Understanding Headaches & Migraines
Headaches are one of the most common pain conditions worldwide, but not all headaches are the same. Tension headaches produce a dull, band-like pressure around the head. Migraines cause intense throbbing pain — often on one side — accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances. Cervicogenic headaches originate from dysfunction in the cervical spine and are frequently misdiagnosed as migraines or tension headaches.
Many chronic headache sufferers have an underlying spinal component — misaligned cervical vertebrae, tight suboccipital muscles, or compressed upper cervical nerves. This is why medication alone often fails to provide lasting relief: it treats the pain without addressing the structural cause.
Post-accident headaches are especially common. After a car wreck, whiplash injuries to the cervical spine can trigger headaches that persist for weeks, months, or years without proper treatment.
Symptoms We Treat
Common Causes
Cervical Spine Dysfunction
Misaligned upper cervical vertebrae and irritated facet joints refer pain into the head, producing cervicogenic headaches that mimic migraines.
Whiplash & Post-Accident Injury
The cervical trauma from a car accident can trigger persistent headaches that worsen over time without treatment.
Muscle Tension & Trigger Points
Chronic tightness in the suboccipital, trapezius, and sternocleidomastoid muscles creates referred pain patterns into the temples, forehead, and behind the eyes.
Poor Posture & Tech Neck
Forward head posture from desk work and phone use strains the cervical spine and upper back, triggering tension headaches.
Stress & Lifestyle Factors
Chronic stress, poor sleep, dehydration, and dietary triggers can lower the threshold for headache and migraine episodes.
How Chiropractic Care Treats Headaches
Upper Cervical Adjustments
Precise corrections to the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae — the most common source of cervicogenic headaches.
Suboccipital Release
Manual therapy targeting the small muscles at the base of the skull that refer pain into the head when tight or inflamed.
Postural Correction
Ergonomic assessment and corrective exercises to reverse forward head posture and reduce mechanical stress on the cervical spine.
Trigger Point Therapy
Targeted pressure on muscular trigger points in the neck, shoulders, and upper back that produce referred headache pain.
Nutritional Guidance
Dr. Crifase's CNS and DACBN credentials allow him to address inflammatory dietary triggers and nutritional deficiencies that contribute to migraines.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- ⚠ Sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache (worst headache of your life)
- ⚠ Headache with fever, stiff neck, and confusion
- ⚠ Headache after a head injury with loss of consciousness
- ⚠ New headache pattern after age 50
- ⚠ Headache with vision loss, slurred speech, or weakness on one side
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor help with migraines?
Yes. Research shows spinal manipulation can reduce migraine frequency, duration, and intensity — especially for migraines with a cervicogenic component.
How many visits until I notice headache relief?
Many patients report improvement after 2–4 visits. A typical treatment plan spans 6–12 weeks for lasting results.
Are headaches after a car accident normal?
Common, yes — but not normal. Post-accident headaches indicate cervical injury that needs treatment. Don't ignore them.
What's the difference between a migraine and a cervicogenic headache?
Migraines are a neurological condition with triggers like light, hormones, and stress. Cervicogenic headaches are caused by structural issues in the neck. Both can produce similar symptoms — a proper exam determines the type.
Do you treat headaches caused by concussions?
We manage the cervical component of post-concussion headaches and can refer for neurological evaluation when needed through our Injury Care Network.