Headache And Migraine Treatment In Des Moines
Find Relief From Headaches And Migraines
Not all head pain is the same, and treating a tension headache the same way you'd treat a migraine rarely works. Both can be disruptive, but they often come from different underlying causes, which means they respond best to different approaches.
At ADIO Chiropractic Clinic, Dr. Jeffery Stickel and Dr. Luis Amador-Gaxiola start by identifying what type of head pain you're dealing with and what's actually causing it, rather than treating every headache the same way. That distinction often makes the difference between temporary relief and lasting improvement.
Ready to find relief? Request an appointment today.
Understanding Headaches And Migraines
Why Identifying The Type Of Head Pain Matters
Head pain isn't one condition, it's a category that covers several different patterns, each with its own likely causes. Getting an accurate picture of what type of headache or migraine you're experiencing is the first step toward treatment that actually addresses the problem instead of just numbing it temporarily.
Common Types Of Headaches And Migraines
- Tension headaches feel like a tight band around the head and are often linked to muscle tension in the neck and upper back, frequently from posture or stress.
- Cervicogenic headaches originate from the neck itself, where restricted joints or irritated nerves in the cervical spine refer pain up into the head.
- Migraines typically involve more intense, often one-sided pain, and may come with nausea, light sensitivity, or visual disturbances. Migraines can have a neurological component beyond simple muscle tension.
- Cluster headaches are less common but involve severe, recurring pain, usually around one eye, occurring in clusters over days or weeks.
Many patients experience a combination of these, particularly tension and cervicogenic patterns, since neck restriction and muscle tension often feed into each other.
How Neck And Spine Health Connects To Head Pain
A significant number of chronic headaches, and even some migraines, are linked to what's happening in the neck rather than the head itself. Restricted movement in the cervical spine can irritate nerves that refer pain upward, while ongoing muscle tension in the neck and shoulders can trigger the same tension-headache pattern day after day. This is why addressing the neck directly, rather than only treating the head pain itself, often leads to more lasting results.
Headache And Migraine Treatment Options At ADIO Chiropractic Clinic
Depending on the type and likely cause of your head pain, treatment may include:
- Chiropractic Adjustments to restore proper movement to the neck and reduce nerve irritation linked to cervicogenic headaches
- Decompression Therapy for head pain related to pressure or tension in the cervical spine
- Chiropractic Rehabilitation & Corrective Care to fully evaluate the neck and spine using digital X-ray imaging when headaches have been ongoing
Because migraines can involve factors beyond the neck and spine, Dr. Stickel and Dr. Amador-Gaxiola will talk through your specific pattern of symptoms to determine whether chiropractic care is likely to help and what else might be worth exploring alongside it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my headache is coming from my neck?
Headaches that originate in the neck, known as cervicogenic headaches, often start with stiffness or discomfort at the base of the skull or in the neck before spreading upward. They also tend to worsen with certain neck movements or after long periods in one position, like sitting at a desk. If your headaches consistently follow this pattern, the neck is worth evaluating as a potential source.
Can chiropractic care help with migraines, or only headaches?
Chiropractic care tends to be most effective for headaches with a clear musculoskeletal component, like tension or cervicogenic headaches. Migraines can have additional neurological or vascular factors involved, so while some migraine sufferers do find relief through chiropractic care, particularly if neck tension is a contributing trigger, it isn't a guaranteed solution for every migraine pattern. An evaluation can help clarify whether your migraines are likely to respond.
What triggers frequent tension headaches?
Frequent tension headaches are commonly linked to prolonged muscle tension in the neck and upper back, often from posture habits like looking down at a phone or sitting at a desk for long stretches. Stress, poor sleep, and jaw clenching can also contribute. Because these triggers tend to build up over time, tension headaches often become more frequent the longer they go unaddressed.
Is it normal to get headaches almost every day?
Headaches occurring nearly every day, sometimes called chronic daily headaches, aren't something to consider normal, even if each individual episode feels mild. This pattern often points to an underlying issue, such as ongoing neck tension or restricted movement, that's worth having evaluated rather than managing with pain relievers alone.
How do I schedule an appointment with a headache and migraine chiropractor near me in Des Moines?
Scheduling is simple. Request an appointment online, and our team will follow up quickly to confirm your visit. We look forward to helping you find relief.