Headache and Migraine Relief in Colleyville, TX
Many chronic headaches originate in the cervical spine, not the head – Within Chiropractic identifies and treats the upper cervical dysfunction that drives them.
More Than Just a Headache
The cancelled plans. The reaching for medication that takes the edge off but doesn’t fully resolve it. The pattern of waiting for it to pass and hoping tomorrow is better. For patients dealing with recurring headaches, this cycle becomes so familiar it starts to feel normal.
Here’s what most headache patients have never been told: a significant number of chronic headaches, including tension headaches and many migraines, have a cervical component that has never been identified or addressed. When the joints and muscles of the neck are under chronic strain, they generate pain signals that travel directly into the head through well-mapped nerve pathways. The headache feels like it’s coming from the head because that’s where it hurts. But the source is often in the neck.
- Dull pressure or throbbing that builds through the day
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull and wrap forward
- Pain behind the eyes or at the temples
- Headaches that correlate with neck stiffness or long periods at a screen
- Sensitivity to light or sound with more severe episodes
Why Your Headaches May Be Coming From Your Neck
The upper cervical spine, particularly C1, C2, and C3, connects directly to the nerves that supply sensation to the head, face, and scalp. When these joints are restricted or the surrounding muscles are chronically tight, they generate referred pain patterns that feel exactly like a headache originating in the head. This is called a cervicogenic headache, and it’s more common than most patients realize.
Beyond cervicogenic headaches, emerging evidence suggests that cervical dysfunction may also lower the threshold for migraine episodes in people who are prone to them. The patterns that most suggest cervical involvement: headaches that are worse after long periods at a desk or device, pain that starts at the skull base and radiates forward, and headaches that coincide with neck stiffness. Learn more about Neck Pain
Types of Headaches Dr. Thompson Addresses
Tension Headaches
The most common type. A band of pressure around the head that often builds through the day. Almost always involves chronic muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Cervical adjustments and soft tissue work are highly effective for this pattern.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Migraines with a Cervical Component
Posture and Screen-Related Headaches
How Dr. Thompson Treats Headaches in Colleyville
Chiropractic Adjustments
Upper cervical adjustments, particularly at C1, C2, and C3, are the primary tool for cervicogenic headaches and the cervical component of tension and migraine patterns. Adjustments for headache patients are typically focused and precise, targeting the specific levels identified through Dr. Thompson's exam.
Posture Correction
For patients whose headaches are driven by forward head posture and chronic cervical strain, posture correction is a critical part of lasting relief. Digital posture analysis gives Dr. Thompson an objective picture of what's loading the upper cervical spine, and correction is built into the care plan systematically.
Frequently Asked Questions About Headaches and Migraines
Can chiropractic actually help with migraines, or just tension headaches?
Both, with appropriate nuance. Chiropractic has strong evidence for tension-type and cervicogenic headaches. For migraines, the picture is more qualified. Many migraine patients have a cervical component that, when addressed, reduces episode frequency and intensity. Chiropractic doesn’t cure all migraines, but for patients with a clear cervical contribution, it regularly makes a meaningful difference.
Will I need to stop taking my headache or migraine medications?
No. Chiropractic care works alongside medical management, not instead of it. Dr. Thompson will never advise changes to your prescribed medication. If you’re seeing a neurologist, chiropractic care is complementary to that relationship.
How do I know if my headaches are coming from my neck?
Patterns that suggest cervical involvement include headaches that correlate with neck stiffness, start at the base of the skull, worsen after prolonged screen time, or improve with heat applied to the neck. Dr. Thompson’s exam will identify whether cervical dysfunction is a factor in your specific pattern.
Are there warning signs that mean my headache needs immediate medical attention?
Yes. A sudden severe headache unlike any you’ve had before, a headache with fever and stiff neck, headache following head injury, or headache accompanied by confusion, vision changes, or neurological symptoms require immediate medical evaluation rather than chiropractic care. Dr. Thompson screens for these presentations.