Headache and Migraine Treatment in Ann Arbor

If you're taking ibuprofen multiple times a week, canceling plans because of a migraine, or dealing with tension headaches that won't go away, you already know that headaches control too much of your life. You've probably tried medication, hydration, avoiding triggers, better sleep — and they help temporarily, but the headaches keep coming back.

Most chronic headaches stem from mechanical problems in your neck and upper back. When I address those underlying issues through chiropractic care, my patients find the relief that medication alone couldn't provide.

Types of Headaches I Treat

Tension Headaches

The most common type — feels like a tight band around your head, pressure across your forehead, or aching pain at the base of your skull. Usually caused by:

• Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
• Poor posture (forward head position)
• Stress and jaw clenching
• Long hours at a computer

Common in: Office workers, students, anyone sitting at a desk for extended periods, people commuting from Ypsilanti or Saline to Ann Arbor.

Cervicogenic Headaches

Headaches that originate from problems in your neck. Pain typically:

• Starts at the base of the skull
• Radiates to one side of the head
• Worsens with certain neck positions
• Often accompanied by neck stiffness

Common in: People with previous neck injuries, whiplash from car accidents, chronic poor posture, those who sleep in awkward positions.

Migraines

More severe than regular headaches, often with:

• Throbbing pain on one side of the head
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Nausea
• Visual disturbances (aura)
• Can last hours or days

While migraines have multiple triggers, neck dysfunction and muscle tension often make them worse or trigger episodes.

Common in: Women more than men, people with family history of migraines, those with specific food or environmental triggers.

Cluster Headaches

Intense pain concentrated around one eye, occurring in patterns or "clusters." Less common but extremely painful.

Why Neck Problems Cause Headaches

Your upper neck (C1, C2, C3 vertebrae) has direct nerve connections to your head. When these joints become restricted or misaligned:

• Nerves get irritated
• Muscles at the base of your skull go into spasm
• Pain refers from your neck into your head

The cycle: Neck restriction → muscle tension → nerve irritation → headache → more muscle tension → more headaches.

Forward head posture is one of the biggest contributors. For every inch your head moves forward from proper alignment, it adds 10 pounds of pressure on your neck. If you sit at a desk or look down at your phone frequently, your head is likely 2-3 inches forward — that's 20-30 extra pounds your neck muscles have to support all day.

Those overworked muscles eventually go into spasm and trigger headaches.

How I Approach Headache Treatment

Comprehensive Evaluation

I start by determining what type of headache you're experiencing and identifying contributing factors:

• Neck mobility and alignment assessment
• Posture evaluation
• Muscle tension palpation
• Range of motion testing
• Discussion of triggers and patterns

Chiropractic Adjustments

Gentle, specific adjustments to restore proper alignment and movement in your cervical spine (neck) and upper thoracic spine. This:

• Reduces nerve irritation
• Relieves muscle tension
• Improves blood flow
• Decreases headache frequency and intensity

I use techniques appropriate for each patient — never forcing or twisting beyond what's comfortable.

Postural Correction

Teaching you how to:

• Position your workspace properly (monitor height, chair setup)
• Improve head and neck alignment
• Reduce forward head posture
• Take movement breaks to prevent tension buildup

Lifestyle Guidance

Identifying and addressing:

• Sleep position issues
• Hydration needs
• Stress management
• Trigger identification (certain foods, activities, environmental factors)

What to Expect During Treatment

First few visits: Focused on reducing current headache frequency and intensity. Most patients notice improvement within 2-3 weeks.

4-8 weeks: Working to correct underlying neck dysfunction and posture issues that cause headaches to recur.

Long-term: Once we've addressed the root mechanical problems, occasional maintenance visits prevent headaches from returning.

Many patients who were taking medication daily find they rarely need it once their neck mechanics are corrected.

When Chiropractic Care Helps Most

Chiropractic treatment is particularly effective for:

• Tension headaches from muscle tightness
• Cervicogenic headaches originating in the neck
• Migraines triggered or worsened by neck tension
• Headaches that worsen with certain positions
• Headaches accompanied by neck pain or stiffness
• Chronic headaches not responding to medication alone

Signs Your Headaches Are Neck-Related

Schedule an evaluation if:

• Headaches start at the base of your skull
• Neck stiffness accompanies your headaches
• Certain head or neck positions make them worse
• You spend long hours at a computer
• Massage temporarily helps but headaches return
• Medication provides relief but doesn't stop recurrence
• You've had whiplash or previous neck injuries

Working Alongside Your Medical Care

I work with many patients whose doctors have referred them for chiropractic evaluation. Chiropractic care often complements medical treatment by addressing the mechanical components that contribute to chronic headaches.

If you're currently seeing a neurologist or taking prescribed migraine medication, I coordinate care to ensure the best outcome. Some patients continue medication while we address neck dysfunction; others find they need medication less frequently once mechanical issues are corrected.

What Makes This Approach Different

Not just symptom relief: I'm looking for the mechanical reason your headaches keep happening — restricted neck joints, muscle imbalances, postural distortions — and fixing those underlying problems.

Individualized treatment: What works for tension headaches is different from what works for cervicogenic headaches or migraines. Your treatment plan is specific to your headache type and contributing factors.

Active participation: I teach you what's causing the problem and give you tools (exercises, ergonomic adjustments, lifestyle modifications) to maintain improvement long-term.

Common Questions

How quickly will I see results? Most patients notice some improvement within 2-3 weeks. Complete resolution of chronic headaches typically takes 6-12 weeks, depending on how long you've had them and what's causing them.

Can chiropractic care help migraines? Yes, especially when neck tension is a trigger. Many migraine sufferers find that addressing cervical spine dysfunction reduces migraine frequency and severity, even if it doesn't eliminate migraines entirely.

Is it safe? Yes. I use gentle techniques appropriate for each patient. Neck adjustments are performed carefully and only when indicated.

Will I need to keep coming forever? Not for weekly treatment, no. Once we've corrected the underlying mechanical problems, most patients transition to occasional maintenance visits (monthly or less) to prevent recurrence.

Who I Help in Ann Arbor

Office workers dealing with afternoon headaches from desk posture U-M students getting tension headaches from studying Parents with neck tension from looking down at young children Healthcare workers in forward-leaning positions all day Anyone who's tried medication but still dealing with frequent headaches Migraine sufferers looking to reduce frequency and severity

Schedule Your Headache Evaluation

Located on East Stadium Boulevard, serving Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Saline, and surrounding communities.

Call (734) 929-4523 or schedule online

Performance Health Chiropractic 2330 E Stadium Blvd #3, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Hours: Monday–Thursday 9 AM–1 PM, 3 PM–6 PM

Related Services: Neck Pain | Upper Back Pain | Chiropractic Adjustments

About Dr. Timothy Dehr: Dr. Dehr has treated thousands of headache patients over nearly two decades of practice. He specializes in identifying and correcting the cervical spine dysfunction that contributes to chronic headaches and migraines. Former University of Michigan varsity gymnast, he understands how proper spinal mechanics affect overall function and quality of life.