Headaches are one of the most common health complaints we see at our Lethbridge chiropractic clinic — and they’re also one of the most misunderstood. Many people assume headaches are simply a fact of life or the result of stress, dehydration, or screens. While those factors play a role, the source of a surprisingly large number of headaches lies in the cervical spine — the seven vertebrae in your neck.
What Are Cervicogenic Headaches?
Cervicogenic headaches are headaches that originate from dysfunction in the neck. When the joints, muscles, or nerves of the cervical spine are irritated or misaligned, pain signals travel along nerve pathways into the head — creating what feels like a “regular” headache, but actually begins in the neck.
These headaches are common in Lethbridge patients who:
- Work at a desk or on a computer for extended periods
- Drive frequently (including long highway commutes across southern Alberta)
- Have experienced whiplash from a motor vehicle accident
- Sleep in poor positions or on unsupportive pillows
- Carry significant stress in their shoulders and upper back
How Chiropractic Helps with Headaches
Chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine have strong research support for reducing the frequency and intensity of tension-type headaches and cervicogenic headaches. By restoring proper joint motion and relieving nerve irritation in the neck, many patients experience a significant reduction in headache episodes — sometimes after just a few treatments.
In addition to adjustments, your care plan may include soft-tissue work for the suboccipital muscles (the small muscles at the base of your skull), posture correction exercises, and advice on ergonomic adjustments for your workstation.
Lethbridge’s Wind Factor
One thing we notice in southern Alberta: Lethbridge’s famous chinook winds correlate with increased headache complaints. While the barometric pressure changes from chinooks can trigger vascular headaches in sensitive individuals, muscular tension from bracing against cold wind also plays a real role. Keeping the cervical spine in good alignment can reduce your overall headache threshold.
When to See a Chiropractor for Your Headaches
If you experience headaches more than once or twice a week, or if your headaches are severe enough to affect your ability to work or enjoy daily activities in Lethbridge, a chiropractic assessment is a sensible first step. We can determine whether your headaches have a spinal component and create a plan to address them.