Migraine Chiropractor: How Chiropractic Care Can Help Relieve Migraines
Migraines can be debilitating, affecting your ability to work, focus, and enjoy everyday life. If you’ve tried medications with limited relief or unwanted side effects, working with a migraine chiropractor may be a natural alternative worth considering. Approximately 12% of all Americans experience migraine headaches, affecting nearly 40 million people. Chiropractic care focuses on spinal alignment, nervous system health, and posture—key factors that may contribute to migraine symptoms.
At Ho‘ola Chiropractic, we take a holistic, upper cervical approach to migraine and headache care, helping patients address potential root causes rather than just masking symptoms. Chiropractic care helps restore proper communication between the brain and the rest of the body by removing nerve interference.
Learn more about our practice on the Ho‘ola Chiropractic homepage.
Chiropractic care is considered a complementary therapy for migraines rather than a standard treatment.
What Is a Migraine?
A migraine is a neurological condition that goes beyond a typical headache. Common symptoms of migraine headaches include:
- Throbbing or pulsating head pain
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
- Nausea or vomiting
- Visual disturbances or aura
- Blind spots
- Light sensitivity
Migraine headaches can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
Migraines may last for hours or days and are often triggered by stress, poor posture, neck tension, sleep disruption, or nervous system imbalance.
Tension headaches are another common type of headache, with different causes and symptoms, often related to stress and muscle tension.
Understanding Migraine Triggers
Migraine attacks can be set off by a wide range of triggers, and these can differ greatly from one person to another. Common environmental factors—such as exposure to flashing lights, strong smells, or sudden changes in weather—are well-known culprits. Lifestyle factors like high stress levels, not getting enough sleep, and consuming certain foods or beverages can also increase the risk of migraine symptoms. Additionally, muscle tension and neck pain, often caused by poor posture or long hours at a desk, can trigger headaches and intensify migraine pain.
Identifying your personal migraine triggers is a key step in managing and preventing future attacks. Chiropractic treatment can play an important role in this process. Through spinal manipulation and soft tissue therapy, chiropractors address underlying issues like spinal misalignment and muscle tension that may contribute to migraine development. By improving spinal health and reducing physical stressors, chiropractic care can help relieve pain and decrease the frequency of migraine symptoms, supporting a more proactive approach to migraine management.
What Does a Migraine Chiropractor Do?
A migraine chiropractor focuses on evaluating the spine—especially the upper cervical (neck) region—to identify misalignments that may interfere with nerve signaling and blood flow.
A chiropractor helps by performing spinal adjustments to realign the spine, which reduces nerve irritation and can alleviate headaches such as migraines and tension headaches. Chiropractic care addresses spinal misalignments and associated muscular or nerve issues that contribute to head pain.
Spinal misalignment, particularly in the cervical spine, can contribute to migraines by irritating nerves that supply the head and neck.
At Ho‘ola Chiropractic, migraine care is closely connected to upper cervical chiropractic techniques, which are designed to gently restore alignment and support proper nervous system function.
Chiropractors may also recommend lifestyle changes to help limit exposure to migraine triggers.
Learn more about our specialized approach on the Upper Cervical Chiropractic page.
How Chiropractic Care Helps With Migraines
Chiropractic care may help migraine sufferers in several ways:
The potential benefits of chiropractic care for migraine sufferers include relief from headache symptoms, improved spinal alignment, and enhanced overall well-being, though it is important to consider associated risks and the possible need for additional therapies.
In addition, studies suggest that chiropractic spinal manipulation may be effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks, although further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and long-term effects.
Cervical Spine Alignment
Misalignments in the neck can place pressure on nerves and contribute to migraine onset. Gentle chiropractic adjustments help improve alignment and mobility in the cervical spine.
Reduced Neck and Shoulder Tension
Muscle tightness and neck stiffness in the neck and shoulders often accompany migraines. Chiropractic care may help relieve neck stiffness, tension, and improve posture, especially for desk workers.
If neck pain is part of your migraine symptoms, explore Neck Pain Relief services.
Nervous System Support
Because the spine protects the nervous system, proper alignment may improve communication between the brain and body—an important factor in migraine management.
The Role of Soft Tissue in Migraine Relief
Soft tissue health is a crucial, yet sometimes overlooked, factor in managing migraine pain. Tight or inflamed muscles and connective tissues in the neck and shoulders can contribute to the onset and persistence of migraine symptoms. Soft tissue therapy—including massage and other manual therapies—helps to relax these tense muscles, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation, which can lead to fewer and less severe migraine attacks.
Chiropractic care for migraine patients often combines spinal manipulation with targeted soft tissue therapy to address both the structural and muscular components of headache pain. This comprehensive approach not only helps relieve muscle tension but can also improve range of motion and enhance overall well-being. For many migraine sufferers, regular soft tissue therapy is an effective way to reduce migraine frequency and support long-term pain management, making it a valuable part of a holistic migraine treatment plan.
Cervicogenic Headaches and Chiropractic Care
Cervicogenic headaches are a specific type of headache that originate from issues in the neck, or cervical spine. These headaches often result from spinal misalignment, muscle tension, or poor posture, and can cause persistent pain that radiates from the neck to the head. Chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation and physical therapy, is recognized as an effective treatment for cervicogenic headaches.
Chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy (CSMT) targets the root causes of cervicogenic headaches by restoring proper alignment, relieving muscle tension, and improving spinal function. Chiropractors may also recommend lifestyle changes—such as ergonomic adjustments, posture improvement, and stress reduction—to help prevent future headache episodes. As a form of complementary and alternative medicine, chiropractic care offers a safe, drug-free approach to treating headache pain, and can be integrated with other treatments like medication and physical therapy for comprehensive care. By addressing both the physical and lifestyle factors that contribute to cervicogenic headaches, chiropractic treatment supports lasting relief and improved quality of life.
Scientific Evidence on Chiropractic Care for Migraines
Research suggests chiropractic care may help reduce migraine frequency, duration, and intensity for some individuals. Chiropractic spinal manipulation is a manual therapy technique used in the treatment of migraines.
While chiropractic care is not considered a cure, many patients report fewer migraine days and improved quality of life when care is part of a long-term wellness plan. However, there is limited research on the effectiveness of specific chiropractic techniques for migraines, and more research and further studies are needed to establish their efficacy and safety. Systematic reviews have evaluated the effectiveness of various therapies for migraines, but results remain inconclusive. Some studies suggest that the relief experienced by patients may be due in part to the placebo effect rather than the actual efficacy of the treatment. It is also important to note that mild to moderate adverse effects are common following spinal manipulation, occurring in 23% to 83% of people.
Chiropractic care is often sought by individuals who experience migraines, indicating strong interest in this complementary therapy.
What to Expect During a Migraine Chiropractic Visit
During your first visit, a migraine chiropractor will typically perform:
- A detailed health and migraine history
- Postural and spinal assessments
- Upper cervical evaluation
- A personalized care plan
Treatment may include gentle adjustments, posture recommendations, and lifestyle guidance tailored to migraine triggers.
For patients experiencing both dizziness and migraines, Vertigo Chiropractic Care may also be recommended.
Is a Migraine Chiropractor Right for You?
You may benefit from chiropractic migraine care if you:
- Experience chronic or recurring migraines
- Have neck pain, stiffness, or poor posture
- Spend long hours sitting or working at a desk
- Prefer drug-free, non-invasive care
However, individuals with a known abnormality in the upper neck or those at increased risk of stroke should avoid chiropractic adjustments due to the increased risk of complications.
Patients with severe neurological symptoms should consult a medical professional before starting care.
Chiropractic Care vs Medication for Migraine Relief
| Chiropractic Care | Migraine Medication |
|---|---|
| Drug-free approach | May cause side effects |
| Addresses posture and spinal health | Symptom-focused |
| Supports long-term management | Often short-term relief |
| Personalized care plans | Standardized prescriptions |
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used for migraine pain relief as part of pharmacologic management strategies.
Many patients choose chiropractic care as a complementary option alongside medical treatment.
Acupuncture is sometimes recommended as an additional therapy for migraine management.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Some patients notice improvement within a few visits, while others experience gradual relief over several weeks. Consistency, posture correction, and lifestyle adjustments play an important role in long-term migraine management. As migraine symptoms improve with chiropractic care, many patients are able to resume their normal activities and return to their everyday routines.
For patients dealing with broader pain patterns, our Honolulu Pain Management services may offer additional support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Migraine Chiropractors
Can chiropractic care cure migraines?
Chiropractic care is not a cure for migraines, but it is considered a treatment of migraine and may be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine headaches.
Is chiropractic care safe for migraines?
When performed by a licensed chiropractor, care is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, there are potential risks associated with chiropractic adjustments, such as soreness, headaches, or, in rare cases, more serious complications. It's important to note that chiropractic care is regarded as a complementary therapy for migraines rather than a standard of care.
How many sessions will I need?
Treatment plans for the treatment of migraine headaches vary based on migraine severity, individual response, and the integration of lifestyle changes into the care plan.
Does insurance cover migraine chiropractic care?
Coverage depends on your provider and plan—contact the clinic to verify benefits.
When to Book a Migraine Chiropractor
If migraines are interfering with your daily life and you’re looking for a natural, non-invasive option, working with a migraine chiropractor may be the right next step.
Schedule a consultation through the Ho‘ola Chiropractic Contact Page or call (808) 772-8284 to get started.