Chiropractor vs. Massage for Tension Headaches: Which Actually Works?
Chiropractor or massage? Our La Cañada Flintridge doctors compare the two for tension headaches — honestly, based on what actually works.
When tension headaches isn't going away, the next question is usually: "Should I try chiropractor or massage?" Here's how we think about it — and where the two overlap, differ, and complement each other.
Tension headaches usually start in the sub-occipital muscles at the base of the skull and refer pain forward across the forehead and temples.
The Short Answer
For most patients with tension headaches, chiropractor is the more efficient starting point because it directly addresses joint restriction, which is often the primary driver. massage plays a valuable supporting role, especially for soft tissue work, endurance strengthening, or when the primary problem isn't joint-based.
The best care plans usually aren't "one or the other" — they're built around what your case actually needs.
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