Condition, Headaches & Migraines
Upper cervicalHeadache & Migraine Relief in Edmonton
Many headaches start in the neck, so that’s where we look.
If painkillers only buy you a few hours before the headache returns, it’s because they never touched the cause. For many people, that cause is in the neck, not the head.
Tension headaches and cervicogenic (neck-related) headaches are the two we most often help with. Both are driven by the muscles and joints of the neck and upper back, which means they respond to hands-on care.
Headache types we help with
- Tension headaches (band-like, both sides)
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull
- Pain that comes with neck stiffness
- Screen- and posture-related headaches
- Headaches with tight shoulders and jaw
- Neck-related triggers for migraines
The neck, headache connection
The joints and muscles of the upper neck refer pain straight up into the head. Forward-head posture from screens, stress that tightens the shoulders, and old neck injuries like whiplash all load that area, and the head pays the price.
That’s why so many headaches arrive with a stiff neck or tight shoulders, and why treating the neck often eases the headache with it.
What about migraines?
Chiropractic isn’t a cure for migraines, and we’ll always be straight with you about that. But many migraine sufferers have neck dysfunction acting as a trigger. Reducing that neck tension can, for some people, mean fewer or less intense episodes. We assess first and tell you honestly whether we think we can help.
How we treat headaches
Care typically combines gentle adjustments to free up the upper neck, massage therapy to release the neck and shoulder muscles, and posture guidance to stop the tension rebuilding. Low-force, instrument-assisted options are available if you prefer.
Treatment
How we treat headaches & migraines
Questions
Frequently asked questions
01Can a chiropractor really help headaches?
For tension and neck-related headaches, which are very common, yes, often significantly, because we treat the neck structures generating the pain rather than masking it.
02When should a headache be checked by a doctor?
A sudden “worst headache of your life,” a headache after a head injury, or one with vision changes, confusion, fever, or weakness needs urgent medical care. We screen for these.
03How soon might I notice a difference?
Some people feel relief quickly; others need a short course of care. We’ll give you a realistic estimate after your assessment.