What Is the Root Cause of My Headache? Understanding Referred Pain and How Chiropractic Care Can Help

We’ve all been there: that nagging headache that just won’t quit. How often do you wake up with a pounding head—or get sidelined by that dull, pressure-like ache that settles in after a long day at your desk? You reach for water, caffeine, maybe even pain relievers to try and get some relief. But what if your headache isn’t really in your head at all?

Many headaches actually begin somewhere else in the body. This phenomenon is called referred pain, and it’s one of the most overlooked reasons people struggle with recurring headaches.

Let’s unpack what referred pain is, how it connects to your neck, spine, and jaw—and how chiropractic care can help you find lasting relief.

What Is Referred Pain?

Referred pain happens when discomfort is felt in a different location than where the problem actually starts.

For example:

• A pinched nerve in the neck might feel like a headache behind your eyes or at your temples.
• Low back pain can be caused by misalignments in your hips.

In the case of headaches, referred pain often stems from misalignments, tension, or irritation in the muscles and nerves of the upper spine, neck, or jaw.

These pain signals travel along shared nerve pathways—especially through the trigeminal and cervical nerves—causing your brain to interpret the pain as coming from your head rather than its true source.

Common Sources of Referred Pain That Cause Headaches

Root Source	What Happens	Headache Location or Sensation
Neck (Cervicogenic Headaches)	Misalignment or muscle strain in the upper neck irritates nerves.	Pain starts at the base of the skull and radiates to the forehead or behind one eye.
Spine Misalignments (Subluxations)	Pressure on spinal nerves from poor posture or tension.	Dull, achy pressure headaches that worsen with fatigue or stress.
Jaw (TMJ Dysfunction)	Jaw tension or misalignment affects surrounding muscles and nerves.	Pain near the temples, around the ears, or spreading across the head.
Shoulder or Upper Back Tension	Muscle tightness pulls on neck and scalp muscles.	Diffuse headaches or pain that worsens with poor posture.

How Chiropractic Care Helps with Headaches

Chiropractic care focuses on identifying and correcting the root cause of referred pain—rather than simply masking symptoms.

• Spinal adjustments help improve joint mobility and reduce nerve irritation in the neck and upper back.
• Muscle work and stretching help relieve tension in tight areas like the shoulders and jaw.
• Postural correction helps prevent the strain that leads to chronic headaches.
• Lifestyle guidance (such as ergonomic advice and stress management) supports long-term wellness.

Did you know?

Clinical studies show that chiropractic adjustments can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of cervicogenic and tension-type headaches.

• A 2011 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulation was effective for reducing chronic tension-type headache symptoms.
• Another study reported that chiropractic care provides evidence for headache improvement over the control group.

Everyday Habits That Might Be Causing Your Headache Pain

You might be surprised how everyday posture and movement patterns contribute to referred pain.

Common triggers include:

• Hunching over phones or laptops for hours
• Sleeping in awkward positions
• Jaw clenching or teeth grinding
• Carrying heavy bags on one shoulder
• Sitting without lumbar or neck support

Over time, these habits can lead to muscle imbalances, nerve irritation, and misalignments—all of which may trigger recurring headaches.

Why Chiropractic Care Isn’t Just for Pain Relief

Beyond treating headaches, chiropractic care can help improve your overall well-being. When your spine and nervous system function properly, your body is better able to handle stress, heal naturally, and maintain balance.

Benefits of chiropractic wellness care include:

• Improved posture and mobility
• Reduced muscle tension and fatigue
• Enhanced nervous system function
• Better sleep and stress resilience
• Fewer recurring headaches and tension episodes

FAQ: Understanding Headaches and Chiropractic Care

Q: How common are headaches?
 A: Very. The World Health Organization reports that nearly 50% of adults experience a headache at least once a year, and many suffer from frequent tension or migraine-type headaches.

Q: How many headaches a month are considered normal?
 A: Occasional headaches (1–2 per month) are common, but if you experience headaches weekly or daily, it’s a sign your body is under chronic stress or imbalance.

Q: Why do I wake up with a headache?
 A: Morning headaches are often linked to poor sleeping posture, jaw clenching, or neck misalignment—all of which can cause referred pain to the head.

Q: How can chiropractic care help stop my headaches?
 A: By improving spinal alignment and reducing nerve irritation, chiropractors address the underlying source of referred pain. Over time, this helps reduce both headache frequency and intensity.

Q: Is chiropractic care safe?
 A: Yes—when performed by licensed professionals like the doctors at Chiro One, chiropractic adjustments are considered safe and effective for most people. Your care plan is customized to your needs and comfort level.

Find Relief—And Discover a Healthier You

If you’re tired of reaching for painkillers or wondering why your headaches keep coming back, it may be time to look deeper. Your neck, spine, or jaw could be the missing link.

At Chiro One, our experienced chiropractors can help uncover the true source of your pain, create a personalized care plan, and help you move toward a life with fewer headaches and more energy.

Schedule an appointment today—and take the first step toward lasting headache relief and total-body wellness.