Chiropractor for Neck Pain and Headaches in San Antonio

Chronic neck pain, recurring headaches, and migraines can make it impossible to focus, work, or enjoy your daily routine. At Ascenxion Rehab and Performance, Dr. Luis Arteaga provides one-on-one chiropractic and rehabilitation care in San Antonio to treat the source of your neck pain — not just mask it. If you are looking for a chiropractor for neck pain or headaches near you, we offer thorough assessment and hands-on treatment tailored to your specific condition.

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Neck Pain, Headaches, and Migraines — Understanding the Connection

Most people treat neck pain and headaches as separate problems, but they are often directly connected. The cervical spine (your neck) contains joints, nerves, and muscles that, when irritated or restricted, can refer pain into the head, behind the eyes, and across the temples and base of the skull.

Cervicogenic headaches — headaches caused by dysfunction in the neck — are one of the most commonly misdiagnosed conditions. They are frequently mistaken for tension headaches or migraines, which leads to ineffective treatment. Research published by the International Headache Society recognizes cervicogenic headacheas a distinct diagnosis that responds well to manual therapy targeting the cervical spine.

Migraines can also be triggered or worsened by cervical spine dysfunction, poor posture, jaw tension, and muscle tightness in the upper neck and suboccipital region. Addressing these physical contributors often reduces the frequency and severity of migraine episodes — even for patients who have struggled with them for years.

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Neck and Head Conditions We Treat

At our San Antonio clinic, Dr. Arteaga treats a wide range of conditions affecting the neck, head, and jaw:

Neck Pain and Stiffness From poor posture, desk work, sleeping position, or repetitive strain. This includes both acute episodes and chronic recurring neck tightness.

Whiplash Neck injuries from car accidents, falls, or sports impacts that cause ligament strain, muscle spasm, and joint irritation. Whiplash symptoms can persist for months if not properly treated.

Cervical Radiculopathy Neck pain with numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating into the arm or hand, typically caused by a disc herniation or nerve compression in the cervical spine.

TMJ (Jaw) Pain Temporomandibular joint dysfunction frequently occurs alongside neck pain and headaches. The jaw, upper cervical spine, and surrounding muscles are closely connected, and treating them together produces better outcomes.

Headaches and Migraines Including cervicogenic headaches, tension-type headaches, and migraine with cervical spine involvement. Treatment targets the musculoskeletal triggers rather than relying on medication alone.

Postural Strain Forward head posture and upper crossed syndrome from prolonged screen time and desk work, causing chronic neck and upper back tension.

For a complete list of conditions, visit our conditions treated page.

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How Dr. Arteaga Treats Neck Pain and Headaches

Dr. Arteaga takes a systematic, assessment-driven approach to every neck pain and headache case.

Detailed Assessment Your first visit begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your cervical spine, upper back, shoulder girdle, and jaw. Orthopedic tests, neurological screening, and movement analysis help determine whether your symptoms are coming from joint restriction, disc pathology, nerve compression, muscle dysfunction, or a combination of factors.

Cervical Manipulation and Mobilization Gentle, targeted joint manipulation or mobilization of the cervical and thoracic spine restores normal joint motion and reduces the mechanical irritation that drives many types of neck pain and headaches. The British Chiropractic Association recognizes manual therapy as a primary intervention for neck-related conditions.

Soft Tissue Therapy Hands-on treatment of the muscles in the neck, upper trapezius, suboccipital region, and jaw reduces tension, breaks up adhesions, and improves blood flow to chronically tight tissues.

Dry Needling For stubborn trigger points in the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, or suboccipital muscles, dry needling provides targeted relief that manual therapy alone may not achieve.

Rehabilitation and Corrective Exercise Dr. Arteaga prescribes specific exercises to strengthen the deep neck flexors, improve thoracic mobility, and correct postural habits that contribute to recurring pain. This active component is what prevents your neck pain and headaches from coming back.

Whiplash and Post-Injury Neck Pain

Whiplash injuries require specialized care. The sudden acceleration-deceleration force damages ligaments, muscles, and joints in the cervical spine — and the resulting symptoms often do not appear until days or weeks after the initial injury.

Common whiplash symptoms include neck stiffness, headaches at the base of the skull, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and pain that worsens with movement. If left untreated, whiplash can develop into chronic neck pain that persists for months or years.

Dr. Arteaga has extensive experience treating both acute and chronic whiplash. His approach combines careful manual therapy in the early stages with progressive rehabilitation as your tissues heal. Whether your whiplash occurred in a car accident, a sports collision, or a fall, early and appropriate intervention produces the best outcomes.

If you have experienced a neck injury, do not wait for the pain to resolve on its own. Schedule an assessment as soon as possible to prevent long-term complications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.

Yes. Chiropractic care is one of the most effective conservative treatments for neck pain. Manual spinal manipulation and mobilization restore joint motion, reduce nerve irritation, and relieve muscle tension. When combined with targeted rehabilitation — as Dr. Arteaga provides at Ascenxion — results are both faster and longer lasting.
Cervical manipulation performed by a licensed and trained chiropractor is considered safe and effective. Dr. Arteaga uses multiple techniques depending on your condition and comfort level, including low-velocity mobilization for patients who prefer a gentler approach. Every treatment is based on your individual assessment findings.
Many migraines have a cervical spine component — meaning dysfunction in the neck joints or muscles is triggering or worsening the migraine cycle. Chiropractic treatment that addresses these physical triggers can reduce migraine frequency, duration, and intensity. Dr. Arteaga evaluates whether your migraines have a musculoskeletal component and treats accordingly.
Many patients notice improvement within the first 2 to 3 visits, particularly for acute neck stiffness or cervicogenic headaches. Chronic conditions or whiplash injuries may take longer — typically 6 to 10 visits — to achieve meaningful and lasting relief. Dr. Arteaga reassesses progress at every visit and updates your plan as needed. Book online or call 210-887-7088 to schedule.

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Get Relief from Neck Pain and Headaches

You do not have to keep living with constant neck pain and headaches. Book your appointment with Dr. Arteaga and get a clear diagnosis, a real treatment plan, and lasting results.