Tension Headaches That Start in Your Neck and Shoulders?
Targeted massage releases the muscle patterns that trigger tension headaches — reducing frequency without medication.
Same-week appointments often available
Headaches from Tension
Does this sound like you?
If you recognize yourself in this list, massage therapy may help — your therapist will tailor each session to what you need.
Book a session- Headaches that begin at the base of the skull or radiate over the top of the head.
- Tightness in the neck, traps, or jaw that precedes a headache.
- Headaches that worsen with screen use, stress, or sustained postures.
- Near-daily or frequent headaches that are hard to get ahead of.
- Sensitivity to OTC pain relievers or desire to reduce reliance on them.
About Headaches from Tension
What you should know
Tension headaches are one of the most common pain conditions in adults — and one of the most undertreated at the source. The majority originate from chronic muscle tension in the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull, the upper trapezius, and the sternocleidomastoid. This tension compresses nerves and restricts blood flow in the cervical region, creating a referred pain pattern that travels into the head. Massage directly releases this tension, often providing immediate relief and, with regular care, meaningful reduction in headache frequency.
Our approach
How Massage Reduces Tension Headaches
Treatment focuses specifically on the muscles and fascia driving your headache pattern, including suboccipital release at the base of the skull to decompress the structures that contribute most directly to tension headaches, upper trapezius and SCM trigger point therapy for muscles that refer pain into the head and face, myofascial techniques for the cervical and upper thoracic region, and scalp and jaw release when TMJ or facial tension is a contributing factor. Many patients experience relief during or immediately after their first session. Regular care — even every 2–4 weeks — is one of the most effective strategies for reducing headache frequency over time.
Massage for tension headaches may be appropriate if you have frequent tension-type headaches that originate in the neck or shoulders, headaches related to poor posture, sustained screen use, or stress, jaw tension or TMJ dysfunction that contributes to head pain, or if you want a drug-free option for managing and reducing headache frequency. Massage is self-pay (not billed to insurance).
Other conditions we treat with massage therapy
- Back Pain & Muscle Tension
- Neck & Shoulder Tension
- Pregnancy & Prenatal Massage
- Sports Recovery & Overuse Injuries
- Stress & Anxiety Relief
What patients say
Real people, real recoveries
“I was impressed with the compassion and professionalism today. I really appreciated the sense of humor that helps to relax.”
“Every chiropractor and massage therapist I’ve seen here has been exceptional!”
“I couldn’t recommend Chiropractic Remedy more. In fact I have recommended it to many of my friends.”
Get Ahead of Your Headaches Instead of Just Reacting to Them.
Book a targeted headache-focused massage at Chiropractic Remedy in Burbank, CA. Our therapists know exactly where to work. Call (747) 245-5421 or book online.
Mon – Thu 8am – 7pm · Friday 8am – 4pm · Saturday 9am – 2pm
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