Boulder Sports Clinic

Headache Treatment
in Boulder, CO

At Boulder Sports Clinic, we understand the toll neck pain and headaches exert on your everyday life. Regardless of whether you're an athlete aiming to get back on the field or someone just seeking daily relief, our integrated approach using physical therapy, chiropractic care, and massage therapy provides a comprehensive solution to fit your needs.

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Relief for Neck Pain & Headaches Through Tailored Care
Lower Back
Pain care
Headache Pain

Headache Treatment in Boulder, CO

Identify the cause of your headaches and get lasting relief—without relying on medication alone.
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Headaches are one of the most common reasons people seek care at Boulder Sports Clinic—especially desk workers, athletes, climbers, runners, and active adults in Boulder.
You may be dealing with:

Frequent headaches or migraines
Headaches that start in the neck or shoulders
Head pain after long days at a desk or computer
Headaches that return despite medication

If headaches are becoming part of your routine, it’s a sign that something isn’t moving or functioning correctly—not just a pain problem.

Understanding the Main Types of Headaches

Not all headaches are the same. Effective treatment starts with identifying what type of headache you’re experiencing and why it’s happening.

Tension Headaches


Tension headaches are the most common type we see.Typical symptoms include:

  • Dull, aching pressure around the head
  • Tightness in the neck, shoulders, or upper back
  • Headaches that worsen with stress or prolonged sitting
These headaches are often caused by muscle tension, poor posture, and joint restriction in the neck and upper back.This is why rest alone often doesn’t fix the problem.
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Cervicogenic Headaches


Cervicogenic headaches originate from the neck, not the head itself.
Common signs:

  • Pain starting at the base of the skull
  • Headaches on one side of the head
  • Pain triggered by neck movement or posture
  • Reduced neck mobility
These headaches are frequently linked to joint dysfunction and muscular imbalance in the cervical spine.
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Migraine Headaches


Migraines are a neurological headache disorder.
Common signs:

  • Throbbing or pulsating head pain
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • Nausea
  • Visual changes or aura
While migraines have neurological components, musculoskeletal triggers—especially in the neck and upper back—often play a significant role in frequency and severity.

Why Headaches Often Keep Coming Back


Many people rely on:

  • Over-the-counter medication
  • Prescription medication
  • Rest and avoidance
While these may reduce symptoms temporarily, headaches often return because the underlying mechanical or movement issue hasn’t been addressed.
If posture, joint mobility, muscle tension, or nerve irritation persist, headaches tend to become chronic and recurring.
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Our Approach

Integrated Treatment


Initial consultation and assessment with in-depth evaluation to pinpoint the origin of your neck pain or headaches.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic Care:

Manual and low force adjustments to the spine and extremities to improve joint alignment and restore optimal range of motion.
Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy:

Personalized rehabilitation plans that promote injury healing, strengthen muscles, enhance flexibility, and prevent future injuries enabling a quicker return to daily activities.
Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy:

The application of hands-on therapy to address trigger points and tight muscles, improve lymphatic drainage, and reduce muscle and joint stiffness.
Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy:

A non-invasive treatment that utilizes high-energy sound waves to break down scar tissue and stimulate the body's natural healing process, promoting tissue regeneration, enhanced blood circulation, and effective pain relief.
Class 4 laser Therapy

Class 4 laser Therapy:

Leveraging dual-wavelength infrared light energy to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation, while accelerating tissue healing and boosting cellular regeneration through photobiomodulation.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation

Electrical Muscle Stimulation:

The use of superficial or intramuscular stimulation 
of muscles to help decrease muscle stiffness and improve range of motion.
PEMF Therapy

PEMF Therapy:

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes electromagnetic fields to address neuromuscular injuries and reduce joint pain and stiffness.
Active Release Techniques

Active Release Techniques:

A non-invasive manual therapy technique designed to reduce muscle tightness and optimize the movement of muscles, ligaments, and nerves throughout the body.
Cupping Therapy

Cupping Therapy:

The use of fascial cups to release myofascial adhesions, alleviate trigger points, improve circulation, enhance lymphatic drainage, reduce fine lines, and diminish the appearance of cellulite.
Trigger Point Dry Needling

Trigger Point Dry Needling:

The use of fine needles to target trigger points in muscles, releasing tension and stimulating the body’s natural healing processes without the use of medication.
Graston Technique

Graston Technique:

Instrument-assisted soft tissue therapy that enhances circulation, reduces fascial adhesions, and restores range of motion in muscles and joints.
Kinesio Taping

Kinesio Taping:

The application of specialized tape to support muscles and joints, enhance circulation, reduce bruising and swelling, and promote healing—all without restricting movement.
Yoga Therapy

Yoga Therapy:

Targeted movements and breath work to enhance posture, increase flexibility, relieve muscle tension, alleviate stress, and restore balance to the central nervous system.
Spinal Decompression Table

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy:

Spinal decompression therapy is a gentle, non-surgical treatment that relieves pressure on spinal discs, joints, and nerves using a motorized table. We use the advanced HillDT Decompression Table, which adapts in real time to your body for a safer, more comfortable experience. This therapy is ideal for conditions like herniated discs, pinched nerves, neck and arm pain, and chronic neck pain.
Postural Correction

Postural Correction:

Focused stretching and strengthening exercises designed to correct muscle compensation patterns, enhance posture alignment, and prevent future injuries.

What to Expect at Your First Visit


Your first visit includes:

  • A detailed headache history
  • Neck, posture, and movement assessment
  • Identification of headache triggers
  • Clear explanation of findings
  • A customized treatment plan with realistic expectations
You’ll leave knowing why your headaches are happening and how we’ll address them.

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When Should You Seek Care for Headaches?

We recommend scheduling an evaluation if:
  • Headaches occur weekly or more often
  • Headaches start in the neck or shoulders
  • Medication provides only temporary relief
  • Headaches interfere with work, training, or sleep
Early treatment often means faster recovery and fewer visits.

Schedule Headache Treatment in Boulder
You don’t have to accept headaches as “normal” or manage them forever with medication.
Schedule a headache evaluation or injury screen at Boulder Sports Clinic and get a clear, conservative plan to reduce pain and improve your quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions


Can chiropractic care help headaches?
Yes. Chiropractic care is especially effective for tension and cervicogenic headaches caused by joint and muscle dysfunction.
‍Do you treat migraines?
Yes. While migraines have neurological components, addressing neck and upper-back dysfunction often reduces frequency and severity.
‍How long does headache treatment take?
Many patients notice improvement within a few visits, though timelines vary depending on chronicity and contributing factors.
‍Do I need imaging for headaches?
Imaging is only recommended when clinically necessary based on exam findings and symptoms.

We can help

Don't Let Neck Pain or Headaches
Burden You Any Longer, We Can Help.

If you want a treatment that works, contact Boulder Sports Clinic at 303-444-5105 or fill out our simple contact form. A staff member will gladly discuss treatment for your neck pain or headaches and schedule an appointment. Why continue to suffer daily? Get in touch right away.

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Neck Pain and Headaches CTA