Headaches that start in the neck
Headaches that start in the neck or shoulders, and when to see a physician instead.
You're in the right place if…
- Your headaches start at the back of your head or behind one eye after a long day.
- You want to understand what's going on before you decide what to do about it.
- You've never seen a chiropractor and don't know what to expect.
2-minute pain & movement self-check
A few questions, a plain-English page about what’s commonly going on and what to try this week. Not a diagnosis.
When to see a physician instead
For the worst headache of your life or headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion or weakness, see a physician or urgent care first.
Chiropractic care is not the right first stop for fractures, infections, unexplained weight loss, fever with back pain, new bowel or bladder problems, progressive weakness, chest pain, or the worst headache of your life. Those need a physician or an emergency department first.
What an evaluation at FIT Clinic looks like
A conversation about what’s bothering you, an evaluation of how you move and what hurts, an explanation of what Dr. Brandon found, your options, and your decision about what happens next. Plan on about 60 minutes.
No treatment plan to sign on day one.
What the research says
We’d rather you hear this from us than find it later. Research on spinal manipulation is strongest for low-back pain and neck pain, where it’s associated with small-to-moderate improvements in pain and function, comparable to other recommended conservative treatments, and it’s one of the non-drug options that clinical guidelines list for these problems. Evidence for sciatica is more limited. For headaches, there is some support when the headache is coming from the neck. For conditions that aren’t musculoskeletal, there’s little high-quality evidence, which is why we don’t treat them as such. Your response can differ from the averages, and we’ll tell you honestly within a few visits whether care is doing what we hoped.
What we evaluate — and when we refer
We evaluate and care for musculoskeletal problems — back, neck, sciatica, shoulder, hip, headaches that come from the neck, sports injuries, and stiffness. For anything outside that scope, or if the evaluation suggests you need a different kind of care, we’ll tell you and point you to the right provider.
Questions
Can neck problems cause my headaches?
They can; that's what the evaluation sorts out.
Will the adjustment hurt?
Most people don't find adjustments painful. You may hear a pop, which is gas releasing inside the joint. Some people feel mild soreness afterward, like after a workout. Dr. Brandon explains each step first, nothing happens without your OK, and there are gentler techniques if you'd rather not have a traditional adjustment.
Do I need X-rays?
Usually not on the first visit. Imaging is ordered when the exam suggests it would change what we do, or when there's a history of injury or other specific concerns. If Dr. Brandon recommends imaging, he'll explain why first.
Is chiropractic care safe?
For most people, side effects are mild and short-lived — soreness, stiffness, or tiredness for a day or two. Serious complications are rare. Tell us about any history of stroke, blood-clotting disorders, osteoporosis, cancer, or spinal surgery, and about any medications, so care can be adapted. Neck adjustments in particular are always discussed first and never done without your OK.
What if I've already tried physical therapy or medication?
That's useful information, not a strike against you. Bring what you can about what you tried and what happened. Sometimes a different approach helps; sometimes the right answer is a referral. You'll get an honest read either way.
Cost
First visit: $0 consultation and exam for new self-pay patients. Free benefits check by text: 848-301-1515.
The no-charge consultation and exam is for new self-pay patients. If you have Medicare, NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid, or another federal or state health program, your visit is billed under that program’s rules, and you’ll know your cost before anything happens. If you have private insurance, the exam is billed to your plan and normal copays apply — text us a photo of your card with the word BENEFITS for a free benefits check first.
Ready to talk about what's bothering you?
Book online in about a minute, or call or text and a real person will help you find a time.
Related: Neck pain · Shoulder pain