Can Chiropractic Care Help with Tension Headaches?

Natural Relief Options at The GOAT Sport Medicine Clinic in Sherwood Park, Alberta

If you regularly experience tightness across your forehead, pressure at the back of your head, or a “band-like” ache that gets worse with stress or screen time, you may be dealing with tension headaches — the most common type of headache worldwide. While over-the-counter medications can provide temporary relief, they rarely address the cause of the problem.

At The G.O.A.T. Sport Medicine Clinic in Sherwood Park, Alberta, our chiropractic team takes a whole-body, evidence-informed approach to treating tension headaches so you can get lasting relief and better function — without depending on medication.

But how exactly can chiropractic care help?

What Are Tension Headaches?

Tension headaches often stem from irritation or tightness in the muscles and joints of the neck, shoulders, and upper back. These structures become stressed or overloaded, which can refer pain into the head.

Common contributors include:

• Poor posture or prolonged screen time

• Stress or jaw clenching

• Tight neck and shoulder muscles

• Reduced cervical spine mobility

• Previous whiplash or neck injury

• Eye strain or workstation ergonomics

  
  

Symptoms of tension headaches may include:

• Dull, aching pain on both sides of the head

• Pressure behind the eyes or at the temples

• Soreness or stiffness in the neck and shoulders

• Headaches that worsen later in the day

• Sensitivity to light or noise (in some cases)

  
  

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Tension Headaches

At The G.O.A.T. Sport Medicine Clinic, our chiropractors assess how the spine, muscles, and nervous system are functioning together. Rather than focusing only on the head pain, we look for the underlying dysfunction — often found in the neck, upper back, or jaw.

Here’s how chiropractic care may help relieve tension headaches:

1. Cervical Spine Adjustments

Gentle chiropractic adjustments improve mobility in the neck and upper back. When these joints move better, the surrounding muscles relax, reducing the tension that contributes to headaches.

2. Soft Tissue Therapy

Techniques like myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and Active Release Technique (ART) help decrease muscle tightness in the neck, shoulders, and jaw. This often brings immediate relief.

3. Postural Correction

We assess your posture, workplace setup, and daily habits to identify strain patterns. Small changes in workstation or posture can significantly reduce headache frequency.

4. TMJ (Jaw) Assessment

Jaw tension or clenching can play a major role in tension headaches. Chiropractic care can help improve TMJ mechanics and reduce the stress that radiates into the temples and forehead.

5. Rehab Exercises and Mobility Work

Strengthening key postural muscles and improving cervical mobility helps prevent recurring headaches and supports long-term resilience.

6. Adjunct Therapies

Based on your needs, we may incorporate modalities such as laser therapy, acupuncture, or shockwave to reduce inflammation and improve tissue healing.

What Does the Research Say?

Research supports chiropractic care as an effective conservative approach for managing tension-type headaches. Studies show improvements in:

• Headache frequency

• Headache intensity

• Neck range of motion

• Muscle tension

• Quality of life

  
  

Many patients also report better sleep, less stress, and improved overall movement as their neck mechanics improve.

Why Choose The G.O.A.T. Sport Medicine Clinic in Sherwood Park?

At our Sherwood Park clinic, we use a collaborative, patient-centered model. Our chiropractic team works closely with physiotherapists, manual osteopathic therapists, massage therapists, and sports acupuncturists to ensure you receive the most comprehensive care possible.

We focus on treating the source of your pain, not just masking symptoms — helping you get back to work, sport, and daily life with greater ease.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dealing with tension headaches and want a natural, effective solution, chiropractic care at The GOAT Sport Medicine Clinic can help you get relief and prevent headaches from returning.

Ready to feel better?

Contact our team today to book your assessment and start your path toward headache-free living — right here in Sherwood Park, Alberta.