Can Chiropractic Help with Headaches and Migraines?

By Conor Gibb, Chiropractor; Mtech

If you find yourself repeatedly dealing with headaches or migraines, it can start to feel like there’s no clear reason why they keep coming back. For many people, this ongoing cycle can affect concentration, work, sleep, and overall quality of life.

While medication can help manage symptoms in the short term, it doesn’t always address the underlying contributing factors. In some cases, tension, stiffness, or dysfunction in the neck may play a role in recurring headaches, which is why some people choose to explore chiropractic care as part of a broader approach to managing their symptoms.

Understanding Different Types of Headache

Although there are many different headache classifications, three of the most discussed are tension headaches, migraines and cervicogenic headaches.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are often described as a dull ache or pressure around the forehead, temples or across both sides of the head. Many people compare the sensation to a tight band around the head.

They are commonly associated with factors such as stress, fatigue, poor sleep and muscular tension around the neck, shoulders and upper back.

While the neck and shoulders may feel tight, tension headaches are not considered headaches that originate directly from the cervical spine. Instead, they are often linked to a combination of physical and lifestyle factors.

Migraines

Migraines are typically more complex and can affect individuals in different ways. Symptoms often include moderate to severe head pain, sensitivity to light or sound, nausea and, in some cases, visual disturbances.

Many people notice that migraines are influenced by a range of triggers. These may include stress, hormonal changes, dehydration, disrupted sleep patterns, certain foods and environmental factors.

Because migraines involve several different contributing factors, management often requires a broader approach than simply addressing pain alone.

Cervicogenic Headaches

Cervicogenic headaches are different because the source of the pain is the neck itself.

Although symptoms are felt in the head, the underlying issue may involve the joints, muscles or other structures within the cervical spine. People often describe pain that starts around the base of the skull and travels into the forehead, temple or behind the eye.

These headaches may also be accompanied by neck stiffness, reduced movement or symptoms that become worse during prolonged postures or certain neck positions.

How Chiropractic Care May Help

Chiropractic care is commonly used to assess and manage musculoskeletal issues involving the spine, joints and surrounding soft tissues.

For individuals experiencing headaches, an assessment may help identify factors such as restricted joint movement, muscular tension, postural strain or movement patterns that could be contributing to symptoms.

Where appropriate, treatment may include:

• Joint mobilisation or adjustment techniques
• Soft tissue therapy
• Postural advice
• Movement recommendations
• Exercises to support neck mobility and control

The approach taken will depend on the individual's symptoms, clinical findings and overall health history.

Headaches and Everyday Habits

Many recurring headaches are influenced by a combination of factors rather than a single cause.

Common contributors may include:

• Prolonged desk work
• Extended screen time
• Poor posture
• Stress and fatigue
• Jaw clenching or teeth grinding
• Lack of regular movement
• Dehydration
• Poor sleep habits

When several of these factors occur together, they can place additional strain on the muscles and joints of the neck and upper back, potentially contributing to recurring symptoms.

Addressing these underlying influences is often an important part of long-term management.

What Happens During a Chiropractic Assessment?

A thorough assessment is essential when someone presents with headaches.

Your chiropractor will typically discuss your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, work demands and any factors that appear to trigger or aggravate symptoms. This is followed by a physical examination, which may include an assessment of posture, neck movement, joint function and muscle tension.

In some situations, further medical investigation may be recommended. This is particularly important if symptoms do not follow a typical musculoskeletal pattern or if there are signs that require additional assessment.

The aim is to ensure that treatment recommendations are based on a clear understanding of the factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Looking Beyond Symptom Management

While reducing discomfort is often an important goal, long-term improvement may depend on identifying why headaches continue to return.

For some people, this may involve improving neck mobility and reducing postural strain. For others, it may involve addressing muscular tension, movement habits, sleep quality or workplace ergonomics.

Understanding these contributing factors can help create a more comprehensive management plan that supports physical function and overall wellbeing.

Final Thoughts

Headaches can have a significant impact on everyday life, particularly when they become frequent or persistent.

Chiropractic care may be considered for some individuals where neck dysfunction, muscular tension or postural strain appear to be contributing factors. This is often most relevant in cases of cervicogenic headaches, although some people with tension headaches or migraines may also benefit from an assessment to explore potential musculoskeletal influences.

Because headaches can have many different causes, obtaining an accurate assessment is an important first step. Understanding the nature of your symptoms and the factors contributing to them can help guide the most appropriate approach to management.

Chiropractic Headache FAQ’s

Can a chiropractor help with headaches?

Chiropractic care may be considered when headaches appear to be associated with factors such as neck dysfunction, muscular tension or postural strain. An assessment can help determine whether these factors may be contributing to symptoms.

Can chiropractic help with migraines?

Migraines are complex and can be influenced by a range of factors. Some people with migraines also experience neck tension or stiffness, and a chiropractic assessment may help identify whether musculoskeletal factors are playing a role.

What is a cervicogenic headache?

A cervicogenic headache is a headache that originates from structures within the neck. Although the pain is felt in the head, the underlying source is usually related to joints, muscles or other tissues within the cervical spine.

How do I know if my headache is coming from my neck?

Headaches associated with the neck are often accompanied by symptoms such as neck stiffness, reduced neck movement or discomfort that worsens with certain positions or prolonged postures. A healthcare professional can help assess the cause of your symptoms.

Should I see a chiropractor for recurring headaches?

If headaches are becoming frequent, affecting daily activities or accompanied by neck discomfort, it may be worth seeking professional advice. A thorough assessment can help identify potential contributing factors and discuss appropriate management options.

References

• National Health Service (NHS) – Headaches
• National Health Service (NHS) – Migraine
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) – Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management
• British Chiropractic Association (BCA) – Chiropractic and Headaches
• International Headache Society (IHS) – International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3)