Types of Headaches and Migraines
Not all headaches are the same, and understanding the type matters for effective care:
Tension headaches feel like a band of pressure around the head. They're the most common type and are often driven by neck tension, stress, and poor posture.
Cervicogenic headaches originate in the cervical spine.
Misalignment or dysfunction in the neck refers pain into the head — often on one side — and can mimic migraines.
Migraines involve intense, often throbbing pain accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and sometimes visual disturbances. They can be debilitating and unpredictable.
All three types can have a structural and neurological component — which is exactly what chiropractic addresses.
What's Really Causing Your Headaches
Reaching for medication manages the symptom. Finding the cause ends the cycle.
For many chronic headache sufferers, the root issue is cervical spine misalignment. When the upper neck vertebrae are out of alignment, they create tension in the muscles, compress or irritate nerves, and disrupt blood flow — all of which can trigger or perpetuate headaches and migraines.
Add chronic stress, poor posture, screen time, and clenching — and the nervous system stays in a constant state of tension that makes headaches feel inevitable.
They're not.
How Chiropractic Addresses the Source
Dr. Alyssa evaluates your cervical spine, posture, and neurological function to identify the specific misalignment patterns contributing to your headaches. She then uses gentle T.I.C. adjustments to correct those patterns and reduce the interference that's driving your symptoms.
By restoring proper alignment and nervous system function, chiropractic care addresses the structural cause — not just the pain.
What to Expect
Most patients with chronic headaches or migraines notice a reduction in frequency and intensity within the first few weeks of care. The timeline depends on how long the pattern has been present and how significant the underlying misalignment is.
Dr. Alyssa will recommend a care plan based on your assessment — with clear milestones so you can track your progress over time. If this is your first visit to Willow, we’ll walk you through the consultation, exam, and care recommendations before beginning care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor help with migraines?
Yes. Many migraines have a cervicogenic (neck-origin) component. By correcting upper cervical misalignment and reducing nervous system interference, chiropractic care can significantly reduce migraine frequency and severity.
How does chiropractic treat headaches?
Chiropractic doesn't mask headache pain — it identifies and corrects the spinal misalignment and nervous system dysfunction that contribute to headaches recurring.
How long until chiropractic helps headaches?
Many patients notice improvement within the first 2–4 weeks. Long-standing patterns may take longer, but consistent care typically produces meaningful results.
What type of headache responds best?
Tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches tend to respond most quickly. Migraines with a structural/cervical component also respond well, though timelines may be longer.
Stop Living With Headaches — Schedule Your Visit