Headaches: What's Really Going On (and How to Find Relief)

Whether it feels like pressure around your temples or a pounding ache that just won’t quit, headaches can take a toll. At Back Pain Center in O’Fallon, we see firsthand how disruptive they can be to your comfort, productivity, and overall well-being.

The encouraging news? A large portion of headaches has its roots in the neck, upper back, and jaw mechanics, rather than within the head itself. Long computer hours, clenching your jaw, or even changes in your workout can overload these tissues. That’s why we also look carefully at the TMJ (jaw), since poor jaw mechanics are often a major contributor to recurring head pain.

Our Honest Approach

We take time to uncover the real cause behind your symptoms. As Dr. Matthew Nicholson explains, “Our goal is to be upfront and honest. If we believe we can help, we’ll show you exactly how. If not, we’ll guide you to someone who can. Either way, your best interest comes first.”

Here’s how we work with patients experiencing frequent headaches:

• Thorough diagnosis: A detailed history and exam allow us to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate.
• Comprehensive care: We combine adjustments with options such as dry needling, myofascial release, and focused rehabilitation to improve posture and stability.
• Everyday strategies: Patients receive tailored exercises for the neck, upper back, and jaw, along with simple workstation adjustments that make a big difference.

What You Can Do Now

While we always recommend a professional evaluation, there are simple steps you can try now to reduce common headache triggers. Stay hydrated, position your monitor at eye level, take short movement breaks every half hour, and notice if you clench your jaw (relaxing it can go a long way).