Migraines, Headaches, and Neck Pain: How They’re Connected (and What to Do About It in Sarasota)
If you deal with frequent headaches, migraines, or nagging neck pain, you’re not alone. Studies estimate that up to 70% of adults will experience neck pain in their lifetime and for many, that neck tension is a major trigger for headaches or migraine-like symptoms.
At Well Co Chiropractic, we specialize in treating the neck and upper spine to reduce the root causes of headache pain. Using Active Release Technique (ART), soft tissue therapy, and targeted rehab, we help Sarasota patients finally find relief.
The Neck–Headache Connection
The cervical spine (neck region) houses nerves, muscles, and joints that directly influence head pain. When these structures are irritated - through poor posture, disc changes, or muscular tension, they can trigger:
Tension headaches (tight band around the head, often from postural strain)
Cervicogenic headaches (pain starting in the neck, radiating to the head and face)
Migraine exacerbations (neck dysfunction can worsen or prolong migraines)
For some patients, compressed or irritated cervical nerves (cervical radiculopathy) even cause radiating pain into the shoulders, arms, or scalp.
Why Do Sarasota Patients Struggle with Neck Pain?
Tech posture: Hours on phones or computers cause forward head carriage.
Athletics: Tennis, pickleball, and swimming all place repetitive stress on the neck.
Stress & sleep: Tension in the neck and shoulders is often linked with poor sleep and increased migraine frequency.
What the Research Says
70–95% of patients with cervical radicular pain improve with conservative care like manual therapy and exercise.
Exercise targeting neck stabilizers and posture correction reduces both pain and disability.
Manual therapy (including ART) helps restore mobility, reduce nerve irritation, and calm headache triggers.
Our Approach at Well Co Chiropractic
When you come in for headaches or neck pain, here’s how we help:
Thorough evaluation – to identify whether pain is muscular, joint-related, or nerve-driven.
Active Release Technique (ART): Hands-on soft tissue release to reduce adhesions and improve motion.
Acupuncture: uses very fine, sterile needles placed at specific points on the body and addresses the stress component that often worsens pain conditions.
Rehab program: Strengthening deep neck flexors, scapular stabilizers, and posture correction.
Lifestyle strategies: Ergonomic adjustments, sleep posture, and stress management tips.
When to Seek Care
You don’t need to “wait it out.” If you notice:
Headaches starting in the neck or upper back
Tingling, numbness, or pain radiating into the shoulders or arms
Increased headaches after long days at a desk
Stiffness that limits daily activities
…it’s time to get checked. Early treatment often prevents chronic headaches and long-term nerve irritation.
Find Relief in Sarasota
If migraines, headaches, or neck pain are keeping you from enjoying Sarasota’s courts, beaches, or daily life, Well Co Chiropractic can help. We combine Active Release Technique and targeted rehab to not only relieve pain, but address the root cause.
References
Kang KC, et al. Cervical Radiculopathy: Characteristics and Diagnosis. Asian Spine J. 2020.
Liang L, et al. The Effect of Exercise on Cervical Radiculopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Medicine. 2019.
Nagore A, et al. Active Release Technique in Tendon Overuse Injuries. Cureus. 2023.
