Can a Chiropractor Help With Migraines?

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is general in nature and based on publicly available sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

If you’ve ever had a migraine, you know it’s not just a bad headache. It’s a full-body experience: throbbing pain, nausea, sensitivity to light, sound or smells. Plus, it can leave you curled up in a dark room for hours or days.While painkillers might offer short-term relief, many people are now exploring drug-free options that target the root cause rather than just the symptoms. So, here’s the big question: Can a chiropractor help with migraines?

The short answer is: in many cases, yes. Chiropractic care may help reduce the frequency, duration and severity of migraines, especially when they're connected to spinal misalignment, tension or posture problems. In fact, a study found that spinal manipulation reduced headache frequency and intensity in some patients.

Read on to discover how chiropractic treatment might play a role in easing migraines, what you can expect during a session and whether it’s the right path for you.

What Triggers Migraines?

Migraines aren’t always predictable, but several common triggers may set them off.

• Stress and tension: Physical or emotional stress can lead to muscle tightness and nerve irritation.
• Poor posture: Research linked forward head posture and rounded shoulders with a higher risk of migraines due to increased strain on neck muscles.
• Neck and spine issues: Misalignments or restricted movement in the cervical spine are often linked to chronic headaches.
• Lack of sleep: Studies showed that poor sleep patterns increase migraine frequency by lowering the brain’s threshold to pain.
• Bright lights or strong smells: Sensory overstimulation is a common culprit.
• Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in oestrogen levels, especially in women, can lead to migraine attacks.

When to See a Doctor for Migraines

While chiropractic care may offer relief, some situations call for medical attention. Consider seeing a GP or specialist if:

• Your migraines are frequent, intense or worsening
• They're linked to neck or shoulder pain
• You're seeking a medication-free approach
• Your usual treatment isn’t effective

A survey found that most migraine sufferers prefer complementary and alternative therapies, including chiropractic care, to reduce reliance on medications. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new treatment, especially if you have underlying conditions.

How Does a Chiropractor Help With Migraines?

A chiropractor focuses on aligning the spine and relaxing tension in surrounding muscles. Here’s how this may help migraine sufferers:

Spinal Adjustments

Chiropractic spinal manipulation, also known as spinal adjustments, involves applying controlled force to specific joints in the spine. This is believed to restore proper alignment, reduce nerve irritation and improve joint mobility.

A study found that spinal manipulation may reduce migraine days and intensity, particularly when used in conjunction with standard medical care. Another study reported that migraine sufferers receiving chiropractic care experienced a significant reduction in headache frequency and duration over a 2-month period.

Neck and Shoulder Muscle Therapy

Chiropractors often include soft tissue work, such as myofascial release and trigger point therapy, targeting the neck and upper back. These areas are frequently involved in migraine onset due to muscle tension and poor mobility.

Research.) indicated that increased neck muscle sensitivity and tension are closely associated with higher migraine frequency and intensity. Manual therapies targeting these areas may interrupt this pain pattern. A randomised controlled trial also noted that trigger point therapy improved migraine symptoms and reduced reliance on medication in chronic sufferers.

Posture Correction

Postural imbalances, especially forward head posture and rounded shoulders, can place excess strain on the cervical spine and surrounding muscles, contributing to headaches. A study highlighted that poor posture, particularly during computer use, is associated with increased migraine and tension-type headache risk. Chiropractors often assess posture and prescribe corrective exercises to ease musculoskeletal strain, which may help prevent future episodes.

Lifestyle and Stress Advice

Beyond hands-on treatment, chiropractors frequently guide patients through ergonomic strategies, regular physical activity and stress management techniques. A review concluded that stress is one of the most common migraine triggers. Chiropractic care may support patients in identifying and reducing stressors through tailored lifestyle advice.

Gentle Stretching Techniques

Chiropractors may incorporate or prescribe stretching routines to improve flexibility and relieve muscular tightness, especially in the neck and shoulders. According to a study, regular neck stretching exercises reduced the intensity and frequency of headaches in participants with cervicogenic headache, which often overlaps with migraine-like symptoms. Although more research is needed, similar benefits may extend to some migraine patients.

Relaxation Guidance

Chiropractors may teach breathing techniques, guided imagery or progressive muscle relaxation to address both mental stress and physical tension, which are two common contributors to migraines. These strategies can be easily integrated into a broader treatment plan.

Headache Types Commonly Addressed Through Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care might help with several headache types, not just migraines:

• Tension headaches: Often caused by stress and muscle tension.
• Cervicogenic headaches: Originating from the neck and mimicking migraines.
• Migraine headaches: May be eased with spinal adjustments and muscle therapy.
• Cluster headaches: While less common, some find benefit through supportive care.
• Rebound headaches: Related to overuse of pain medication; chiropractic may assist with tapering off.

Benefits of Visiting a Chiropractor for Migraines

What can you expect if chiropractic care works for you? Here are its potential benefits:

Natural Relief Without Medication

An appealing option for those wanting to avoid pharmaceutical side effects. A clinical trial showed that chiropractic care could reduce migraine frequency comparable to some medications, without the side effects.

Fewer and Less Intense Migraine Episodes

Many patients report fewer and less intense migraines. A review supports this, noting improvements in both frequency and pain intensity with chiropractic care.

Better Neck Movement and Posture

Spinal adjustments can ease stiffness and correct posture, both of which are linked to migraine risk. Research.) ties poor posture, especially in the neck, to more frequent headaches.

Less Tension in Muscles

Targeted muscle therapy helps relax tight areas in the neck and shoulders. Studies show that releasing muscle tension may reduce migraine triggers.

Better Sleep and Reduced Stress

Chiropractic care may help regulate the nervous system and ease stress—two known migraine contributors. A study found that relaxation techniques can significantly cut migraine frequency.

Summing Up

So, can a chiropractor help with migraines? Possibly, yes, especially when migraines are tied to musculoskeletal tension, poor posture or cervical spine dysfunction. Chiropractic care may offer natural, non-invasive relief that complements or, in some cases, reduces the need for medication.

Still, migraines can be complex, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s best to approach treatment with an open mind, a qualified professional and a willingness to explore what your body responds to.

Struggling with migraines and looking for a natural way to ease the pain? A chiropractor could offer relief. Discover experienced chiropractors near you at Goto Health and start your journey to fewer headaches today.