chiropractic care

Chiroparcitic and headaches


  • Approximately 15% of the US population Experiences migraine with women afflicted 3 times as often as men (1)

  • 40% of those with episodic migraines have unmet treatment needs (2)

  • Common Types of headaches: Tension (most common), Sinus, exertion, migraine, Hormonal, cluster, hypertension

  • The brain does not have nociceptors (pain receptors), meaning it does not sense pain. Headaches are typically a result from the surrounding structures; Blood vessels, meninges, muscle fibers, fascial structures and nerves

Pathophyiology of a headache

The pathophysiology of a headache is not fully understood. Many studies attempt to correlate certain anatomical structures to different types of headaches. A full history and exam should be done to determine the type of headache. If the type of headache can be determined, it can bet better treated. As listed above, some common types include tension, migraine, sinus, cluster and hormonal headaches. Understanding which type of headache you have, can help to determine the best treatment options.

  • Tension Headaches:

  • Migraines:

  • Cluster headaches:

  • Hormonal headaches

  • Sinus Headaches:

Your neck (Cervical spine) is made up of 7 vertebrae’s stacked on top of each other. Each vertebrae is names for its level, so C1 is the first vertebrae below the skull. C2 is below C1 and C3-7 are below C2. Headaches, primarily tension and some migraines, have been linked to misalignment of restricted movement of your C1 and C2 can contribute to your headache symptoms. If there is a misalignment in your upper cervical vertebrae it can cause pressure of structures (nerves, spinal cord, arteries, muscles) in that area which can cause headaches. Think of a misalignment like it is a kink in a hose. The kink restricts the flow of water and a misalignment can restrict the communication between nerves and put pressure on your vessels. An adjustment is like removing a kink in the hose, allowing for proper flow.

Misalignments in the C1/C2 area can also cause the muscles at the base of your skull to tighten (these are called suboccipital muscles). The muscles can also put pressure on surrounding nerves and cause headaches.

How Chiropractic can Help

Chiropractic assess the movement and mobility of joints at each individual level. Adjustment correct and restore motion in the joints. Chiropractors not only assess the alignment and motion of your joints, but also the surrounding tissues like muscles, tendons and ligaments. Addressing the alignment and soft tissues in tension type headaches and migraines has been shown to reduce intensity, frequency and severity of headaches (3).

A Study conducted looked at physical therapy and chiropractic adjustments of the upper cervical and upper thoracic areas found that people who had cervicogenic headache experienced a greater reduction in headache intensity, disability, frequency and duration (4).

  • A 2018 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that chiropractic care was more effective than usual medical care for treating acute low back pain. The study involved over 750 active-duty military personnel, and those who received chiropractic care had significantly lower pain levels and better physical functioning after six weeks of treatment (2).

  • A 2017 systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in the journal Spine found that spinal manipulation (a common chiropractic technique) was effective for improving low back pain in the short term. The review concluded that spinal manipulation had a moderate effect on reducing pain and improving function (3).

  • A 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 RCTs published in the journal Chiropractic & Manual Therapies found that chiropractic care was effective for improving chronic low back pain in the short term. The review concluded that chiropractic care could be considered a safe and effective treatment option for chronic low back pain (4).

  • A 2013 systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 RCTs published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that spinal manipulation was as effective as other treatments (such as medication and exercise) for reducing low back pain in the short term. The review also found that spinal manipulation was safe when performed by a trained and licensed chiropractor (5).

 Low back pain: The Facts

  • Low back pain (LBP) is the number one cause of disability world wide (1)

  • It is the number 2 reason why people visit the doctor (number one is respiratory infection)

  • Up to 84% of adults experience LBP and 50% will have more than one episode (1)

  • about $50 Billion is spend per year on LBP (1)

Visit Frequency for Chiropractic Care

The frequency of chiropractic visits can vary depending on the individual patient's needs and condition. Here is some research on the frequency of chiropractic visits for acute care and wellness care:

Acute Care:

  1. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics in 2005 found that patients with acute low back pain who received chiropractic care 2-3 times per week for 2-4 weeks experienced significant improvements in pain and disability (1).

  2. Another study published in the same journal in 2010 found that patients with acute low back pain who received chiropractic care 4-6 times over a two-week period experienced greater improvements in pain and disability than those who received care less frequently (2).

Based on these studies, it appears that chiropractic care 2-3 times per week for 2-4 weeks may be an appropriate frequency for acute care of low back pain.

Wellness Care:

  1. A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics in 2011 found that patients with chronic low back pain who received maintenance chiropractic care (chiropractic care at regular intervals to prevent recurrence) experienced less pain and disability than those who received symptomatic treatment (3).

  2. A review of the literature published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine in 2009 suggested that patients who received maintenance chiropractic care (typically once per month) experienced improved function and decreased need for pain medication (4).

Based on these studies, it appears that maintenance chiropractic care (typically once per month) may be an appropriate frequency for wellness care to prevent recurrence of low back pain. However, the optimal frequency may vary depending on individual patient needs and should be determined in consultation with a healthcare provider.

Chiropractic and Kids

Did you know kids can see chiropractors too? Their treatment looks a little different than an adult’s but there are benefits to bringing your little ones in for an adjustment. Adjusting babies and kids is much genlter tan adjusting adults. Chiropractors can help after a traumatic birth, help with latching issues and even colic symptoms. As a family chiropractor, my focus is on safe, gentle, and effective chiropractic care for the entire family.