Headache Care in Burlington - Westside Chiropractic

Not every headache is the same, and that matters, because the type you have shapes what actually helps. Many of the headaches we see are tension-type or come from the neck, and those are the ones where movement, hands-on care, and a few practical changes can make a real difference. This page is about those everyday headaches, not the ones that need urgent medical attention, which we cover below.

What these headaches can feel like

Tension-type headaches often feel like a band of pressure across the forehead or a tightness that wraps around the head, and they tend to build over a long or stressful day. Neck-related headaches usually start at the base of the skull and can spread up and over one side. Many people notice their neck and shoulders are stiff and sore when these headaches show up.

Common triggers we see

Long stretches at a desk or on a phone, stress carried in the neck and shoulders, poor sleep, dehydration, and clenching the jaw are all common contributors. Often it is the combination, and a neck that has been working hard to hold the head forward all day is frequently part of the picture.

How we assess it

The first step is understanding your headaches, when they happen, how they feel, what sets them off, and screening to make sure they fit the pattern of the everyday headaches we can help with. We then assess how your neck and upper back move and where things are tight or restricted, since that is often connected. If your headaches do not fit that picture, we will tell you and help you get the right care.

How we help

For tension and neck-related headaches, care often combines hands-on treatment for the neck and upper back with massage therapy, simple exercises, and posture and habit changes that reduce the load on the area. Chiropractic care and medical acupuncture can both play a role depending on what we find. The goal is fewer and less intense headaches, plus some tools you can use yourself when one is building.

When to get a headache checked sooner

Some headaches are medical emergencies and are not what this page is about. Seek urgent care if you have a sudden, severe headache that feels like the worst of your life, a headache with slurred speech, weakness or drooping of the face or body, confusion, a stiff neck with fever, or a headache after a significant head injury. If anything like this comes up, we will direct you to the right care immediately.

Can chiropractic care help with headaches?

For tension-type and neck-related headaches, addressing the stiffness and muscle tension in the neck and upper back often helps, which is why so much of our care focuses there. We are honest about it, though: if your headaches are a different type, or are not responding as expected, we will say so and help you find the right next step rather than keep going with something that is not working.

Do I need a referral?

No, you can book directly with us in Ontario, though some insurers ask for a physician referral before reimbursing. Our fees and insurance page has our prices and the insurers we direct-bill.

Headaches