What Causes Migraines and Chronic Headaches?
Migraines are neurological events that involve throbbing, often one-sided head pain, frequently accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and sound sensitivity. While the exact mechanisms of migraine are complex, research consistently links cervical spine dysfunction to both migraine frequency and intensity. Restrictions in the upper cervical joints can irritate the nerves that run from the neck into the base of the skull, triggering or amplifying headache episodes.
Cervicogenic headaches, which originate from the neck, are often misidentified as tension headaches or migraines. They tend to produce one-sided pain that starts at the base of the skull and travels forward, sometimes extending over the eyes or into the shoulder. Chiropractic care targets the underlying joint restrictions and muscle tension that drive these patterns.
Many patients with frequent migraines also carry significant tension through the upper trapezius, suboccipital muscles, and sternocleidomastoid. Addressing these soft tissue components alongside spinal alignment can reduce the frequency and severity of episodes over time.
How Dr. Derek Rose Approaches Migraine and Headache Care
Dr. Derek Rose, DC, has been treating headache and migraine patients in Aurora for over 15 years. His approach combines cervical spinal adjustments with Active Release Technique (ART) and Cox Flexion Distraction to address both the joint and soft tissue components that contribute to headache patterns.
ART is a precise, movement-based soft tissue technique used to break up adhesions in the muscles, tendons, and fascia of the neck and upper back. Cox Flexion Distraction uses a specialized table and gentle decompression technique to relieve pressure on the cervical discs and nerves. Together, these approaches allow Dr. Rose to treat the structural and muscular root causes of headaches rather than managing symptoms alone.
Where appropriate, dry needling is also incorporated to reduce trigger point activity in the muscles most commonly involved in cervicogenic and migraine patterns.
What to Expect at Your First Headache Appointment
Initial Assessment
Hands-On Treatment
Home Care Plan
What Chiropractic Care for Migraines Can Help With
Patients receiving chiropractic care for headaches and migraines at Rose Chiropractic Center commonly report:
- Reduced frequency of migraine episodes over the first 4 to 8 weeks of care
- Decreased intensity and duration of headaches, particularly those with a cervicogenic component
- Improved cervical range of motion and reduced neck and upper back tension between episodes
Results vary depending on headache type, duration of symptoms, and contributing lifestyle factors. Dr. Rose will discuss realistic expectations at your initial assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chiropractic for Migraines
Yes. Research supports chiropractic care as an effective approach for reducing migraine frequency and intensity, particularly in cases where cervical spine dysfunction is a contributing factor. Dr. Rose uses a combination of adjustments, ART, and dry needling to address the structural causes most commonly linked to migraine patterns.
Migraines are neurologically driven and can involve visual disturbances, nausea, and light or sound sensitivity. Cervicogenic headaches originate from restrictions and muscle tension in the neck and typically produce one-sided pain that starts at the base of the skull. The two can occur together, and many patients with frequent migraines have a significant cervicogenic component that responds well to chiropractic care.
Most patients begin noticing a reduction in headache frequency within 4 to 6 visits. The full course of care depends on the severity and duration of symptoms. Dr. Rose will outline a recommended plan at your first appointment and adjust based on your response to treatment.
Yes. Cervical adjustments and soft tissue techniques such as ART and Cox Flexion Distraction are well-tolerated by most patients. Dr. Rose will conduct a thorough assessment before beginning care to identify any contraindications and tailor the approach to your specific presentation.
Yes. Rose Chiropractic Center treats a range of headache types, including tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, and migraines. Many patients present with overlapping patterns, and treatment is individualized based on clinical findings rather than a single diagnosis.
Book Your Headache and Migraine Appointment in Aurora
Contact our office at (402) 694-6900 or visit our contact page to schedule. We see patients Monday and Wednesday from 8:30am to 5:30pm, Thursday afternoons from 2:30pm to 5:30pm, and Fridays from 8:30am to 1pm.
