Headaches & migraines
Many everyday headaches start in the neck and shoulders — which means hands-on care can often turn them down at the source, without another pill.
Tension headaches and cervicogenic (neck-driven) headaches — the two most common types we treat — usually start in the neck, jaw and shoulders, which is why hands-on care can often reduce them at the source without another pill. Chiropractic adjustment, soft-tissue work and posture correction address the triggers, and migraine sufferers often report fewer and milder episodes with care. Frequent, worsening or unusual headaches get screened carefully, and we refer when something needs a physician’s eye.
Because so many headaches have a mechanical or muscular component, they’re often surprisingly responsive to chiropractic care, massage and acupuncture.
Common causes we see
- Forward-head posture and long screen sessions
- Tight neck, shoulder and jaw muscles
- Stress and deadline tension
- Poor workstation ergonomics
- Disrupted sleep and dehydration
How we treat it
We assess your neck and posture to identify the structures referring pain into your head. Care often combines gentle adjustment, focused soft-tissue and massage work, and supportive therapies — plus posture and ergonomic coaching to remove the daily triggers.
Acupuncture with our licensed acupuncturist is another effective, drug-free option for headaches and migraines, and pairs well with chiropractic. We’ll help you find the combination that works for you.
Can a chiropractor help migraines?
Chiropractic care won’t replace neurological care for true migraine disease, but many migraine sufferers have neck and muscle triggers that, when treated, reduce how often and how hard their migraines hit. We’ll be honest about what we can and can’t help with.
Is acupuncture good for headaches?
Yes — acupuncture is a well-regarded, drug-free option for tension headaches and migraines, and we offer it in-house with a licensed acupuncturist.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on how severe your condition is and how long you've had it. After your exam, the doctor explains exactly what they found and lays out a clear plan — including how many visits to expect — before any treatment begins. Many patients notice meaningful improvement within the first few visits.
Is chiropractic care safe for headaches and migraines?
For most people, yes. Every new patient starts with a thorough history and exam so we can rule out anything that needs medical attention first. We tailor techniques to your comfort, use gentler approaches when appropriate, and refer you to the right provider if chiropractic isn't the best fit.
Can I get a same-day appointment?
Often, yes. We keep room in the schedule for same-day visits Monday through Friday, 9am–6pm. Call 858-455-7654 and we'll do our best to see you today — or request a time online and we'll confirm by phone.
Related care
Move better. Start with one appointment.
Same-week visits are usually available. Tell us what’s going on and we’ll get you scheduled.