Migraines and headaches are a common reason patients seek care at Woodroof Chiropractic & Acupuncture in Olathe. Symptoms can range from occasional pressure to episodes that disrupt work, sleep, and daily function. Lasting improvement starts with identifying why your headaches are occurring—not just chasing symptoms.
Read our blog here about a patient with headaches and their pain relief with chiropractic care
Migraines and headaches often develop when specific joints, muscles, discs, or nerves become irritated, restricted, or overloaded—commonly influenced by posture, repetitive strain, stress load, or prior injury. An accurate diagnosis helps determine the best treatment approach and a realistic recovery timeline.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Headaches & Migraines
A quick explanation from Dr. Woodroof on how gentle chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, and hydromassage work together to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.
How We Evaluate Migraines & Headaches
If you’ve tried “quick fixes” with only temporary relief, it’s usually because the underlying driver hasn’t been clearly identified. Your evaluation at our office is designed to determine which headache pattern you fit and what’s contributing to it.
1) Consultation (your story matters)
We begin with a detailed history to understand:
- When symptoms started and how often they occur
- Where the pain begins and where it travels (temple, behind the eye, base of skull, one-sided vs both sides)
- Triggers (screen time, driving, stress, sleep position, exertion, certain movements)
- Associated symptoms (nausea, light/sound sensitivity, dizziness, aura, jaw tension)
- Prior care and what has/hasn’t worked (medications, PT, massage, injections, imaging)
2) Physical examination (identify the pain generator)
Next, we perform a focused exam that may include:
- Cervical and upper thoracic joint motion testing (restriction patterns that can refer pain into the head)
- Muscle and tissue assessment (suboccipitals, upper traps, scalenes, temporalis, TMJ-related tension patterns)
- Neurological screening (strength, sensation, reflexes as indicated)
- Movement and posture assessment (head/neck position, shoulder girdle control, workstation-related patterns)
3) Imaging when clinically indicated (not routine, but sometimes important)
When appropriate, diagnostic imaging such as X-rays may be recommended to evaluate spinal alignment, joint integrity, or degenerative changes—especially when symptoms are persistent, there is a history of injury, there are exam findings that change the working diagnosis, or you’ve had a non-resolving pattern. This step matters because the diagnosis directly determines treatment selection, prognosis, and how long care may take.
What Causes Migraines & Headaches?
Headaches are not “one condition.” Many people use the word headache to describe different clinical patterns with different drivers. In practice, headaches commonly involve a combination of mechanical stress, tissue sensitivity, and reduced tolerance to daily loads.
Cervical joint dysfunction and referred pain
Restricted or irritated joints—especially in the upper neck—can refer pain into the head (often the base of the skull, temple, or behind the eye). This is commonly seen in cervicogenic patterns and in people whose symptoms worsen with posture or neck movement.
Muscle overload and protective guarding
Prolonged screen time, stress load, and repetitive positions can increase muscle tension and reduce tissue capacity. Overloaded muscles can become sensitive and contribute to tension-type headache patterns or amplify migraine frequency.
Nerve irritation and sensitization
In some cases, irritated cervical tissues may influence headache severity by increasing sensitivity in related nerve pathways. This does not mean “damage” is present, but rather that the system has become reactive—often after a period of cumulative strain, poor sleep, or a prior neck injury.
Common Symptoms of Migraines & Headaches
Patients commonly notice:
- Dull pressure, tightness, or band-like headache
- One-sided head pain or pain behind one eye
- Headaches that start in the neck and “climb” into the head
- Neck stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Shoulder/upper back tightness
- Sensitivity to light or sound (common in migraine patterns)
- Nausea or stomach upset (migraine patterns)
- Symptoms worsened by prolonged sitting, screens, driving, or stress
- Flare-ups linked to sleep position or travel
What Patients Commonly Report
Without relying on testimonials, there are consistent trends we hear in clinic:
- “I can’t find a comfortable position when it flares up.”
- “It builds during the day, especially at my desk.”
- “I feel temporary relief, but it doesn’t last.”
- “It’s worse after travel, stress, or poor sleep.”
- “My neck always feels tight when my headaches are bad.”
These patterns help us narrow the likely drivers and choose the right plan.
How Chiropractic Helps Migraines & Headaches
Chiropractic care is not positioned as a “one-size-fits-all cure” for migraines or headaches. Instead, it can be helpful when your pattern involves mechanical contributors—especially in the cervical and upper thoracic spine.
Mechanisms we target include:
- Restoring joint motion in areas that commonly refer pain into the head
- Reducing mechanical stress on sensitive tissues through improved movement and posture strategies
- Improving tissue tolerance by addressing stiffness + muscle overload patterns
- Supporting nerve function by decreasing irritation and improving movement efficiency
- Improving movement control (neck/shoulder mechanics) so daily activities stop re-triggering symptoms
Our Treatment Approach at Woodroof Chiropractic
Because no two headache cases are identical, care is customized to your diagnosis, exam findings, severity, and response to treatment. Your plan may include:
- Targeted chiropractic adjustments to restore motion and reduce joint-related irritation
- Spinal decompression when clinically indicated (often relevant when disc-related neck findings are part of the picture)
- Hydromassage therapy to reduce muscle guarding and improve comfort during recovery
- Cupping therapy to address stubborn soft-tissue tension patterns
- A practical home plan using your exercise & stretch routine for mobility and tissue capacity
As function improves and irritation decreases, care is progressed and adjusted. Many patients notice improvement within the first several visits, though timelines vary based on chronicity, underlying drivers, and individual response.
Prognosis & What to Expect
Headache recovery depends on the pattern and how long it has been present.
Acute or recent-onset patterns
When headaches are tied to a recent flare, posture change, travel, or mild strain, symptoms often respond more quickly—especially when mechanical drivers are identified early.
Chronic or recurrent patterns
If headaches have been present for months/years, or they recur frequently, improvement typically requires more than symptom control. We focus on restoring motion, improving tissue tolerance, and reducing repeated triggers (workstation habits, sleep position, stress load, movement efficiency). This often takes a structured plan and consistency.
When imaging, co-management, or referral is appropriate
If exam findings suggest a non-mechanical driver, symptoms are worsening or atypical, or there are red-flag features (sudden “worst headache,” neurological changes, progressive weakness, concerning systemic symptoms), we will recommend the appropriate next step—imaging and/or medical co-management—because accurate diagnosis determines safe care.
If insurance is a factor in timing or planning, you can review insurance information before scheduling.
FAQ — Migraines & Headaches
Q: Why do migraines or headaches get worse with prolonged sitting?
A: Sitting places pressure on the upper cervical joints, increasing muscle tension and nerve irritation that trigger headache patterns.
Q: Do I need X-rays for headaches or migraines?
A: Most patients do not need imaging unless red flags or trauma are present.
Q: How long until I feel better?
A: Many patients improve within the first 1–3 visits depending on severity, duration, and underlying mechanical issues.
Q: Can neck problems cause pain behind the eyes or temples?
A: Yes. Irritated upper cervical nerves commonly refer pain into the eyes, forehead, and temples.
Q: What makes headaches or migraines flare up?
A: Triggers include posture strain, stress, dehydration, repetitive motion, inflammation, and prolonged screen time
Ready for relief?
Call our Olathe chiropractic office at 913-735-6351 or schedule your visit online to begin a thorough evaluation and personalized care plan.
