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Those who suffer from frequent or chronic headaches and migraines know about the suffering. And the pain.
They know about the difficulty focusing at work. The interference with sleep, and the head pounding invasions into basic, everyday life. And most think they have no choice but to turn to medication for temporary relief. Worse yet, some of these pills can be caustic to stomach lining, causing additional, unwanted issues.
At Webb Chiropractic, we’ve got good news. Chiropractic care, particularly upper cervical adjustments, has been shown to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of migraines and tension-type headaches. It’s a practice we’re passionate about. Because we can feel your pain and work together to fix it.
So let’s explore how the anatomy of the upper neck plays a central role in headache development and how chiropractic can offer lasting, drug-free relief for headaches and migraines.
The Anatomy of Headaches: Why the Upper Neck Matters
Headaches and migraines are among the most common health complaints, affecting millions of people every day. Yet, despite the availability of over-the-counter and prescription medications, many patients will continue to suffer—because the root cause is never truly addressed. Our treatments are all aimed at going beyond symptom management by identifying and correcting the underlying issues—often found in the neck.
The upper cervical spine—specifically the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae—along with the occiput (base of the skull), make up a delicate and critical region that supports the head and houses the brainstem.
This vital spine region of the body contains:
• sensitive nerve roots (especially the greater occipital and trigeminal nerves)
• small, tension-prone muscles like the suboccipitals, scalenes and trapezius
• vital blood vessels supplying the brain
• the cervicomedullary junction, where the brainstem transitions into the spinal cord
Because of this complexity, even minor misalignments or subluxations in this area can create a ripple effect of negative consequences - including compressed nerves, irritated muscles, restricted blood flow and head pains.
Most Headaches Are Neck-Related
You may not realize it, but many headaches actually start in the neck.
Because, when the cervical muscles become tight or imbalanced, they can refer pain upward into the skull, temples, eyes or forehead.
The most common culprits include:
• Suboccipital muscles - located at the base of the skull; often cause pain behind the eyes or top of the head
• Scalenes: located on the sides of the neck; can radiate pain into the head, jaw or shoulder
• Upper trapezius: frequently tense in those with poor posture or stress; refers pain to the back of the head and temples
Our practitioners have all received special, specific training to locate these muscular trigger points and address the spinal dysfunctions that contribute to their tightness or overuse.
How Subluxations Contribute to Headaches and Migraines
A subluxation occurs when a spinal joint is misaligned or restricted in movement compared to the vertebrae above and below it. In the upper cervical spine, even small subluxations can have major neurological effects.
Here are symptoms that result from subluxations:
• Pressure on the brainstem: The atlas (C1) surrounds the base of the brainstem. Misalignment can compress or irritate this critical control center for balance, blood pressure, pain sensitivity and more.
• The vagus nerve, one of the body’s most influential cranial nerves, exits the brainstem and travels through the neck—regulating key functions in the gut, lungs, heart and immune system.
• Irritation of cervical nerves: The C1–C3 nerve roots feed into the trigeminocervical nucleus, a hub in the brainstem involved in migraine and headache pathways.
• Reduced blood flow: Misalignment or muscular tension in the neck can compromise the vertebral arteries, reducing blood supply to the brain and triggering vascular-type headaches.
• Increased muscle tension: Poor alignment places stress on postural muscles, creating a feedback loop of tightness, inflammation and nerve irritation.
Any instance or combination of the above is exactly how you can end up with chronic headaches, migraines, eye strain, neck pain and even nausea or dizziness.
Why Medications Don’t Solve the Problem
Painkillers, muscle relaxers and migraine medications can provide temporary symptom relief — but they do nothing to correct spinal misalignments, muscle imbalances or nerve dysfunction.
In fact, overusing pain medications can lead to rebound headaches and long-term dependency.
That’s where chiropractic care comes in.
Instead of masking the pain, at Webb Chiropractic we look for what’s causing it. And when we correct those structural problems in the neck, many patients find they need less medication—or none at all.
How Chiropractic Helps with Migraines and Headaches
Chiropractic care addresses the neuromuscular and structural causes of headaches. And in the best cases, it can provide lasting, real relief.
Our headache and migraine chiropractic treatment often includes:
- Specific Spinal Adjustments: gentle adjustments to the C1, C2 and upper thoracic spine to restore motion, reduce nerve irritation and improve biomechanics—helping to prevent the cycle of recurring headaches.
- Muscle Therapy: chiropractic care for the suboccipital muscles, scalenes, and trapezius using myofascial release, trigger point therapy or stretching to relieve referred pain patterns.
- Postural Correction: ergonomic education and exercises (which we can teach you to practice at home) to correct poor posture which adds enormous stress to the neck and skull.
- Nervous System Support: care aimed at restoring proper function to the nervous system thus helping to regulate blood pressure, pain perception and hormone levels—factors that are often disrupted in migraine sufferers.
The Research Supports Chiropractic Care for Headaches
The data is on our side.
Many recent studies support the use of chiropractic care in managing headaches and migraines:
• A 2011 study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulation significantly reduced migraine frequency, intensity and duration.
• Another 2020 review in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders concluded that chiropractic care is an effective non-pharmacological option for cervicogenic headaches, which stem from neck dysfunction.
• Clinical observations also show chiropractic reduces reliance on medications and improves quality of life for long-term headache sufferers.
Real Results from Natural Care
Many of our patients come to us after months—or even years—of trying medication after medication. What they discover with chiropractic care is often a revelation: less pain, fewer episode and a better understanding of what’s really going on in their bodies.
Once the underlying spinal and muscular dysfunction is corrected, the body is able to self-regulate, heal, and maintain balance—naturally.
Final Thoughts: Your Headache May Not Be “Just in Your Head”
If you’re dealing with persistent headaches or migraines that aren’t responding to medication, the problem could very well be in your neck—not your brain. The intricate relationship between the cervical spine, muscles, nerves, and blood flow makes the upper neck a critical area to assess and treat.
Our chiropractic care at Webb Chiropractic goes beyond short-term symptom relief. We focus on finding and fixing the root causes of your headaches and migraines—offering long-term solutions that improve your health and your life.
So if you’re tired of chasing headaches with pills, schedule a consultation with us today. We’re ready help.
