HEADACHE TREATMENT IN GREENVILLE, SC

Reviewed by Dr. Michael Nelson, DC, MHRD, ATC, chiropractor and certified athletic trainer · Last updated November 2026

Many recurring headaches are tension-type headaches or cervicogenic headaches, which are headaches that come from the joints and muscles of the neck and are often felt at the base of the skull, behind the eyes or across the forehead. At Carolina Active Health Chiropractic in downtown Greenville, SC, we screen for warning signs, find out whether your neck and posture are contributing, and treat those contributors with hands-on care and exercise.

Check with your provider before trying new techniques.

Call 911 or go to the ER right away if you have:

a sudden, severe headache that peaks within a minute ("the worst headache of my life"),
a headache with fever and a stiff neck, confusion, or a rash,
a headache with weakness, numbness, vision loss, double vision, trouble speaking, or loss of balance,
a headache after a head injury, or
sudden, unusual neck pain and headache with dizziness or trouble swallowing.

Also see your doctor soon for a new headache after age 50, headaches that are steadily getting worse, or a headache during pregnancy.

Common types of headaches we see

Tension-type headaches: a band-like pressure or tightness around the head, often linked with stress, posture and tight neck and shoulder muscles.
Cervicogenic headaches: usually one-sided, starting at the neck or base of the skull and spreading forward, often with neck stiffness and pain triggered by neck movement or posture.
Migraines: throbbing headaches, often with sensitivity to light or sound, nausea or an aura. Migraine diagnosis and medication are managed with your physician. We can help with neck and muscle contributors as part of your care.

What contributes to neck-related headaches?

Common contributors include long hours at a desk or on a phone, stiffness in the upper neck and upper back, tight muscles at the base of the skull, weakness in the deep neck muscles, poor sleep, stress, dehydration and past neck injuries such as whiplash.

How we treat headaches

Your first visit includes a thorough history and exam, including a neurological screen and testing of neck movement and muscles. We take X-rays in our office when they're clinically indicated and coordinate with your physician or a specialist when needed. Depending on what we find, your plan may include:

chiropractic care for the neck and upper back, including gentle mobilization or non-manipulative options,
soft-tissue therapy such as Active Release Technique and release of the muscles at the base of the skull,
dry needling for tight neck and shoulder muscles,
a strengthening program for the deep neck and upper back muscles, and
practical changes to your workstation, phone use, sleep and daily habits.

Headache FAQs

Can a chiropractor help with headaches?

For tension-type and cervicogenic headaches, care aimed at the neck, such as manual therapy and specific exercises, can help many people. We start with a thorough exam to make sure your headaches are a good fit for our care, and refer when they're not.

What is a cervicogenic headache?

A cervicogenic headache is pain felt in the head that comes from the neck, usually from the upper neck joints and muscles. It's often one-sided, linked with neck stiffness, and brought on by certain positions or movements.

Do you treat migraines?

Migraines are diagnosed and managed with your physician. Many people with migraines also have neck pain or muscle tension, and we can treat those contributors as part of a coordinated plan.

Is it safe to have my neck adjusted for headaches?

Neck adjustments are generally safe when performed after a proper exam, and serious complications are rare. We screen for warning signs first, explain your options, and offer gentle, non-manipulative techniques if you prefer.

When should I see a doctor about a headache?

See a doctor right away for a sudden severe headache, a headache with fever, weakness, numbness, vision or speech changes, or a headache after a head injury. See your doctor soon for a new pattern of headaches, especially after age 50.

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If you’re ready to get on the road to recovery, reach out to our chiropractic care team in downtown Greenville to discuss your options. And, if your injury or condition does not fit our methods, we will find a provider that can.

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