Not every headache comes from the neck, and not every headache is a migraine. Sorting out which pattern you have decides whether chiropractic care is the right treatment, a supporting one, or the wrong one entirely. That sorting happens in the examination.
A cervicogenic headache is referred from the upper cervical spine. It is typically one-sided, starts in the neck or at the base of the skull, and is aggravated by neck movement or sustained posture. A migraine is a neurological condition with its own features — often visual disturbance, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound. A tension-type headache is usually both-sided and pressing rather than throbbing.
They overlap, and someone can have more than one. The examination distinguishes what it can and says so when it cannot.
Upper cervical restriction is the common finding in cervicogenic headache.
Whether the headache can be provoked by neck movement or pressure — the clearest single sign.
Screen height, sleeping position, and hours in one position.
Frequency, timing, and what precedes an attack, reviewed across visits.
Reflexes, sensation, and cranial nerve findings where indicated.
How often pain relief is used, because overuse itself causes daily headache.
Specific to the restricted upper cervical segment, using low-force methods where indicated.
Directed at the suboccipital and upper trapezius muscles that refer pain into the head.
Deep neck flexor and scapular control, plus workstation changes.
Where the pattern is migrainous rather than cervical, care is coordinated with your physician rather than substituted for it.
Chiropractic care does not cure migraine. It does not remove a neurological predisposition, and it is not a substitute for prescribed medication or for medical review of a changing headache pattern. What it can do is address a neck component where one exists, which for some people reduces how often the neck contributes.
It is worth saying plainly because the internet does not: anyone promising to cure your headaches is selling something.
Care is usually weekly at first, then spaced out as the pattern settles. Because headache frequency varies naturally week to week, progress is judged over a month rather than a visit — which is why keeping a simple diary is more useful than trying to remember. If there is no change after a reasonable trial, the plan stops rather than continues out of momentum.
Seek urgent medical care for a sudden severe headache that peaks within seconds, headache with fever and neck stiffness, headache after head injury, or headache with weakness, confusion, vision loss, or difficulty speaking. These are not chiropractic presentations and need medical assessment the same day.
Licensed chiropractic physician in Florida. Gonstead technique, spinal decompression and rehabilitation.
Licensed chiropractic physician in Florida. Diversified and Activator methods, auto accident injury care.
Call the office at (954) 561-4700, or request an appointment online. Same-week appointments are often available.
410 NE 44th St, Oakland Park, FL 33334 · (954) 561-4700 · Mon–Thu 9:00–13:00 and 14:30–18:00, Fri–Sat 9:00–13:00
Care is provided by Douglas Kellerman, D.C. and Michael F. Petrie, D.C., licensed chiropractic physicians in the State of Florida.