The Scope of the Problem

Tension‑type headache (TTH) is the most common headache worldwide, affecting up to 46 % of adults at some point in life PMC. Migraine isn’t far behind—roughly 1 in 6 Americans report migraine or severe headache every three months, with women twice as likely to suffer PubMed. Because over‑the‑counter painkillers often offer temporary relief and carry rebound‑headache risk, many patients look to chiropractic for a drug‑free solution.

How Headaches Start in the Neck

• Cervical joint fixation and poor posture tighten sub‑occipital muscles.
  
  
• Muscle tension compresses occipital nerves, referring pain to the temples and behind the eyes.
  
  
• Facet‑joint irritation triggers a pain reflex that your brain interprets as a “head” ache.
  
  

Chiropractic adjustments restore normal joint motion, reduce muscle spindle activity, and calm sensitised pain pathways—especially effective for cervicogenic and tension‑type headaches.

Evidence Snapshot

Study 1: Cervicogenic Headaches

What they did: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 19 participants dealing with cervicogenic headaches.
Follow-up: 6 months
What happened:
The group that received chiropractic care had a sustained drop in their headache index, while the control group showed no change.
Published in PMC

Study 2: Migraines

What they did: An RCT comparing spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) to a placebo treatment for migraine sufferers.
Follow-up: 3 months
What happened:
Both migraine frequency and intensity dropped. Impressively, 22% of participants reported a 90% or greater reduction in their migraine days.
Published in the Australian Journal of Clinical Chiropractic via PubMed

Study 3: Tension-Type Headaches

What they did: A narrative review looking at several studies on manual therapy for tension-type headaches.
What happened:
The review concluded that spinal manipulation appears safe and may reduce the frequency of headaches in some people.
Published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine via PMC

5 Ways We Treat Headaches at Hansen Chiropractic

1. Cervical & Upper‑Thoracic Adjustments
   Specific, low‑force Diversified or Gonstead techniques free restricted joints (C1–C3 often key).
   
   
2. Trigger‑Point Release
   Manual or instrument‑assisted work on sub‑occipitals and upper‑trap trigger points cuts referred head pain.
   
   
3. Postural Retraining (“Tech‑Neck” Fix)
   We coach chin‑tuck drills and prescribe band‑pull‑aparts to reverse forward‑head posture—a major TTH driver.
   
   
4. Migraine Lifestyle Mapping
   Patients log sleep, hydration, stress and food triggers; we integrate these data with care plans.
   
   
5. At‑Home Mobility Toolkit
   Foam‑roller thoracic extensions, lacrosse‑ball sub‑occipital release, blue‑light‑filter tips for screen strain.
   
   

When Should You Call a Phoenix Chiropractor?

Red‑Flag Sign

Explanation

Headaches ≥ 15 days per month for > 3 months

Chronic TTH affects up to 4 % of adults and often needs manual therapy PMC

Head pain begins after whiplash or desk‑setup change

Indicates cervicogenic origin

OTC meds no longer help or cause rebound pain

Chiropractic offers a non‑pharma route

Accompanied by arm numbness or dizziness

Signals cervical spine involvement—needs assessment

What to Expect in Our Clinic

1. Digital Posture Scan & Orthopedic Tests
   
   
2. Neck X‑ray if fracture or severe degeneration suspected.
   
   
3. First Adjustment using drop‑table or instrument, zero rotation for safety.
   
   
4. Re‑exam at Visit 6 to document pain‑score and ROM gains.
   
   
5. Discharge or Wellness Plan once headache frequency drops ≥ 75 %.
   
   

FAQ

Is chiropractic safe for migraine?
Yes. Large RCTs show spinal manipulation as safe with rare minor soreness. We avoid high‑velocity rotation.

How many visits before I feel relief?
Many tension‑type sufferers feel noticeable change by visit 3; chronic migraine may require 6–8 visits plus lifestyle coaching.

Will my insurance cover it?
Most PPOs and Med‑Pay auto policies cover chiropractic headache treatment; we verify benefits for free.

Key Takeaways

• Tension‑type headache affects nearly half of adults; migraine hits 15 % of Americans.
  
  
• Cervical dysfunction is a major, fixable trigger.
  
  
• Evidence suggests chiropractic adjustments can cut headache days and intensity without drugs.
  
  

Ready to Break the Headache Cycle?

Book a same‑day exam at Hansen Chiropractic in South Mountain, Phoenix. Call (602) 555‑1234 or schedule online and start feeling clear‑headed again.

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