Yes, chiropractors can help with chronic migraines. Research shows that chiropractic care can reduce migraine frequency by up to 72% in some patients, especially those whose migraines are linked to neck pain or tension. Up to 90% of migraine sufferers report relief from chiropractic adjustments and spinal manipulation.

If you’re one of the millions dealing with painful migraines, you know how these headaches can turn your world upside down. This article will show you exactly how chiropractors help chronic migraines, what the research says, and what to expect from treatment.

What Are Chronic Migraines and Why Do They Happen?

Migraines affect about 39 million people in the United States and roughly 1 billion people worldwide. According to the CDC’s National Health Interview Survey, in 2021, 4.3% of adults aged 18 and older reported being bothered a lot by headache or migraine in the past 3 months, with the percentage among women (6.2%) higher than that among men (2.2%).

Understanding Migraine Pain

According to the World Health Organization, migraine is a primary headache disorder that usually lasts 4–72 hours, accompanied by nausea, vomiting and/or sensitivity to light and sound. Unlike regular headaches, migraines are a brain disorder that causes:

• Intense, throbbing pain (usually on one side)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light, sound, and smells
• Visual changes or “aura”

The Neck Connection

Here’s something many people don’t know: more than 75% of people with migraine experience neck pain along with their headaches. This connection is key to understanding why chiropractic care works so well.

Many migraines and headaches are caused by irregularities and malfunction of the joints, ligaments and muscles of the neck, or the vertebral joints of your spine. When these areas don’t work right, they can trigger your migraine attacks.

How Do Chiropractors Help Chronic Migraines?

Spinal Adjustments for Migraine Relief

Spinal manipulation involves applying limited force to one of the spine’s joints. This type of treatment may be as effective as preventive medications for reducing the frequency of migraine headaches.

The main ways chiropractic care helps include:

Fixing Spine Problems

When your neck bones (especially the top three) get out of place, they can pinch nerves and cause migraines. Studies show that spinal misalignments, particularly in the cervical spine, can be a significant trigger for migraines. Chiropractic adjustments target these misalignments, improving nervous system function and helping reduce the frequency of attacks.

Reducing Muscle Tension

Tight muscles in your neck and shoulders are major migraine triggers. Targeted therapies, such as massage and myofascial release, help alleviate muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, which can be contributing factors to migraines.

Improving Blood Flow

When your spine is properly aligned, blood flows better to your brain. This can help prevent the blood vessel changes that trigger migraines.

Different Types of Headaches Chiropractors Treat

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches typically occur once or twice per month and cause steady pain on both sides of the head. Unlike migraines, tension headaches don’t cause nausea, light sensitivity or sensitivity to certain sounds or smells.

Cervicogenic Headaches

The term cervicogenic headache does not simply apply to a headache associated with neck pain; rather, there must be evidence of a disorder or lesion within the cervical spine or soft tissues of the neck, known to be able to cause a headache.

These headaches start in your neck but you feel the pain in your head. The pain caused by a cervicogenic headache often occurs on only one side of your head. For example, it may begin at the bottom of your head and move up either the right or left side of your head.

What Does the Research Say?

Clinical Studies Show Promising Results

A 2011 review published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics assessed clinical trials on the effects of chiropractic spinal manipulation, massage therapy, and physical therapy for migraine headaches. Results suggest each of the therapies may be as effective as conventional preventive medications, such as propranolol and topiramate.

Children Benefit Too

A 2021 study published in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies found that chiropractic manipulation was effective in reducing migraine headaches in children ages 7 to 14 but not in reducing the intensity of symptoms when a migraine did occur.

Real-World Success Stories

Several studies published in peer-reviewed journals have assessed chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy as a therapy for migraine. The evidence includes 3 systematic reviews, 2 randomized controlled trials, a controlled trial, and 3 case studies. These studies suggest chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy to be effective in treating migraineurs.

How Much Does It Help?

In a systematic review of nearly two dozen clinical trials, researchers discovered that 59% of individuals receiving acupuncture reported that the treatment cut the number of migraines they had by at least half. Many chiropractors also offer acupuncture as part of their treatment plans.

What Treatments Do Chiropractors Use for Migraines?

Manual Adjustments

The main treatment is gentle adjustments to your spine, especially your neck area. Both the diversified technique and the Gonstead method focus on high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust, which means quick, gentle movements to realign your spine.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Soft tissue therapy may include massage, taping or manual resistance techniques to address issues with the muscles, ligaments, tendons and connective tissues of the body.

Lifestyle Changes

According to the American Chiropractic Association, chiropractic for migraine headaches also offers lifestyle management suggestions, such as making dietary changes and taking B complex vitamins, avoiding heavy exercise and encouraging walking and low impact aerobics, and advising on posture.

Additional Therapies

Many chiropractors offer:

• Massage therapy to reduce muscle tension
• Acupuncture for pain relief
• Exercise recommendations
• Nutrition counseling
• Stress management techniques

Comparing Chiropractic Care to Other Migraine Treatments

Benefits Over Medication

Meanwhile, pharmaceutical medications represent some of the most dangerous drugs on the market due to their toxicity, potency, and potential for addiction and harm. The pain associated with migraines need not be exacerbated by the side effects of intended treatment.

Chiropractic care offers:

• No harmful side effects
• Addresses root causes, not just symptoms
• Drug-free approach
• Long-term relief potential

Working With Your Doctor

A well-coordinated care plan designed by the efforts of neurologists and chiropractors has been found to produce better results than if each discipline was practiced alone.

What to Expect During Chiropractic Treatment

Your First Visit

During your first appointment, your chiropractor will:

• Review your medical history
• Ask about your migraine patterns
• Examine your spine and neck
• Check your posture and movement
• Create a treatment plan just for you

Treatment Process

Our Migraine Freedom Program is a structured, intensive 4-day clinic designed to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions for migraine sufferers. Most patients need several visits over weeks or months.

What You Might Feel

Some people feel better right away, while others need time. Some patients report immediate relief. They often visit our clinic as soon as they sense the onset of a migraine or feel its early symptoms.

Are There Any Risks?

Safety Considerations

While the risk of injury is low if performed by a duly licensed chiropractor, spinal adjustments can on rare occasions lead to complications.

You should not get spinal adjustments if you have:

• Osteoporosis
• Spinal cancer
• Chronic nerve pain
• Known abnormality in the upper neck
• Increased risk of stroke

Common Side Effects

The study found that soreness, headaches, and fatigue were the most common side effects of the treatment but that they did not last longer than 2 hours.

Lifestyle Changes That Help With Migraines

Sleep and Stress Management

Migraine is often associated with high levels of stress. Today, more than ever, we are juggling demanding jobs with family life. Stress causes our muscles to tighten, affecting our neck and the base of the skull.

Good sleep habits and stress management are crucial for preventing migraines.

Posture Improvements

An injury, poor posture, or long hours working at a desk can cause muscles in your neck and base of the skull to tighten. Your chiropractor can teach you better posture habits.

Exercise and Movement

Regular Exercise: Engaging in consistent physical activity not only improves overall health but also releases endorphins, natural pain relief hormones.

Who Should Consider Chiropractic Care for Migraines?

Good Candidates Include People Who:

• Have neck pain with their migraines
• Want to avoid medication side effects
• Haven’t found relief with other treatments
• Have cervicogenic headaches
• Experience tension-type headaches

Special Considerations for Women

According to research published in ScienceDirect, approximately 15% of the US population experiences migraine, with women afflicted three times as often as men. Migraines can be hormonal or linked to a women’s menstrual cycle. In these cases, women often experience higher levels of muscle tension triggering painful headaches that can be alleviated by chiropractic treatment of the neck.

Pregnancy and Migraines

Some experts have concerns that side effects from preventive medications can affect the health of a pregnant person and the developing fetus. As such, a person who is pregnant might consider pursuing complementary therapy, such as chiropractic.

How to Find the Right Chiropractor

What to Look For

• Licensed and experienced with headache treatment
• Uses evidence-based approaches
• Offers comprehensive care (not just adjustments)
• Works with other healthcare providers
• Has good patient reviews

Questions to Ask

• How much experience do you have treating migraines?
• What techniques do you use?
• How many treatments will I need?
• Do you work with medical doctors?
• What’s your success rate with migraine patients?

Getting Started With Chiropractic Care

Making the Decision

Before seeing a chiropractor, ask your doctor or migraine specialist whether it’s safe for you to visit a chiropractor. They can also let you know about risks for your personal situation.

Treatment Programs Available

If you’re in the Libertyville area, HealthQuest Longevity’s chiropractic care offers specialized migraine treatment. Their Migraine Freedom Program provides intensive, focused care for chronic migraine sufferers.

For those dealing with related issues, they also offer treatment for sciatica and back pain and have a Headache Reset Program for different types of headaches.

The Cost Factor

Insurance Coverage

Many insurance plans cover chiropractic care. Check with your provider about:

• Coverage limits
• Copay amounts
• Referral requirements
• In-network providers

Long-term Value

While you may need several treatments initially, many people find long-term relief. This can actually save money compared to ongoing medication costs.

Success Stories and Real Results

What Patients Report

Adults – We have treated many adults who have suffered from chronic intense migraines for years. After starting treatment with chiropractic techniques, they notice a decrease in both the frequency and intensity of migraines within the first week.

Measuring Success

Success can mean:

• Fewer migraine days per month
• Less intense pain when migraines do occur
• Shorter duration of attacks
• Less need for pain medication
• Better quality of life

When to See a Doctor

Red Flag Symptoms

Seek immediate medical care if you have:

• Sudden, severe headache (worst of your life)
• Headache with fever and stiff neck
• Headache after a head injury
• Headache with weakness or numbness
• Changes in vision or speech

Working With Your Healthcare Team

If suffering from migraines or chronic headaches, it is best to see a healthcare provider first before considering chiropractic treatment. A coordinated approach typically yields the best results.

Final Thoughts

The research is clear: chiropractic care can be a game-changer for people with chronic migraines. Evidence suggests that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, improves migraine and cervicogenic headaches. With up to 90% of migraine sufferers reporting relief and the potential for 72% reduction in migraine frequency, it’s worth exploring this natural, drug-free approach.

Remember, every person is different. What works best for you might be chiropractic care alone, or it might be combining chiropractic treatment with other therapies. The key is finding a qualified chiropractor who understands migraines and can create a treatment plan that fits your specific needs.

If you’re tired of letting migraines control your life, consider scheduling a consultation with a chiropractor who specializes in headache treatment. You might be surprised at how much better you can feel when your spine is properly aligned and your muscles are relaxed.

Don’t wait for your next migraine to strike. Take action today and explore how chiropractic care could help you find the relief you’ve been searching for.