Headaches & migraines. When the neck is the trigger, treat the neck.

Not every headache starts in the neck, but a large share do. Tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches come from the upper neck and the muscles attached to the base of the skull. Many migraine patients find the neck is one of their triggers. We treat what we can see and tell you plainly when it isn't ours.

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Usually treated with

Your first visit

History and hands-on exam first
X-ray on site, only when the exam calls for it
A plain-language explanation and a plan, or a referral

What to expect →

Sound familiar?

What neck-driven headaches feel like.

Headache that starts at the base of the skull and wraps forward
Pain behind one eye, often on the same side as a stiff neck
Headaches late in a workday or after long screen time
Neck stiffness or tenderness that goes with the headache
Migraines where turning or pressing on the neck changes the pain
Jaw tension or clenching alongside the headaches

What's usually going on

The mechanics behind it.

The upper neck and the head share nerve supply. Irritation in the top cervical joints is frequently felt in the head rather than the neck, which is why people can have neck-driven headaches without a 'sore neck'. These are called cervicogenic headaches, and they respond to restoring motion in those joints.

Migraines are a neurological condition, not a neck problem, and we don't claim to cure them. What we can do is reduce the neck-related triggers that set them off or make them worse. For many patients that means fewer or milder episodes. For some it changes little, and we'll say so after a reasonable trial rather than keep you coming.

How we treat it at Borealis

Find the cause. Treat it. Keep it from coming back.

Find the cause

A detailed headache history (where it starts, what triggers it, how long it lasts) and an exam of the upper neck, jaw and upper back. We screen for the red flags above every time.

Treat it

Gentle, specific adjusting of the upper cervical joints, soft-tissue work on the suboccipital muscles, and cold laser for persistent tension. Upper-neck work is low-force; it doesn't need to be forceful to be effective.

Keep it from coming back

Screen setup, hydration, sleep position, and a couple of neck mobility drills. If food or hormones are part of your pattern, our clinical nutrition side can look at that with you.

Services involved Chiropractic Massage therapy MLS cold laser Clinical nutrition

Questions

What people ask about headaches & migraines.

Don't see yours? Call and ask. The front desk will get you an answer or put you through to a doctor.

Can chiropractic cure migraines?

No, and anyone who promises that should be avoided. Migraine is neurological. We treat the musculoskeletal triggers, which for many people reduces frequency or severity. We agree on a trial period up front and re-evaluate honestly.

How do I know if my headaches come from my neck?

Common signs: it starts at the back of the head, it's one-sided and matches a stiff side of the neck, pressing on the upper neck reproduces it, or it follows long periods of looking down. The exam confirms it.

Is upper-neck adjusting safe?

Upper cervical adjusting is low-force and specific. We screen every patient for the conditions that would make it inappropriate and use instrument or non-thrust techniques when that's the better choice.

Should I stop my medication?

Not without talking to the physician who prescribed it. We work alongside your medical care, not instead of it.

Describe it. We'll figure out the rest.

Call and talk to Dawn at the front desk, or walk in Monday through Thursday. You'll leave your first visit knowing what's going on.