Headaches · 4 min read
Which headache triggers are worth tracking?
Track timing, sleep, meals, fluid, stress, screen hours, neck stiffness, menstrual cycle and medication use for four weeks. Patterns in that data usually reveal more than any single test, and they tell us whether the neck is involved.
What to record
A headache diary only works if it is quick. Record a handful of items each day rather than writing an essay when you feel worst.
- Start time, duration and where the pain sits
- Hours slept and whether sleep was broken
- Meals skipped and rough fluid and caffeine intake
- Stress level and screen hours
- Neck stiffness or jaw clenching
- Any medication taken, and how often
Patterns that suggest the neck is involved
Headaches that start at the base of the skull, worsen through the day at a desk, sit consistently on one side, or come with neck stiffness and limited rotation often have a cervical component. Those tend to respond to care aimed at the neck joints and surrounding soft tissue.
Headaches that need urgent assessment
A sudden severe headache unlike any before, a headache after head trauma, or one with fever, neck rigidity, visual loss, weakness or confusion needs urgent medical care. Frequent painkiller use can also cause headaches in its own right, which is worth raising with your GP or pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I keep the diary?
Four weeks is usually enough to see a pattern, and long enough to include a menstrual cycle where that is relevant.
Can chiropractic care help headaches?
It can help where the neck joints and soft tissue are contributing. The examination is what establishes whether that applies to you.
Want this looked at properly?
An examination tells you which structures are involved and how long recovery should take. Call the office or send a request.
Our office
Chiropractic Works
1050 Barber Creek Drive
Building 200
Watkinsville, GA 30677
Office hours
We are open Monday – Friday, including some evening hours.
- Monday
- 8:00am – 12:00pm2:30pm – 6:00pm
- Tuesday
- 8:00am – 12:00pm2:30pm – 6:00pm
- Wednesday
- 8:00am – 12:00pm2:30pm – 6:00pm
- Thursday
- 8:00am – 6:00pm
- Friday
- 8:00am – 12:00pm
- Saturday
- Closed
- Sunday
- Closed
New Patient, Neurofeedback and Decompression appointment times may vary.
Ready to get started?
Tell us what is going on and we will help you choose the right first appointment.
New patients: please call the office or send a request — we will confirm your appointment with you directly.