Headache Treatment in North Vancouver
Headaches can come from a lot of places, but for many people, the neck and upper back play a bigger role than they'd expect. I assess your whole movement system, not just treat the headache itself, so we can identify what may actually be contributing to it and build a plan that addresses it, not just the symptom in front of us.
Understand your symptoms. Find the right next step.
Written and clinically reviewed by Dr. Aaron Wallace, DC, MSc.
When a headache needs urgent care
Call 911 for a sudden, severe headache unlike your usual headaches, or a headache with sudden weakness, speech difficulty or confusion. Seek urgent medical care for a headache with fever and a stiff neck.
Common reasons people seek care
Headaches are a common reason people seek care, and the underlying cause varies a lot from person to person. An assessment helps guide the right next step. Here are some of the most common contributing patterns I assess:
Tension Headache
The most common type, a dull, pressing pain around the forehead, temples, or back of the head, often triggered by muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and base of the skull.
Post Concussion Headache
A persistent headache following a head injury or concussion, often accompanied by neck discomfort, and best managed with a careful, graduated approach (see my Concussion Rehabilitation page for more).
Cervicogenic Headache
A headache that actually originates from structures in the neck, joints, muscles, or nerves, typically starting at the base of the skull and radiating forward, and frequently mistaken for a tension headache.
Posture Related Headache
Poor sleep, screen time, and prolonged positions at a desk all contribute to headache patterns, often layered on top of an underlying neck or postural factor.
What to expect during your session.
1
Comprehensive assessment
Your first visit includes a movement and clinical assessment of your neck, upper back, and daily load tolerance, so we understand what may be contributing to your headaches before recommending any treatment.
2
A plan built around you
From there, we build an individualized plan that combines manual therapy with active, exercise-based rehabilitation. You'll know exactly what we're addressing, why, and what the process looks like going forward.
3
Built for long-term resilience
We track your progress at every visit, reassessing regularly and adjusting your plan as you improve. The goal is genuine, long-term resilience and a real return to the activities you care about, not an open-ended treatment plan.
How long does recovery take?
The outlook depends on the type of headache and the factors involved. We review headache frequency, symptom intensity and effects on daily activities. Care may involve coordination with your doctor or another provider, particularly if the pattern changes or symptoms persist.
Can chiropractic care help if I get migraines?
Migraine is a neurological condition. Assessment of associated neck symptoms may form one part of care, but chiropractic treatment is not a substitute for medical migraine diagnosis and management. We discuss whether a musculoskeletal approach is appropriate alongside your existing care.
Will my neck need to be adjusted or "cracked"?
Joint manipulation is one tool I can use. If you're not comfortable with it, there are other manual therapy and active movement options we can discuss.
Related care
Book an assessment
Appointments with Dr. Aaron Wallace are available in North Vancouver and West Vancouver. Choose a clinic to see contact details and booking options.