Chiropractic Care for Headaches & Migraines in Raleigh, NC

Headaches and migraines can have many different causes and contributing factors. For some patients, neck stiffness, muscle tension, posture, previous injuries, or restricted movement in the cervical spine may contribute to their symptoms.

At Carolina ChiroCare & Rehab, we evaluate patients with recurring headaches and migraines to determine whether musculoskeletal problems involving the neck may be playing a role and whether chiropractic care is appropriate.

Can Chiropractic Care Help With Headaches and Migraines?

Chiropractic care may be helpful for some patients whose headaches are associated with neck pain, joint restriction, muscle tension, posture, or certain types of injury. The first step is determining what type of headache you are experiencing and whether there are musculoskeletal factors that can reasonably be addressed through chiropractic care.

Depending on your examination findings, treatment may focus on improving neck mobility, reducing muscular tension, addressing postural strain, and restoring more comfortable movement.

• Chiropractic adjustments when appropriate
• Soft tissue and muscle therapy
• Therapeutic exercises
• Posture and ergonomic recommendations
• Home-care strategies
• Treatment of related neck or upper-back problems

Types of Headaches We Commonly Evaluate

Tension Headaches

• Often feel like pressure or tightness around the head.
• May occur with neck, shoulder, or upper-back muscle tension.
• Posture and prolonged desk or computer work may contribute.

Cervicogenic Headaches

• Originate from structures in the neck and may produce pain that travels into the head.
• Often occur along with neck stiffness or reduced cervical movement.
• Evaluating the neck is an important part of determining whether chiropractic treatment may help.

Migraines

• May involve moderate to severe head pain, nausea, or sensitivity to light and sound.
• Migraines can have several triggers and are not always caused by a neck problem.
• We evaluate whether neck tension, restricted mobility, or other musculoskeletal factors may be contributing.

Post-Traumatic Headaches

• Can occur after a car accident, whiplash injury, fall, or other trauma.
• Symptoms may occur together with neck pain, stiffness, dizziness, or limited movement.
• A thorough evaluation helps determine whether treatment or further medical assessment is needed.

How We Evaluate Headaches and Migraines

Because headaches can have many different causes, we do not assume that every headache is coming from the neck. Your evaluation helps determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate and whether another type of medical evaluation may be needed.

• When the headaches began
• Where the pain is located
• Frequency and duration of symptoms
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Previous injuries or whiplash
• Headache triggers
• Posture and daily activities
• Cervical range of motion
• Muscle tension and tenderness
• Neurological or other associated symptoms

When indicated, Dr. Gerdes may also consider previous imaging, medical records, or other diagnostic information. If your symptoms suggest a condition outside the scope of chiropractic care, we will recommend appropriate medical follow-up.

Chiropractic Treatment for Headaches in Raleigh

When examination findings indicate that the neck or surrounding musculoskeletal structures may be contributing to headaches, treatment is tailored to those findings. We do not use the same treatment plan for every headache or migraine patient.

• Chiropractic adjustments to improve restricted cervical joint movement
• Soft tissue therapy for tight or irritated neck and shoulder muscles
• Therapeutic exercise to improve mobility and support the cervical spine
• Postural guidance for workstations, prolonged sitting, and repetitive activities
• Home-care recommendations based on the patient's specific symptoms and examination
• Treatment recommendations depend on the type of headache, examination findings, overall health, and whether a musculoskeletal component is present.

If you’re tired of living with chronic headaches or migraines, schedule an appointment with us. Our Raleigh team can help you find natural, lasting relief and get back to enjoying your life without pain.