TL;DR: Chiropractic care for migraines focuses on restoring spinal alignment, improving posture, and calming the nervous system to reduce pain. Research shows many migraine sufferers experience neck tension and misalignment that can trigger or worsen headaches. Chiropractic adjustments, muscle therapy, and posture correction can help reduce migraine frequency and severity while improving overall well-being.
Key points:
- Migraines affect nearly 40% of people globally and often involve neck tension.
- Misalignment in the neck can overstimulate pain-processing nerves.
- Chiropractic care can ease this tension and restore proper function.
- Individual care frequency varies—many start with weekly sessions.
- Combining chiropractic and neurological care supports lasting results.
Migraines aren’t just bad headaches; they can completely interrupt life. The pulsing pain, nausea, and light sensitivity can make even small tasks feel impossible. While medication can bring temporary relief, many people are searching for a more natural and lasting way to manage their symptoms. That’s where chiropractic care can help.
Many people are surprised to learn how much the spine can influence migraine frequency and intensity. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind chiropractic migraine treatment. How it works and how it can help you regain a sense of control in your life.
Understanding Migraines
Migraines are a neurological condition, not simply a bad headache. They’re marked by intense, throbbing pain combined with nausea, light/sound sensitivity, and in some cases aura (visual or sensory disruptions).
They’re not caused by a single issue but rather by a combination of factors. Some of the common migraine triggers include stress, hormones, posture, diet, sleep, and other environmental factors.
According to the World Health Organization, in 2021 headache disorders affected approximately 40% of the population globally (3.1 billion people). Additionally, headache disorders (including migraines and tension-type headaches) are among the most disabling conditions. They’re the third highest cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) worldwide, only after stroke and dementia.
Connection Between Chiropractor Support and Migraines
A 2019 study found 75% of people who experience migraines reported neck pain, stiffness, and tension. This pain often precedes the actual headache. This overlap suggests that spinal or muscular tension in the neck may play a key role in migraine onset.
Many chiropractors report having a high migraine caseload with approximately 1 in 5 new chiropractic patients' top complaint being headaches. Does that mean that neck pain or bad posture causes headaches?
When your head sits forward (common with computer work, smartphone usage), the weight-load on the upper cervical spine increases. The neck muscles (especially sub-occipital, upper trapezius, levator scapulae) can become overactive, fatigued and tense. This tension may lead to joint restrictions increasing nociceptive input to the nervous system.
Over time, this input may promote sensitisation (so the threshold for triggering a migraine becomes lower).
So, can a chiropractor help with migraines? Preliminary evidence suggests that chiropractic care can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
Chiropractic Treatment for Migraines
Here are some of the ways people with migraines find relief with chiropractic care:
1. Aligning the spine, easing nerve pressure
When vertebrae in the upper neck are slightly misaligned, they can irritate nerves that communicate with the head. Over time, this can trigger tension and contribute to migraine onset. Chiropractic adjustments restore alignment and improve motion in these joints—helping the nervous system function more efficiently.
2. Relaxing tense muscles
Tight muscles at the base of the skull and upper back can place pressure on nearby nerves and blood vessels. Many migraine patients have chronic tension in these areas as a result of poor posture or stress. Gentle manual therapy, soft tissue work, or scalp adjustment for migraines can reduce tension and ease the pain cycle.
3. Improving posture and reducing triggers
Consistent forward-head posture (like when we look at screens) adds strain to the neck and shoulders. Chiropractors address these imbalances through posture training, ergonomic advice, and movement exercises, helping you prevent future episodes rather than just treating symptoms.
How Often Should You go to a Chiropractor for Migraines?
There’s no universal schedule for migraine care because everyone’s needs are unique. Some people feel better after just a few visits; others need ongoing care to maintain results.
In general:
- Initial phase: 1–2 visits per week for 4–6 weeks to relieve tension and restore movement.
- Progress phase: Visits may taper as your migraines become less frequent.
- Maintenance phase: Once every few weeks or as needed to support spinal health and posture.
The right frequency depends on how your body responds. The goal isn’t just to manage pain; it’s to build resilience and help your nervous system stay balanced long-term.
What to Expect During Care
When you visit a chiropractor for migraine care, your plan may include:
- A detailed assessment of posture, spinal motion, and muscle tension
- Gentle spinal adjustments tailored to your comfort level
- Soft-tissue therapy or scalp work to reduce tension
- Home exercises to improve posture and strengthen neck muscles
- Lifestyle coaching around sleep, hydration, and stress management
Over time, many patients notice they can predict and prevent migraines before they fully develop. That’s the power of understanding how your body works.
Take The Next Step Toward Migraine Relief
If you’ve been wondering whether chiropractic care could make a difference in your migraine journey, you’re not alone. The science continues to grow, and more people are discovering that natural, hands-on care can be a powerful part of their wellness routine.
At Archetype Health, we combine chiropractic expertise with neuroscience-based techniques to support your nervous system from the inside out.
Learn about our neuroscience program
Disclaimer: Chiropractic care can be an effective complement to medical migraine management, but it’s important to speak with your primary care provider or neurologist before making changes to your treatment plan.
