Chiropractic Care for Tension Headaches and Migraines
Tired of relying on pain medications for headaches? Dr. Gary Plummer treats the underlying cause of tension headaches and migraines — often rooted in cervical spine dysfunction, muscle tension, and nerve irritation — with natural, drug-free chiropractic care.
Why Do Tension Headaches and Migraines Occur?
Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, yet they are often misunderstood. Many people assume headaches are simply a fact of life or the result of stress, and they manage them with over-the-counter medications. But recurring headaches are almost always a sign that something else is wrong — and the cause is often in your neck.
Tension headaches, the most common type, are typically caused by sustained muscle contraction in the neck, scalp, and jaw. The suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull are particularly prone to tension, and when these muscles tighten, they irritate the nerves that travel up into the head, producing a dull, aching, or band-like headache.
Migraines are more complex, involving neurological changes, blood vessel changes, and often genetic factors. However, research shows that a significant percentage of migraine sufferers have cervical spine dysfunction as a trigger. Cervical misalignment, particularly in the upper neck (C1-C2), can irritate the trigeminal nerve and trigger migraine cascades in susceptible individuals.
Cervicogenic headaches are headaches that originate from the cervical spine. They are often mistaken for tension headaches or migraines but require a completely different treatment approach — one that addresses the cervical joints, muscles, and nerves directly.
How Chiropractic Care Treats Headaches at the Source
Cervical Adjustments
Gentle adjustments to the cervical vertebrae — particularly the upper neck (C1-C2) — restore proper alignment, reduce nerve irritation, and improve blood flow. This directly addresses one of the most common headache triggers.
Grostic Upper Cervical Technique
The Grostic technique focuses specifically on the atlas vertebra, which supports the skull. Misalignment here can irritate the brainstem and trigeminal nerve pathways, triggering both tension headaches and migraines.
Suboccipital Release
The suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull are the primary source of tension headaches. We use precise soft-tissue techniques, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release to eliminate these muscle knots.
TMJ & Jaw Treatment
Jaw clenching and TMJ dysfunction are major headache triggers. We evaluate and treat the temporomandibular joint, relieving the muscle tension that radiates from the jaw into the temples and head.
Posture Correction
Forward head posture — common in people who work at computers or look at phones — increases tension in the neck and shoulder muscles. We correct posture and teach you how to maintain it.
Lifestyle & Trigger Management
We help you identify and manage your personal headache triggers — whether they are dietary, postural, stress-related, or sleep-related — for comprehensive, long-term relief.
Research Supports Chiropractic for Headaches
The evidence for chiropractic care in headache treatment is robust. A systematic review published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic adjustments were effective for both tension-type headaches and migraines, with patients experiencing significant reductions in headache frequency, intensity, and duration.
A landmark study in the European Journal of Neurology demonstrated that cervical spine manipulation produced results comparable to common migraine medications, but without the side effects. Patients who received chiropractic care reported fewer migraines per month and reduced need for medication.
The American Chiropractic Association recognizes headache disorders as one of the conditions most responsive to chiropractic care. The connection between cervical dysfunction and headache is well-established in the medical literature, and cervical adjustments are increasingly recommended as a first-line treatment option.
"I had migraines twice a week for 10 years. After 4 weeks of treatment with Dr. Plummer, my migraines dropped to once a month. I got my life back."
— A Plummer Chiropractic Patient
What to Expect From Headache Treatment
Headache History Exam
We take a detailed history of your headaches — frequency, triggers, associated symptoms, and what you have already tried. This helps us identify the type and cause.
Cervical Evaluation
Dr. Plummer examines your cervical spine alignment, muscle tension, nerve function, and jaw mechanics to identify the structural triggers of your headaches.
Targeted Treatment
You receive your first cervical adjustment, suboccipital release, and any other appropriate therapies. Many patients feel relief during or immediately after their first visit.
Prevention Plan
We create a personalized plan including exercises, posture corrections, trigger management, and a maintenance schedule to keep headaches from returning.
Headache & Migraine FAQs
Can chiropractic really help with migraines?
Yes. Multiple studies show that chiropractic adjustments, particularly to the upper cervical spine, can reduce migraine frequency, duration, and intensity. While chiropractic does not cure migraines, it addresses one of the most common triggers — cervical dysfunction — and can significantly reduce the need for medication.
How quickly will I see results for tension headaches?
Many patients feel relief during or immediately after their first adjustment. For chronic tension headaches, a consistent treatment plan over 2-4 weeks typically produces dramatic improvement. The key is addressing the muscular and structural causes, not just masking symptoms.
Do I need to keep seeing a chiropractor forever for headaches?
No. Our goal is to resolve your headaches and teach you how to prevent them. Some patients with chronic migraines choose periodic maintenance visits to keep their cervical spine aligned, but the frequency and need for ongoing care vary by individual.
Is it safe to adjust the neck for headaches?
Yes. Cervical adjustments performed by an experienced, licensed chiropractor are extremely safe. Dr. Plummer has 33+ years of experience and uses the gentlest techniques appropriate for your condition. We thoroughly evaluate every patient before adjusting.
Does insurance cover headache treatment?
Yes. Chiropractic care for headaches and migraines is covered by most health insurance plans and Medicare. We verify your benefits before treatment and handle all billing.
Stop Living With Headaches and Migraines
You do not have to accept headaches as a normal part of life. Dr. Plummer has helped countless patients reduce or eliminate their headaches through natural, drug-free chiropractic care. Same-day appointments available 7 days a week.
2650 S McCall Rd, Suite D, Englewood, FL 34224 | Open 7 Days a Week, 7 AM – 9 PM