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Understanding Tension-Type Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Tension-type headaches are common and can significantly impact daily life. Understanding their causes, symptoms, and treatments can help you find relief.

Dr. Kyara Finney
Dr. Kyara Finney
September 7, 2026
Chiropractor explaining headache causes and treatments to a patient

What Are Tension-Type Headaches?

Tension-type headaches are the most common type of headache, often characterized by a dull, aching pain around the head, neck, and shoulders. They can be episodic or chronic and are usually triggered by stress, poor posture, and muscle tension.

Causes and Symptoms of Tension-Type Headaches

The exact cause of tension-type headaches is not well understood, but contributing factors include stress, anxiety, poor posture, and muscle strain. Symptoms typically include a constant, dull pain, pressure around the forehead, and tenderness in the scalp, neck, and shoulder muscles.

Treatments for Tension-Type Headaches

Treatment options for tension-type headaches vary and can include over-the-counter pain medications, stress management techniques, and physical therapy. Chiropractic care is an effective treatment option that focuses on correcting spinal misalignments, reducing muscle tension, and improving posture to alleviate headache symptoms.

Choosing Peak Chiropractic for Headache Relief

At Peak Chiropractic, we specialize in providing chiropractic care for tension-type headaches. Our experienced team uses advanced techniques to ensure proper spinal alignment and support overall health. We are dedicated to helping you achieve relief from tension-type headaches through personalized chiropractic care.

Chiropractor demonstrating chiropractic techniques for headache relief

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Tension-Type Headaches

Chiropractic care offers several benefits for managing tension-type headaches. It helps improve spinal alignment, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate pain. By addressing the root causes of tension-type headaches, chiropractic care provides a holistic approach to better health and well-being.

At Peak Chiropractic, we focus on providing comprehensive care that supports your health and helps you manage headache symptoms effectively.

Patient consulting with chiropractor about headache treatment

Take the First Step Towards Headache Relief

If you are struggling with tension-type headaches, consider exploring chiropractic care as a potential solution. Contact Peak Chiropractic today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall health.

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Peak Upper Cervical Center

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Experience specific upper cervical chiropractic care at Peak Upper Cervical Center. Our Boise clinic is dedicated to providing top-quality and unique chiropractic care to help you achieve optimal health.

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Peak Upper Cervical Center

4483 N Dresden Pl #103
Garden City, ID 83714

Reviews

Patient Ratings & Stories

Hear what our patients have to say about their experience at Peak Upper Cervical Center in their online reviews.

Rated

5.0

140+ Reviews

Rated

5.0

3 Reviews

May 16, 2024
I was quite impressed with the technology used to assess my neck and spine.
I started my care with Peak back in mid February. I had never heard of a cervical chiropractor, until my daughter convinced me to try it. I had been dealing with shoulder/neck pain periodically, off and on, never quite getting rid of it. My last experience with a chiropractor left me injured and not feeling very confident about ever using chiropractic care again. Upon beginning my care with Peak, I began to see that this was different then anything i had ever heard of before. I was quite impressed with the technology used to assess my neck and spine. I began my adjustments, and was informed I would go through a detox with my body. Some weeks I was feeling great, and some weeks i definitely was feeling more pain. After about four weeks of regular adjustments, I probably had my worst week of pain! The following week was my best week, in fact, I didn’t even need to be adjusted. I am excited to continue my care with Dr. John and Dr. Kyara! As time moves forward, I am seeing more and more improvement. My body is beginning to recover on its own when i have been through excess stress or exertion. Before, my body was “stuck” in pain, and now it’s beginning to bounce back on its own. Dr John and Dr Kyara are both very kind, compassionate professionals. If you are on the fence about jumping in to cervical chiropractic care, take the plunge! The only thing you have to lose is your pain and discomfort!
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Kim N.

Garden City, ID

Jul 19, 2024
I sleep better. I don't hurt anymore. If you have given up ever feeling better, try them.
I've been to a lot of chiropractors. Peak Chiropractic is the only one that's actually made a significant difference in my well-being. I went from three to four migraines a month down to maybe one every two or three months. I sleep better. I don't hurt anymore. If you have given up ever feeling better, try them. I'll never be 100% but this is the closest I've ever felt to getting there.
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Chris M.

Boise, ID

Jun 16, 2024
With a 3D imaging machine you visually can seen how out of align you are and then a plan of action to get you back to alignment
After dealing with migraines my whole life, then panic attacks and most recently vertigo, which is the absolute worst experience to go through. I was determined to find help and that is where I found Peak Chiropractic with Dr. John and Dr. Kyara. They are warm, welcoming and above all experts in the field of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care. They walk you through the process step by step and with a 3D imaging machine you visually can seen how out of align you are and then a plan of action to get you back to alignment. The adjustments are gentle and precise. No cracking or extreme movement of the head, which I can't handle. The last time I saw a chiropractor the extreme movement of my head led me to vomit in the bathroom right after the appointment. Not the case at Peak Chiropractic! I am on a treatment plan that started in February and will go until July and that gives my neck time to adjust and heal and then hopefully maintenance after. I can't tell you how happy I am to finally feel better, sleep better. I don't have the wave of dizziness that I was having on the daily. I also suffer from panic attacks driving and that in itself is debilitating. Even though I came to Peak for migraine and vertigo issues, I had no idea how much it would help me in gaining back my confidence to drive. I no longer get in my car with the feeling of dread and panic. That in itself is life changing!! So thankful and grateful for the care I am receiving and the healing and recovery process. I highly recommend you take the time to get the help you need if suffering from migraines, vertigo or panic attacks. No reason to be miserable when you can get the help you need and through Amazing people like Dr. John and Dr. Kyara!
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Judy G.

Boise, ID