Headache & Migraine Relief: Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions I hear most often from patients dealing with chronic headaches and migraines. If you don't see your question answered here, call our office at (734) 929-4523 — I'm happy to discuss your specific situation.
About Chiropractic Care for Headaches
Can chiropractors really help with headaches?
Yes, especially for tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches (headaches originating from neck problems). Research shows that chiropractic adjustments can significantly reduce headache frequency and intensity for many people.
For migraines, chiropractic care may not eliminate them entirely, but many migraine sufferers find that addressing neck dysfunction reduces the frequency and severity of episodes.
How does chiropractic treatment help headaches?
Most chronic headaches have a mechanical component — meaning they're caused or worsened by problems in how your neck moves and functions. Chiropractic adjustments:
- Restore proper alignment in cervical vertebrae
- Reduce nerve irritation from the neck that refers pain to the head
- Release muscle tension at the base of the skull
- Improve blood flow to the head and neck
- Decrease inflammation in neck joints
When we correct these mechanical problems, headaches often improve significantly or resolve completely.
What's the difference between treating headaches and treating migraines?
Headaches and migraines are different conditions that respond to treatment differently:
Tension and cervicogenic headaches often respond very well to chiropractic care because they're primarily mechanical problems. Many patients find complete relief.
Migraines are more complex, involving neurological and vascular components along with mechanical factors. While I can't cure migraines, I can often reduce their frequency and severity by addressing neck dysfunction and muscle tension that trigger or worsen migraine episodes.
How is this different from just getting a massage?
Massage feels great and provides temporary relief by relaxing tight muscles. However, if your headaches are caused by misaligned vertebrae or restricted joints in your neck, massage won't fix that underlying problem.
Think of it this way: If a door is stuck because the hinges are misaligned, oiling the hinges (massage) might help temporarily, but realigning the hinges (chiropractic adjustment) fixes the actual problem.
I often combine soft tissue work with adjustments because both are important — but the adjustment addresses the root cause.
Will I need to come in forever?
No. Here's the typical progression:
Initial phase (4-8 weeks): More frequent visits to correct the underlying dysfunction and reduce headache frequency.
Improvement phase (8-12 weeks): Visits space out as your condition improves.
Maintenance (optional): Some patients choose to come in monthly or as needed to prevent recurrence, especially if their job or lifestyle creates ongoing stress on their neck.
Many patients "graduate" from active treatment and only return if symptoms start to creep back.
What to Expect During Treatment
What happens during the first visit?
Your first visit takes 30-45 minutes and includes:
- Detailed history: When headaches started, how often they occur, what makes them better or worse, any triggers you've noticed, medications you've tried, previous treatments.
- Examination: Posture assessment, neck range of motion testing, muscle palpation, neurological screening, orthopedic tests specific to headache evaluation.
- Explanation: I'll explain what I found, what's causing your headaches, and what I recommend.
- Treatment plan: How often you'll need to come in, what techniques I'll use, what results to expect and when.
- First treatment: If appropriate, we'll start treatment the same day.
Do adjustments hurt?
No, adjustments shouldn't hurt. You might hear a "pop" or "crack" sound (which is just gas bubbles releasing from the joint), but the adjustment itself should be comfortable.
Some people feel mild soreness afterward — similar to how you might feel after a workout — but this typically resolves within 24 hours.
If you're nervous about adjustments, let me know. I have multiple techniques and can use gentler approaches.
How long does each appointment take?
After your initial visit, most appointments take 5-15 minutes. This includes any necessary reassessment, treatment, and home care instructions.
How often will I need to come in?
This varies based on how long you've had headaches and how severe they are:
Acute headaches (recent onset): Usually 2-3 times per week for 2-4 weeks, then reassess.
Chronic headaches (months or years): Typically 2-3 times per week initially, spacing out to once weekly, then biweekly as you improve. Total treatment time usually 8-12 weeks.
Severe or long-standing cases: May take 12-16 weeks with gradual reduction in visit frequency.
When will I start feeling better?
Most patients notice some improvement within 2-3 weeks. Some feel better after just a few visits; others take longer depending on how chronic their condition is.
If you've had headaches for years, it's unrealistic to expect them to disappear after one adjustment. But you should see progressive improvement over the first month.
About Specific Types of Headaches
I get headaches every afternoon at work. Can you help?
Yes, this pattern strongly suggests tension headaches related to your work posture and stress. These typically respond very well to chiropractic care combined with ergonomic improvements.
Afternoon headaches usually indicate that your neck is getting progressively more stressed throughout the day from poor desk setup, forward head posture, or sustained positions.
I wake up with headaches. What causes this?
Morning headaches are often caused by:
- Poor sleep position: Sleeping on your stomach or with too many/too few pillows
- Jaw clenching or teeth grinding during sleep
- Sleep apnea (if you also snore or wake feeling unrested)
- Neck problems that get aggravated during the night
I can evaluate your sleep ergonomics and neck mechanics. If I suspect sleep apnea or severe TMJ issues, I'll refer you to the appropriate specialist.
My headaches always seem to come with my period. Can chiropractic help?
Hormonal migraines are common in women. While I can't change your hormone cycles, many women find that chiropractic care reduces the severity of hormonal migraines even if it doesn't eliminate them completely.
The neck and hormones both affect migraine threshold. By keeping your neck functioning optimally, we can sometimes raise that threshold enough that hormonal fluctuations don't trigger migraines as easily.
I get migraines with aura. Will treatment help?
Possibly. Migraines with aura are neurological events, but neck dysfunction can be a trigger. Many of my migraine patients find that maintaining good cervical spine health reduces migraine frequency, even if they still occasionally get migraines with aura.
My headaches feel like a tight band around my head. What is that?
This is classic tension-type headache presentation. It's caused by sustained muscle contraction in your neck, shoulders, and scalp. This type usually responds very well to chiropractic care.
About Medications and Other Treatments
Can I continue taking my headache medication while receiving chiropractic care?
Absolutely. Don't stop any prescribed medications without consulting your prescribing doctor.
Many patients find they need medication less frequently as their headaches improve with chiropractic care. Some are eventually able to stop medication entirely (with their doctor's approval), while others continue medication but have better overall control of their headaches.
I'm seeing a neurologist for migraines. Should I tell them I'm seeing a chiropractor?
Yes, please do. I'm happy to coordinate care with your neurologist. Many neurologists are supportive of chiropractic care as part of a comprehensive migraine management plan.
I've tried physical therapy for my headaches and it didn't help. Will chiropractic be different?
Possibly. Physical therapy focuses primarily on exercises and stretching. Chiropractic adds joint manipulation to restore proper alignment and mechanics.
If your headaches are caused by vertebral misalignment or restricted joint movement, you may respond better to chiropractic care. However, if PT addressed your neck mechanics and you didn't improve, there may be other factors we need to investigate.
What about Botox for migraines?
Botox can be effective for chronic migraines by relaxing muscles and blocking pain signals. It's a valid treatment option, especially for severe cases.
Some patients use both Botox and chiropractic care. Others try chiropractic first and only pursue Botox if conservative care doesn't provide adequate relief.
I'm not opposed to Botox — I just prefer to start with conservative approaches when appropriate.
About Lifestyle and Prevention
What can I do at home to prevent headaches?
Several things:
Ergonomics:
- Monitor at eye level
- Sit with good posture
- Take breaks every 30-45 minutes
- Keep your phone at eye level instead of looking down
Sleep:
- Use proper pillow height (one pillow that keeps neck neutral)
- Avoid stomach sleeping
- Maintain consistent sleep schedule
Stress management:
- Practice regular relaxation techniques
- Address jaw clenching (many people clench without realizing it)
- Consider stress counseling if chronic stress is a factor
Hydration:
- Drink adequate water throughout the day
- Limit caffeine (or keep it consistent — withdrawal causes headaches)
Movement:
- Regular exercise improves overall headache control
- Specific neck stretches (I'll teach you which ones)
Should I avoid certain foods?
For migraines, common triggers include aged cheeses, red wine, processed meats, chocolate, and MSG. However, triggers are highly individual.
I recommend keeping a headache diary to identify your specific triggers rather than avoiding foods unnecessarily.
For tension headaches, food is rarely a trigger.
Does stress cause headaches or make them worse?
Both. Stress causes muscle tension, which leads to tension headaches. Stress can also lower your migraine threshold, making you more susceptible to migraine triggers.
While I can't eliminate stress from your life, I can help your body handle it better by keeping your neck and upper back functioning properly.
About Insurance and Cost
Does insurance cover chiropractic care for headaches?
Most insurance plans include chiropractic coverage, though specifics vary by plan. We can verify your benefits before you start treatment.
Some plans cover a set number of visits per year. Others cover treatment as long as it's medically necessary.
What if I don't have insurance?
We offer cash rates for patients without insurance coverage. Call our office for current pricing — we're often more affordable than people expect.
How much will treatment cost total?
This depends on:
- How many visits you need (varies based on condition severity)
- Your insurance coverage and copay/deductible
- Whether you're paying cash
I can give you a treatment plan with estimated costs after your initial evaluation when I know what we're dealing with.
About Safety and Risks
Is it safe to have my neck adjusted if I have migraines?
Yes, when performed by a trained chiropractor. I use techniques appropriate for each patient and never force movement.
If you have specific concerns about neck adjustments, let me know. I have multiple techniques available, including gentler mobilization approaches.
Are there any risks to chiropractic treatment?
Chiropractic care is very safe. The most common "side effect" is mild soreness for 24 hours after treatment, similar to post-workout soreness.
Serious complications are extremely rare when treatment is performed by a licensed chiropractor who has taken a proper history and examination.
Can chiropractic care make my headaches worse?
It's uncommon, but occasionally patients experience a temporary increase in symptoms as their body adjusts to improved mechanics. This typically resolves within 24-48 hours.
If your headaches worsen and don't improve, we'll modify our approach.
About Results and Outcomes
What's a realistic expectation for improvement?
For tension and cervicogenic headaches: Clinical studies and guidelines support that most patients see significant improvement or complete resolution with chiropractic care combined with postural correction and exercises.
For migraines: Research shows that many patients experience reduction in frequency and/or severity, though complete elimination is less common. Individual results vary based on migraine type and triggers.
For cluster headaches: Results vary; I typically recommend a referral to a neurologist for cluster headaches to evaluate further.
Individual outcomes depend on factors like how long you've had headaches, underlying causes, adherence to home exercises, and lifestyle modifications.
What if chiropractic care doesn't help my headaches?
If you're not improving after 4-6 weeks of consistent treatment, we'll reassess. Possible next steps:
- Refer you to a neurologist if we haven't already
- Order imaging if needed
- Coordinate with other providers
- Consider other underlying factors (sleep disorders, hormonal issues, etc.)
I don't keep treating something that isn't working. If chiropractic isn't the answer for your specific headaches, I'll help you find what is.
Ann Arbor Specific Questions
I work downtown and can't take much time off. How does scheduling work?
Appointments after your initial visit take 5-15 minutes. I'm open Monday through Thursday with both morning and afternoon hours to accommodate different schedules.
Many downtown workers come in during lunch or right after work.
Do you treat U-M students?
Yes, many of my patients are U-M students dealing with tension headaches from studying and poor posture. U-M Student health insurance often covers chiropractic care.
Still Have Questions?
Call our office at (734) 929-4523. I'm happy to discuss your specific situation and whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your headaches.
You can also schedule online for an initial evaluation.
Performance Health Chiropractic 2330 E Stadium Blvd #3, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Hours: Monday–Thursday 9 AM–1 PM, 3 PM–6 PM
Related Pages: Headaches & Migraines | Neck Pain | Upper Back Pain
About Dr. Timothy Dehr: Dr. Dehr has treated thousands of headache and migraine patients over nearly two decades. He specializes in identifying and correcting cervical spine dysfunction that contributes to chronic headaches. His approach combines evidence-based chiropractic techniques with practical lifestyle modifications to provide lasting relief.
Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only. If you're experiencing severe pain, sudden severe headache (worst headache of your life), headache with fever and stiff neck, or any concerning symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
