Macomb chiropractor links many headaches to neck problems

Dr. Pavel Bence of Bence Chiropractic Wellness Center in Macomb, Michigan, says many headache cases start in the neck and need evaluation beyond pain relief. He points to spinal scans, posture issues, and trauma history as clues that can help identify the source.

Why it matters: - About one in six American adults reports a migraine or severe headache, making headaches a common reason people seek quick relief. - Dr. Pavel Bence says treating only the pain can miss the underlying cause, especially when the neck, jaw, or past trauma are involved. - Bence Chiropractic Wellness Center uses a scan and hands-on evaluation to help determine whether headache symptoms may be tied to the cervical spine or nervous system stress.

What happened: - Dr. Pavel Bence of Bence Chiropractic Wellness Center in Macomb, Michigan, outlined why many headaches begin in the neck rather than the head. - Bence said cervicogenic headaches often start near the base of the skull and move forward, with stiffness, limited motion, and pain that worsens after long periods of sitting or screen time. - The practice also highlighted headache patterns linked to migraines, tension headaches, jaw dysfunction, and auto accidents. - Bence Chiropractic Wellness Center is at 46857 Garfield Rd. in Macomb and serves patients from Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Clinton Township, Warren, Utica, and nearby communities.

The details: - The neck supports a head that weighs about 12 pounds while still allowing wide movement, and stiff joints, tight muscles, and irritated upper-neck nerves can show up as head pain. - Bence said modern screen habits add strain, especially for teens, young adults, and children who spend long hours looking down. - Migraines often include nausea, light sensitivity, and sometimes an aura with visual disturbance. - Jaw-related headaches can overlap with neck problems because the same upper-neck nerves also supply the jaw. - Bence said the practice typically treats the neck and TMJ together when jaw involvement is present. - When a migraine involves the neck, Bence uses an upper-neck technique called the Toggle. - Headaches after car accidents can appear weeks later, and Bence said his practice starts auto accident care with a full evaluation even if the patient feels fine. - The practice uses the Insight Subluxation Station, a thermal scanner that runs along the spine in under 30 seconds and compares left-right skin temperature. - A temperature difference can point to nervous system stress, and Bence pays special attention to the top of the neck. - In one TMJ case, the scan showed a three- to four-degree difference at the uppermost spinal levels. - Bence uses the scan alongside posture review, hands-on examination, and X-rays when needed. - Patients can view their scan results on screen, which Bence says helps them understand the problem and track progress. - Headache care may include adjustments, massage therapy, stretching, and posture work. - Bence said some patients notice change right away, while others see improvement after five or six visits. - The practice rescans patients after about 10 to 12 visits and reviews the trend because stress, sleep, and diet can affect readings from day to day. - Home advice includes keeping screens at eye level, taking regular breaks, rolling the shoulders, using a pillow that supports the neck curve, and tracking when headaches start. - Dr. Bence said he wants to find what keeps the headaches returning, not just reduce symptoms for a few hours. - Emergency warning signs include a sudden severe headache, head trauma, confusion, weakness, trouble speaking, seizures, fainting, high fever, or major vision changes. - Dr. Pavel Bence has more than 40 years of experience and is certified in trauma care, TMJ treatment, ADHD care, and spinal biomechanics. - He sees patients in English, Serbo-Croatian, and Slovak. - New patients can get a $99 visit that includes a consultation, exam, findings, and X-rays if needed, with no referral required. - More information is available on the practice website.

Between the lines: - The message reflects a broader shift from symptom relief toward identifying mechanical and neurological contributors to pain. - The scan is presented as a decision-making tool, not a standalone diagnosis, which suggests the practice is positioning objective data alongside clinical judgment. - The focus on screen posture, jaw function, and auto injuries suggests many headache cases may involve multiple overlapping triggers rather than a single cause.

What's next: - Bence Chiropractic Wellness Center says headache care is adjusted based on follow-up scans, symptom changes, and the patient’s day-to-day triggers. - Patients with red-flag symptoms are directed toward immediate medical evaluation before chiropractic care. - The practice says it will continue using scan results, posture work, and follow-up visits to track whether treatment is reducing recurring headache patterns.

The bottom line: - Dr. Bence’s core argument is simple: if the neck is driving the headache, lasting relief depends on finding and treating that source, not only dulling the pain.