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Can a Chiropractor Help With Migraines?

A chiropractor can provide significant relief from migraines. Many patients have experienced long-term success with chiropractic treatment for migraine headaches. Evidence suggests that chiropractors alleviate migraines by treating the underlying causes of headaches.

Migraines affect over 39 million Americans, disrupting their daily lives. Conventional treatment methods involve medications that may have side effects. Chiropractic care for migraines is an alternative treatment that does not include the use of drugs.

If you have chronic migraines, you don’t have to live with the pain. This blog explains how headache chiropractors can help with migraines. The key is in spinal alignment and nervous system function. You can benefit from individualized chiropractic care plans for migraines. They deliver real, measurable results.

Understanding Migraine Headaches and Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care addresses migraines by linking spinal health to the nervous system. Before examining treatment, it is essential to understand what causes your migraines. Also, you must find out how your neck position can affect them. Patients often fail to recognize that spinal problems are the cause of their headaches. Fortunately, a chiropractor can treat migraines.

What Causes Migraines?

Migraines have numerous triggers. Common causes include neck pain, neck misalignment, stress, hormonal changes, and certain foods. Most people do not know that neck problems can cause migraine headaches.

Your nervous system regulates pain responses throughout your body. When your spinal cord is misaligned, it can put pressure on your nerves. This, in turn, triggers migraine attacks. Posture, sports injuries, and repetitive strain injury contribute to migraines in the neck region.

Other causes include dehydration, lack of sleep, bright lights, and changes in the weather. Environmental factors contribute to forward head posture. It can strain your neck muscles and increase the risk of migraines.

Knowledge of these factors is essential in answering the question. Can chiropractors help with migraine headaches?

The Connection between Neck Alignment and Migraines

Your neck contains vital nerves that affect your head. When your vertebrae are misaligned, these nerves can become irritated. It reduces the blood supply to your brain, creating ideal conditions for migraines. A chiropractor who specializes in migraines recognizes this crucial connection.

Cervicogenic headaches originate in the neck but present as headaches. Studies have found that as much as 20% of chronic headaches are related to the cervical spine. By properly aligning the neck through chiropractic treatment for migraines, experts can eliminate the cause of the headache.

Muscle tension in the neck also causes migraines. Contracted muscles can compress blood vessels and nerves. A chiropractor specializing in migraines will use adjustments to realign and relax muscles. It will provide relief in two ways. The same is true for stress headaches, which also have daily strain addressed by chiropractic treatment.

What does tennis elbow feel like? Most people describe a burning or aching pain in the outer elbow. The pain often worsens when you grip objects, twist your wrist, or lift things. Even simple actions, like shaking hands or turning a doorknob, can hurt. This is because you are flexing the wrist and fingers, which strains and stretches the damaged extensor tendons.

How Chiropractic Treatment for Migraine Headaches Works?

Migraine chiropractic treatment involves a comprehensive approach. It addresses the root cause of the pain. A migraine chiropractor addresses the spinal and muscular issues that contribute to migraines. This is unlike conventional treatments, which only target symptoms.

The treatment approach combines manual adjustments, soft-tissue therapy, and lifestyle advice. Collectively, they provide comprehensive migraine management. Now, let’s examine each aspect of effective chiropractic treatment for migraines.

Spinal Manipulation Techniques

Spinal manipulation is the core of chiropractic treatment for migraine headaches. Chiropractors employ their expertise in gentle, precise spinal manipulations. They correct the misalignment of the cervical vertebrae, thereby relieving nerve interference. This is how chiropractic treatment and migraine relief are related.

The most popular method involves the upper cervical region. Experienced chiropractors particularly concentrate on the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) bones. The top two bones in the neck have a direct impact on the nerve pathways leading to your brain. This area is often targeted to provide immediate relief for migraine sufferers seeking chiropractic treatment.

They also work on the thoracic spine, the middle back, because misalignment in this area can impact posture. A holistic treatment for migraines using chiropractic techniques involves the entire spine, not just the problematic areas. This is more effective than focusing only on problem areas.

Soft Tissue Therapy and Trigger Point Release

Tense muscles can accompany spinal misalignment. Chiropractic headache care utilizes soft-tissue techniques to relieve tension in the neck and shoulder area. The method works in conjunction with spinal alignments to relieve migraines.
Trigger points are hyperirritable areas within muscles. They refer pain to other locations, and neck trigger points are a common headache trigger. Therapists use pressure to turn off these areas and reduce migraine headaches. This is particularly effective for patients with tension headaches.
Massage therapy improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation. It supports your body’s natural healing process. Chiropractic professionals use a combination of soft-tissue modalities to address your needs. This holistic approach ensures that the benefits of chiropractic treatment for headaches are fully realized.

Lifestyle and Nutritional Counseling

Chiropractic care for migraine headaches involves more than office visits. Headache-centered chiropractic care requires lifestyle changes that help you avoid headache triggers. Small changes can make a big difference for patients who wonder whether chiropractors help with migraines.
Correcting posture is an essential part of lasting pain relief. You will be taught how to sit, stand, and even sleep with proper posture. Proper posture helps alleviate neck pain and prevent future migraines.
Dietary factors also influence migraine patterns. Triggers include aged cheese, processed meats, sweeteners, and caffeine. The specialists will walk you through the process of identifying your triggers through elimination diets. Hydration, regular meals, and stress management also help reduce migraine frequency. This approach increases the success of chiropractic care for headaches.

Chiropractor and Migraine Relief: Benefits beyond Pain Reduction

Chiropractic treatment for migraines provides relief from more than just headaches. The alleviation of pain is the primary goal of most treatments. However, patients have found that chiropractic treatment for migraine headaches has improved their health in ways that were not expected.

The benefits of treatment go far beyond the treatment session.

Key Benefits of Migraines Chiropractic Treatment:

  • Improved Sleep Quality – One of the benefits patients experience after chiropractic care is better sleep. When you sleep better, you are less stressed, and the risk of migraine attacks is reduced.

  • Increased Neck Mobility – Migraines can cause muscle splinting that restricts motion. Using adjustments and soft-tissue techniques restores normal, pain-free motion. They provide benefits that go well beyond headache relief.

  • Less Dependency on Medications – Most prescription medications for migraines cause rebound headaches, nausea, and other symptoms. Chiropractic care for migraines is a natural treatment that can eliminate the need for these medications. This is a huge advantage for patients.

Improved well-being is a common experience among our patients. Proper spinal alignment helps the nervous system function optimally. It often leads to increased energy levels, improved moods, and enhanced concentration. These benefits are clear reasons why chiropractic treatment for headaches can benefit overall health.
Preventive care can help decrease the occurrence of migraines in the future. Maintenance adjustments will keep your spine in line and prevent trigger points from forming, so you can stay one step ahead of migraines. This is part of the answer to how often you should visit a chiropractor for migraines in the long term. The cumulative effect of consistent chiropractic care creates lasting wellness that goes beyond temporary relief.

When to Seek Additional Medical Care?

Chiropractic treatment can help alleviate migraines in many patients. However, some symptoms need immediate medical care. Identifying symptoms that require emergency medical attention can help keep you safe while undergoing treatment.

Red Flag Symptoms Requiring Emergency Attention:

If you notice any of the following warning signs, seek immediate medical attention:

  1. Sudden, severe headache (“thunderclap headache”) that peaks in seconds
  2. Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, or seizures. It could be a sign of meningitis or other severe infections.
  3. Headache following a head injury, possibly indicating bleeding or trauma
  4. New headache occurring after age 50, requiring medical attention to exclude serious causes
  5. Changes in vision, weakness, or difficulty with speech, which may indicate a stroke
  6. Headaches that gradually worsen and cannot be controlled with treatment
These symptoms differ from typical migraines and require urgent evaluation.

Complementary Treatment Approaches:

Chiropractic treatment for migraines can be combined effectively with other treatments. Many patients can benefit from a combination of the following:
  1. Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles in the neck and improve posture
  2. Acupuncture, which may lower the frequency of migraines when combined with chiropractic treatment
  3. Stress management strategies, such as meditation and yoga, can help with your treatment plan
  4. Medication management under a physician’s supervision for more severe cases
The headache chiropractor will work with your primary care physician and specialists as needed. This ensures that all aspects of your migraine are being addressed. They will determine whether further medical advice would benefit your plan.

Start Your Journey to Migraine Relief Today

Reclaim control of your life from migraines. In 2012, Dr. Jason Durnas established Action Chiropractic with one overriding goal. The original objective was to provide rapid, effective pain relief for common sports injuries. Our chiropractic solution for migraines addresses the underlying causes of headaches. Combine it with our sports injury expertise to better celebrate your sports enthusiasm.
We provide our services to the residents of Naperville, Aurora, and Wheaton. Our services are designed exclusively for patients with migraines. Our treatment regimen includes spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy, and lifestyle guidance, and every patient receives individualized attention.
Results matter to us. Our goal is to reduce your migraines by at least 50% in the first month. Many patients experience complete symptom resolution through our migraine-specific chiropractic care. Whether you are a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, we have your back. We will help you perform at your best without the interference of migraines.
Contact us today to start your migraine-free life. You can call us at our Naperville office or schedule an appointment through our website. We accept most insurance plans and have flexible scheduling to accommodate your busy lifestyle.
Act now. Feel the long-term relief that specialized migraine chiropractic treatment can offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Chiropractors Offer Long-Term Relief From Migraine Headaches?
Yes. Chiropractic treatment can provide long-term relief for many migraine sufferers with cervicogenic migraines. Those are migraines caused by problems with the neck, tending to respond particularly well. If a migraine is caused by spinal misalignment, correcting it can provide long-term relief.
Some people achieve complete resolution of migraines. The rest experience a marked reduction in frequency and severity. Regular adjustments to the maintenance setting help to maintain these gains.

2. How Many Chiropractic Visits Are Usually Required for Migraines?

Most patients need 8-12 visits during the initial phase. The first 4-6 weeks typically consist of visits 2-3 times per week. Patients can expect to notice improvements during the first few visits, with significant relief by weeks 3-4.

Monthly visits during the maintenance phase will help prevent recurrence. Some patients will need to come in quarterly after the initial phase.

3. Is Chiropractic Care For Migraines Covered By Insurance?

In most instances, yes. This depends on the insurance provider and plan. At Action Chiropractic, we accept most major insurance plans. Our staff will check your insurance benefits. We will also discuss coverage, copays, and out-of-pocket expenses before the treatment.

You should contact your insurance provider to discuss the details and whether pre-authorization is needed.

4. Is Chiropractic Treatment for Migraines Safe?

Yes. Under the care of a licensed professional, chiropractic care for migraines is very safe. Serious complications are rare, and mild reactions such as temporary soreness occur in less than 1% of patients.
Chiropractic care may be safer than many of the medications used for migraines. It can cause rebound headaches, liver problems, or cardiovascular problems. We take the time to examine you and work with your age, health, and comfort level.

5. Can Chiropractic Treatment for Migraines Be Combined With Migraine Medications?

Yes. You can use chiropractic care in addition to taking medications. Many patients do it when transitioning to drug-free care. As time goes by, most people naturally cut down on medication use. It is always important to inform your headache chiropractor about the medications you are taking.

6. What Is The Difference Between A Headache-Focused Chiropractor And A General Chiropractor?

A headache chiropractor is a specialist who deals with conditions of the head and neck. Though all chiropractors are trained in the basics of headache management, specialists go further. They receive additional training in cervicogenic pain patterns.
Dr. Norgaard’s first exposure to chiropractic was when he was a high school football player at Neuqua Valley in Naperville, Illinois. Nagging injuries led him to Action Chiropractic and Dr. Durnas. He was amazed with the results he got and knew that the treatments provided at Action Chiropractic were the best way to address his ailments.
After high school, Dr. Norgaard left Naperville and attended Central College in Pella, Iowa. While at Central, he majored in biology and played football, further piquing his interest in sports injuries and how to treat them. When he wasn’t in the classroom or on the football field, Dr. Norgaard spent his time volunteering at hospitals, and at various clinics. This is when he really developed a passion for helping people get better.
His experiences as an athlete, chiropractic patient, and volunteer shaped his decision to become a chiropractor.
After graduating from Central, Dr. Norgaard continued his education at Palmer College of Chiropractic.
While at Palmer, Dr. Norgaard took several extracurricular courses focusing on spinal diagnosis and therapy, soft tissue care, and diagnosis and treatment of the extremities. He completed a 4-month internship with Dr. Durnas at Action Chiropractic and Sports Injury Center and further developed his skills as a physician.
He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Palmer in October of 2021 and received the Academic Excellence Award.
After graduation, Dr. Norgaard joined the team at Action Chiropractic and Sports Injury Center. He currently resides in the Naperville area with his wife, Shannon, son, Parker, and dog, Alby.
“I chose to become a chiropractor because I was helped by chiropractic. I was in such discomfort it took me over 3 minutes to put on my socks. After seeing a chiropractor, and regaining the ability to tie my shoes, I realized that taking loads of NSAIDs did not address the fact that there was something causing the pain. The more I learned about it, I found that Chiropractic doesn’t just hide symptoms, like I was trying to do with pills, it fixes the origin of the problem.”
Dr. Durnas graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology and Bachelors of Arts degree in Chemistry. After graduation he worked in research and development for 3 years and dabbled in powerlifting and professional wrestling. That’s what lead him to chiropractic school. While at Palmer College of Chiropractic, he focused on learning how to best help the athlete. He took several extracurricular courses on how to address soft tissue injuries, how to adjust extremities, and how to better manage sports injuries. He graduated in June of 2012, where we were the Palmer Clinical Excellence Award winner and a keynote speaker at commencement.
In 2019, Dr. Durnas earned his Diplomate from the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (DACBSP)®. He is only the 427th chiropractor in history to earn this designation, and only the 6th recipient in the history of Illinois. He completed over 300 hours of classroom and online courses focusing on in depth on the diagnosis and treatment of sports injuries, concussions, and emergency procedures, and had over 100 on the field hours with athletes that ranged from cross fitters, professional and high school football players, professional BMX and Motocross riders, triathletes, and runners. Dr. Durnas passed a 6-part practical exam and a 250 question Board exam and contributed a case study involving nerve damage in a professional athlete following a hit to the shoulder.