for muscle relaxation, posture and sleep coaching, corrective stretching, scapular strengthening, and a custom home exercise routine designed to prevent flare-ups. We also review factors such as workstation posture, shoulder loading, stress patterns, and any relevant coverage questions through our insurance page. Most patients begin noticing improvement within the first few visits.

Frequently asked questions include:
• Why does my headache start in my shoulder or neck first? Because irritated cervical joints and upper trap trigger points can refer pain upward into the head.
• Is this something a chiropractor can help with? Yes—restoring cervical motion and reducing muscle tension is one of the most effective treatments for cervicogenic headaches.
• When is it serious? Severe trauma, sudden severe headache, numbness, or progressive weakness should be evaluated immediately.
• How long until I feel better? Many patients feel relief within a few visits once the joints move better and the muscle tension decreases.
• Why does computer or phone use make this worse? Forward-head posture overloads the upper trapezius and upper cervical joints, triggering headaches.

If you’re dealing with upper trap pain, neck tension, or cervicogenic headaches, we can help. Call our Olathe chiropractic office today at 913-735-6351 or click Schedule Your Visit to get started.