Chiropractic Care for Headaches and Migraines
Many headaches start in the neck. At Back in Motion in St. Augustine, Dr. Colby Caltrider treats neck-related (cervicogenic) headaches, tension in the neck and shoulders, and TMJ jaw pain. Research suggests spinal manipulation may reduce how often and how hard these headaches hit. For migraine, it may help alongside your medical care.
Headache types and what the evidence says
“Headache” covers very different problems. Here is where each is usually felt and what the research says about chiropractic care (NIH NCCIH).
| Type | Where it is felt | What the evidence says |
|---|---|---|
| Cervicogenic (starts in the neck) | One side, starting at the base of the skull and spreading forward, often with neck stiffness | Strongest evidence. A 2020 review of seven studies found manipulation may reduce frequency and intensity. |
| Migraine | Often one side, throbbing, with light or sound sensitivity or nausea | May reduce migraine days and pain intensity. Results are preliminary. |
| Tension-type (chronic) | Band-like pressure around the head | Little evidence is available either way. |
Cervicogenic headache: the one that starts in your neck
A cervicogenic headache is pain referred from the joints, discs or muscles of the upper neck. It is usually one-sided, gets worse with certain neck movements or long periods at a screen, and comes with a stiff neck. This is where the research for chiropractic care is strongest: a 2020 review of seven studies found spinal manipulation “may reduce the frequency and intensity” of these headaches (NIH NCCIH).
What we do
- An exam of the upper neck joints, posture and the muscles at the base of the skull
- Gentle, specific adjustment or mobilization of stiff neck joints
- Soft-tissue and trigger-point work for the neck and shoulders
- Posture and corrective exercises for desk, phone and driving habits
Headaches after a car accident are common with whiplash. If yours started after a crash, see our auto accident page, because Florida’s 14-day PIP rule applies.
Will a chiropractor help with migraine headaches?
It may. Reviews suggest spinal manipulation may reduce the number of migraine days and how intense they are, but the researchers called those results preliminary. Chiropractic is best thought of as one part of a migraine plan, alongside your medical doctor, not a replacement for it.
That summary comes from the NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH NCCIH). The evidence is stronger for headaches that start in the neck (cervicogenic headaches), covered below.
What is the most successful treatment for migraines?
There is no single best treatment for everyone. Migraine is a medical condition, and the most effective plans are usually managed by a medical doctor or neurologist, using medication when appropriate plus trigger management. Chiropractic care may help some people as an addition to that plan.
Where we help most is when neck stiffness, posture and muscle tension are part of the picture, which is common in people with frequent headaches. If you have not had your migraines evaluated by a medical doctor, start there.
Who should not get a chiropractic adjustment?
Neck adjustments are not appropriate for everyone. People with severe osteoporosis, a recent fracture, spinal cord compression, a tumor or infection in the spine, an inflammatory arthritis flare affecting the neck, or signs of a stroke or artery problem should not have a high-velocity adjustment. Gentler techniques may still be an option.
This is one reason the first visit is an exam, not an adjustment. Mild side effects such as temporary soreness, stiffness or headache are common and usually go away within 24 hours. Serious events are very rare (NIH NCCIH).
TODO PETE Have Dr. Colby confirm this contraindication list before publishing.
TMJ and jaw pain
The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull just in front of each ear. When it or its muscles are irritated, you may have jaw pain, clicking, limited opening, or headaches at the temples.
At Back in Motion, TMJ care can include gentle mobilization of the jaw joint, soft-tissue work on the jaw and neck muscles, treatment of the upper neck, and home exercises. We work alongside your dentist when grinding or bite problems are part of it.
TODO PETE Confirm with Dr. Colby exactly what he does for TMJ (techniques, laser, etc.) so this section matches the office.
Can TMJ be treated by a chiropractor?
Many chiropractors, including Dr. Colby, treat jaw pain from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Care focuses on the jaw joint and the muscles that work it, plus the neck and posture, which are closely tied to jaw function.
What is the best therapy for TMJ?
Most TMJ pain is first treated conservatively: rest for the jaw, soft foods, managing clenching, and hands-on care for the joint and muscles. The right mix depends on whether the problem is mostly muscle, mostly joint, or both. A dentist should be involved for bite issues or night grinding.
Headaches that need a medical doctor or the ER
- Sudden and severe, “the worst headache of my life”
- After a head injury
- With fever and a stiff neck
- With confusion, weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, or vision loss
TODO PETE Dr. Colby to confirm the red-flag list.
Dr. Colby Caltrider, D.C.
Palmer College graduate · OwnerDr. Colby looks at your neck, posture and jaw to find out whether your headaches start there, and works alongside your medical doctor when migraine care needs both.
When someone walks in here in pain, my job isn't to sell them a package. My job is to figure out what's going on and get them moving again. That's it.
Headaches that start in your neck?
Book an exam. We will find out whether your neck is the source and build a plan around it.