Why Headache Relief Never Seems to Last
You finally get your headache to go away, only to have the same discomfort return later that day or a few days later. If that pattern sounds familiar, it may be worth looking beyond the headache itself. Recurring headaches can have many causes, but in some cases, tension involving the neck and surrounding muscles may contribute to the cycle.
Why Do My Headaches Keep Coming Back?
Headaches can follow recognizable patterns. You may notice the same timing, the same location, or even the same feeling every time one begins.
Dr. Luban's original article highlights an overworked neck as one possible contributor to recurring headaches. Holding your neck in an awkward or strained position for extended periods can cause surrounding muscles to tighten, potentially contributing to pain that travels upward toward the head.
This can be particularly relevant for people who spend significant amounts of time:
- Working at a computer
- Looking down at a phone
- Sitting for prolonged periods
- Driving
- Working with poor posture
- Holding tension in the neck, shoulders, or jaw
Temporary Relief vs. Recurring Triggers
Finding something that temporarily reduces a headache can certainly be helpful. But when the same physical tension or movement pattern continues afterward, the headache may eventually return.
The original article identifies tightness involving the neck, shoulders, or jaw as potential physical triggers worth evaluating when headaches repeatedly follow the same pattern.
That doesn't mean every recurring headache is caused by neck tension. It does mean that understanding what happens before your headache appears can provide useful clues.
Look for Patterns in Your Headaches
Consider what you were doing in the hours leading up to your headache.
Does it tend to happen after a long workday? After several hours at your computer? When your neck feels particularly stiff? During stressful periods when you're clenching your jaw?
Recognizing those patterns can help identify factors that may be contributing to your discomfort.
A Different Approach to Recurring Headaches
At Advance Center for Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Nutrition, Dr. Michael Luban evaluates the neck and surrounding musculoskeletal system to identify areas of tension, stiffness, or restricted movement that may be associated with a patient's symptoms.
When appropriate, care can focus on improving movement and reducing physical tension rather than concentrating solely on where the headache is felt.
Break the Cycle of Recurring Headaches
If you keep experiencing the same headache again and again, don't simply assume it's something you have to live with.
Feel Better. Live Better. Take the Next Step.
Dr. Michael Luban provides personalized chiropractic and holistic care for patients throughout Chicago and Northfield, IL.
Schedule an appointment today to take a closer look at whether neck, shoulder, or jaw tension may be contributing to your recurring headaches.
