Skip to content
Woman experiencing headache with chiropractor examining a patient's neck in a clinic
headache Relief

Headache Relief in Kent, WA

Many people look for headache relief in Kent, WA, once the pain starts interrupting their workday or keeping them up at night. Sometimes it’s a dull pressure that builds behind the eyes as the hours pass. Other times it settles at the back of the head and creeps forward, usually after a tense few days or a recent car accident. At Seattle Neck and Back Pain Clinic, Dr. Nazariy Stetsyuk, DC, pays close attention to the neck and upper back, where many recurring headaches originate. Your first visit opens with a conversation about when the headaches show up and what seems to set them off. From there, care may include chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy, along with small changes at your desk or in your sleeping position.
about

How Headache Relief Works

At our pain control clinic in Kent, WA, many of the headaches we treat trace back to the shoulders and upper spine. Tight muscles and restricted joints in that region can send pain upward, a pattern often linked to tension headaches. The cervicogenic type follows a similar route, beginning in the cervical joints and radiating toward the scalp. Finding that source comes first. Your provider reviews your history, checks how freely your neck turns, and examines the jaw and the area just below the skull. X-rays are taken when needed. Occasionally, head pain signals something more serious. Sudden, severe episodes, vision changes, numbness, or confusion need emergency medical attention. When your symptoms point to a different cause, we’ll connect you with a physician.
common causes

What Causes Headaches?

Headache causes vary widely, from the way you sit at a desk to an injury that happened months ago. In our office, these patterns come up regularly, and many patients have more than one.

Neck Stiffness and Joint Restrictions

Nerves from the upper cervical spine connect with pathways that carry sensation from the head and face. That’s why a restricted joint high in the neck can produce pain that seems to come from somewhere else, such as around one eye. Turning to check a blind spot may make it worse.

Poor Posture and Screen Time

Holding the head forward adds load to the muscles behind the neck, and the farther it drifts, the harder they work. A laptop on the kitchen table or a phone held at chest height can keep that posture going for hours. By evening, the strain usually shows up as a heavy, pressing ache.

Muscle Tension and Stress

Stress has a physical side. During a demanding week, the shoulders rise toward the ears and the upper back stays braced for long periods. Small knots called trigger points can develop in these areas. When pressed, one of them may reproduce a familiar headache, which helps pinpoint where it starts.

Whiplash and Car Accident Injuries

In a rear‒end collision, the neck can move forward and back within a fraction of a second. That sudden motion strains ligaments and soft tissue, and headaches are among the most frequent complaints afterward. Some people don’t feel them until a day or two later. An early evaluation also documents what happened for PIP or personal injury claims.

Jaw Tension and Teeth Clenching

Nighttime clenching and grinding overwork the muscles that close the jaw. One of them, the temporalis, spreads across the side of the head above the ear. When it tightens, the ache settles at the temples and is usually worst on waking. A dentist can evaluate whether a night guard would help.
A chiropractor treats a patient at the Seattle Neck and Back Pain Clinic in a professional medical office.
common symptoms

Common Headache Symptoms

Headaches connected to the neck and jaw share a few recognizable features. Signs to watch for include:
  • Pressure that wraps around the forehead like a tight band.
  • Pain that begins at the base of the skull and moves forward.
  • Tender spots in the neck, shoulders, or jaw.
  • Difficulty turning or tilting your neck.
  • Headaches that build after desk work or long drives.
  • One-sided pain that worsens with certain neck movements.
  • Mild sensitivity to light or noise.
  • Trouble concentrating during an episode.
treatments

How We Relieve Headaches in Kent, WA

For patients seeking headache relief in Kent, WA, chiropractic adjustments and massage therapy frequently work side by side. Each treatment is chosen based on your exam findings, and the plan is updated as your symptoms change over the course of care.
Trigger point therapy addresses the knots directly. A massage therapist locates the tender points in your neck, upper shoulders, and the small muscles beneath the skull, then holds firm, focused pressure until the tissue starts to release. You’ll be asked about comfort throughout, so the intensity stays manageable.
Deeper restrictions in the fascia and tendons can limit how the neck moves, especially after whiplash. Our clinic uses the Graston Technique®, a method that relies on stainless steel instruments to detect scar tissue and adhesions that are hard to feel by hand. Treatment is commonly paired with therapeutic exercises to maintain mobility.
Headache management also depends on what happens outside the clinic. Wellness care can include periodic chiropractic visits and advice on screen height, pillow support, and stretches for the workday. Some patients find it useful to track when their headaches appear, since patterns in that record are worth reviewing at follow-up appointments.

Book an Appointment for Headache Relief

If recurring head pain has become part of your week, schedule a visit with our team to go over your symptoms and the options for headache relief available at our clinic.
Smiling middle-aged man and woman in athletic wear walking together against a black background.
expert care

A Personal Approach to Headaches in Kent, WA

Frequent headaches can make it hard to count on your own schedule. A workday may start well and end with discomfort that breaks your concentration, and evenings set aside for family or rest are often cut short. The first conversation focuses on what your symptoms look like day to day, including when they begin, where they’re felt, and how sleep and workload affect them. Because many patients come to the clinic after car accidents, we also ask about past collisions or falls, even ones that seemed minor at the time. Anyone seeking headache relief in Kent, WA, can expect straightforward answers and a plan built around their pattern.
nearby neighborhoods

Helping Patients With Headaches in Kent, WA, and Nearby Neighborhoods

Seattle Neck and Back Pain Clinic welcomes patients from Kent and nearby South King County communities, including East Hill, Covington, Auburn, Maple Valley, and Renton. Our office is located at 25854 108th Ave SE, Kent, WA 98030, with convenient access from Kent-Kangley Road (SR-516) and 104th Avenue SE. Whether you spend your days commuting, working, or keeping up with family responsibilities, we take time to understand your daily routine and develop a care plan that reflects your needs and goals.
A male chiropractor performs a manual spinal adjustment on a woman lying face down on a treatment table.
Looking for a chiropractor in Kent, WA? Contact Seattle Neck and Back Pain Clinic to schedule your visit.
Contact us

Reach out to us!

A chiropractor performs a spinal adjustment on a patient while a second image shows laser therapy on a person's shoulder.
First name
Phone number
This form should only be used for general information (ie don't send any detailed/personal health information via this form). All patient‒specific care questions should be addressed during your appointment.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a headache and a migraine?
What does a migraine feel like?
Can a chiropractor help with tension headaches?
Can stress cause tension headaches?