Did you know that most headaches are actually caused by neck or upper back issues? In fact, about 80% of headaches stem from these areas. We see it in our office repeatedly. If you suffer from frequent headaches, you likely know exactly what we mean.

Your neck feels tight, you have knots in your upper back, and there’s tenderness at the base of your skull—these are all classic signs of neck and upper back problems causing tension headaches. So, what can you do if this sounds familiar, or if someone you care about experiences this?

1. Get chiropractic treatment. Ensuring that the joints in your upper neck and back are moving properly is crucial for headache relief.
2. Sleep on your back using a cervical pillow. Simply keeping your head and neck in the correct position for a few hours each night can help reduce pain in the upper back and base of the skull, ultimately decreasing the frequency and intensity of your headaches.
3. Get regular massage. Who doesn’t love a good massage? Relieve the knots and tension in your neck and upper back with some hands-on therapy.
4. Watch your posture. Your mom was right—poor posture increases the strain on your neck and upper back muscles. That’s why these muscles often get so sore. So, make sure to stand (or sit) up straight!