Headaches

MedlinePlus says, "A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck." Diagnosis belongs with a doctor, and a headache with danger signs needs medical attention right away.

When a headache is an emergency

MedlinePlus says, "Some headaches are a sign of a more serious problem and need medical attention right away." For a headache that comes on suddenly and is explosive or violent, MedlinePlus says, "This kind of headache needs medical attention right away. It may be due to a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. Call 911 or the local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room."

MedlinePlus says that if you cannot see your provider right away, go to the emergency room or call 911 or the local emergency number for signs that include:

• This is the first severe headache you have ever had in your life and it interferes with your daily activities.
• Your headache comes on suddenly and is explosive or violent.
• Your headache is "the worst ever," even if you regularly get headaches.
• You also have slurred speech, a change in vision, problems moving your arms or legs, loss of balance, confusion, or memory loss with your headache.
• You also have fever, stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting with your headache.
• Your headache occurs with a head injury.
• Your headache is severe and just in one eye, with redness in that eye.

Common types of headaches

MedlinePlus says, "The most common type of headache is tension headache. It is likely caused by tight muscles in your shoulders, neck, scalp, and jaw." NINDS lists triggers that include emotional stress, mental strain, not enough or poor quality sleep, physical postures that strain the head or neck, alcohol use and dehydration.

MedlinePlus says, "A migraine headache involves pain that is throbbing, pounding, or pulsating, and is on one side of your head. It often occurs with other symptoms, such as vision changes, sensitivity to sound or light, or nausea."

MedlinePlus says rebound headaches, also called medicine overuse headaches, "often occur from overuse of pain medicines for other headaches like migraine or tension headaches." MedlinePlus adds, "Talk to your provider if you are taking pain medicines 3 or more days a week."

Who to see about headaches

NINDS says, "Talk with a doctor if headaches affect your daily life." MedlinePlus says to see your provider soon for signs that include headaches that wake you up from sleep, a headache that lasts more than a few days, headaches that are worse in the morning, and headaches that have changed in pattern or intensity.

On complementary approaches for headaches, NCCIH says, "For massage, relaxation techniques, spinal manipulation, and tai chi, the evidence is too limited or inconsistent to allow conclusions to be reached."

Telling us about headaches at your visit

If you come to us for neck, back or joint pain, your chiropractic evaluation is with Dr. Jeffrey Klein, DC, who has led the practice since 1998 and holds New York State chiropractic license 008414. When we take your health history, tell us about any headaches you get, including how often they happen and any medicines you take for them. If something points to a problem that needs a physician, we'll tell you and suggest you see one.

See also our page on neck and back pain.

Sources (accessed Nov 3, 2026): MedlinePlus, Headache · MedlinePlus, Headaches - danger signs · NINDS, Headache · NCCIH, Headaches: What You Need To Know

Visiting us in Midtown

Broadway Chiropractic and Wellness is at 1410 Broadway, New York, NY 10018, at West 39th Street in Midtown Manhattan's Garment District.

• Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM
• Tuesday and Thursday: 8:00 AM–7:00 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: closed

We work with most insurance plans and help you use your benefits. Call (212) 354-2225 or use the contact form to book.

FAQs

Is every headache a sign of something serious?

No. MedlinePlus says, "Serious causes of headaches are rare." Get medical help right away for any of the danger signs above.

Can I book a chiropractic visit if I get headaches?

Yes. Tell us about your headaches at your visit, along with your health history and medications. Keep seeing your doctor about your headaches.