You have tried the medications. Maybe a neurologist. Maybe imaging that came back “normal.” Maybe Botox. Maybe an elimination diet. The migraines or chronic headaches keep coming. You are told to manage them. You are not told why they keep happening.
A large portion of chronic headaches and many migraines have a cervical component — meaning the joints, nerves, and muscles of the upper neck are part of the picture. When that piece is unaddressed, the headaches keep coming back. At True Health we address what is happening at the base of the skull and the upper cervical spine — and patients are consistently surprised how much that one shift reduces headache frequency.
What cervicogenic headaches and migraines actually are
A cervicogenic headache is a headache that originates in the neck — usually from joint dysfunction, muscle tension, or nerve irritation in the upper cervical spine. The pain typically starts at the base of the skull and wraps around to the temple, forehead, or behind the eye on one side.
Migraines are more complex — they involve vascular and neurological factors that go beyond just the neck. But a large body of research shows that many migraine sufferers also have cervical dysfunction that contributes to migraine frequency and intensity. Addressing the cervical component does not “cure” migraines, but it consistently reduces how often they happen and how severe they are.
If your headaches feel like pressure that builds, often starts in the back of the head, gets worse with desk work or stress, and includes neck stiffness — there is a strong chance the cervical spine is involved.
Why upper neck dysfunction triggers headaches
The upper cervical spine — particularly the joints between your skull, C1, and C2 — has a dense network of nerves that share pathways with the nerves of your face and head. When these joints become restricted, the surrounding muscles tighten, and the nerves that exit the upper neck become irritated. The brain interprets that nerve signal as head pain — even though the actual cause is in the neck.
The most common drivers we see at True Health:
- Hours at a computer with forward head posture — the head weighs roughly twelve pounds; when it shifts forward an inch, the effective load on the upper neck doubles
- Jaw clenching and teeth grinding — often stress-related, creates massive tension in the suboccipital muscles
- Prior whiplash or concussion — even minor neck trauma years ago can leave residual joint dysfunction that drives headaches
- Sleeping with poor pillow support — the upper neck spends seven hours a night in a compromised position
- Hormonal changes interacting with existing cervical dysfunction — explains why migraines sometimes worsen at specific points in the cycle or during life transitions
How True Health treats chronic headaches and migraines
Treatment starts with a Discovery Assessment to determine whether your headaches actually have a cervical component — because if they do not, chiropractic is not the right answer and we will tell you that.
For patients whose headaches are cervicogenic or have a cervical contributor:
Phase 1 — Restore motion to the upper cervical spine. Specific, gentle adjustments to the joints driving the nerve irritation. We use low-force techniques here — the upper neck does not need aggressive manipulation.
Phase 2 — Address the soft tissue. The suboccipital muscles, jaw muscles, and upper trapezius are usually involved. Soft tissue work and acupuncture for the autonomic component of migraines.
Phase 3 — Fix the cause that brought you in. Workstation modifications. Postural retraining. Specific exercises to build endurance in the deep neck stabilizers. This is what keeps the headaches from coming back.
Most patients notice a reduction in headache frequency within two to four weeks. Full resolution and stabilization typically takes ten to twenty visits.
When headaches need urgent medical attention
Most chronic headaches and migraines are not dangerous — they are debilitating, but not life-threatening. There are exceptions and we want you to know them.
Seek immediate medical attention for: the worst headache of your life that came on suddenly; a headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, or vision changes; a headache after head trauma with loss of consciousness; a sudden change in headache pattern after age fifty; a headache with weakness or numbness on one side. These can indicate serious conditions and need urgent evaluation.
For the vast majority of chronic headache and migraine patients, the headaches are not dangerous — they are mechanical or vascular and respond to addressing the underlying cause.
Common questions about chronic headaches and migraines
Can chiropractic actually help with migraines?
Yes — for the significant portion of migraine sufferers whose migraines have a cervical component. We are not claiming chiropractic cures migraines. We are saying that addressing upper cervical dysfunction frequently reduces migraine frequency and intensity, often dramatically. We perform a thorough assessment to determine whether your specific migraines have a cervical driver. If they do not, we will tell you and refer you appropriately.
How do I know if my headaches are coming from my neck?
Cervicogenic headaches typically start at the base of the skull and travel forward, often wrapping around to one side of the head, the temple, or behind the eye. They usually worsen with poor posture, prolonged desk work, or specific neck movements. Neck stiffness or tenderness often accompanies them. If your headaches match this pattern, there is a strong chance the cervical spine is contributing. A Discovery Assessment can confirm or rule it out.
How often will I need adjustments to reduce migraine frequency?
Most migraine patients start with twice-weekly visits for the first two to three weeks to address acute restriction, then taper as headache frequency drops. A typical full plan is ten to twenty visits over eight to sixteen weeks. After that, many patients move to a maintenance phase — checking in every four to eight weeks to keep the cervical spine functioning. The exact timeline depends on how chronic the issue is and how well postural and lifestyle changes get implemented.
Will adjustments make my headache worse?
Occasionally a patient feels mild soreness or a temporary increase in symptoms in the first day or two after an upper cervical adjustment — similar to mild post-workout soreness. This is uncommon and resolves quickly. We use low-force techniques on the upper cervical spine specifically because it is a sensitive area, and we modify the approach if you are in an active migraine. We start every patient with a conversation about what you are comfortable with.
Can chiropractic help if my migraines are hormonal?
Often, yes — even hormonal migraines frequently have a cervical contributor that amplifies them. We are not addressing the hormonal trigger directly, but reducing baseline cervical dysfunction often reduces the severity and duration of hormonally-triggered migraines. Many patients find their cycle-related migraines become significantly more manageable once the cervical component is addressed.
Do I need imaging before starting care for headaches?
Not usually. For most cervicogenic headache and migraine patients, a thorough physical exam is sufficient. We will recommend imaging if your symptoms suggest something more serious or if previous imaging is missing — but we do not require it as a precondition for starting care. Your Discovery Assessment determines what is needed in your specific case.
Does insurance cover chiropractic care for migraines?
Most major medical plans cover chiropractic care for headaches and migraines. Coverage is the same as for any other musculoskeletal complaint. We verify your specific plan before your first visit so you know exactly what is covered. HSA and FSA payments are accepted.
Migraine and headache care across DuPage County
- Migraine and headache care for Lombard patients
- Migraine and headache care for Wheaton patients
- Migraine and headache care for Glen Ellyn patients
- Migraine and headache care for Downers Grove patients
- Migraine and headache care for Elmhurst patients
- Migraine and headache care for Oak Brook patients
- Migraine and headache care for Villa Park patients
- Migraine and headache care for Addison patients
Our office is at 855 East Roosevelt Road, Suite 110, Lombard, IL 60148.
Find out if your headaches have a cervical cause.
Book a Discovery Assessment. We will figure out whether your headaches are cervicogenic — and if so, how much we can reduce the frequency and severity.
Book Your Discovery Assessment
Or call: (630) 796-2083