Headaches & Migraines
Recurring headaches — especially those connected to neck tension — are one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care. At Two Sparrows, we take a thorough approach to identifying what's contributing to your headaches.
Tension-type headaches, often with a band-like pressure feeling
Headaches that start at the base of the skull or upper neck
Headaches that worsen with poor posture or after long periods at a desk
Migraine patients whose episodes seem connected to neck tension
Symptoms We Commonly See
Understanding Headache Types
Not all headaches are the same, and understanding which type you're dealing with helps clarify whether chiropractic care is likely to help.
Why It Happens
Many headaches, particularly tension-type and cervicogenic (neck-related) headaches, are closely tied to function in the upper cervical spine. Restricted movement or misalignment in this area can irritate nerves and muscles involved in headache pain.
Common Headache Types
Tension-type headaches — the most common type, often described as a band-like pressure around the head, closely linked to muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
Cervicogenic headaches — headaches that originate from dysfunction in the neck itself, often one-sided and worsened by certain neck movements or positions
Migraines — a distinct neurological condition involving specific symptoms like throbbing pain, light/sound sensitivity, and sometimes visual disturbances (aura)
Cluster headaches — a less common but severe type involving intense, one-sided pain, usually requiring specialized medical management
Common Contributing Factors
Neck tension and restricted movement in the upper cervical spine
Poor posture, especially from prolonged screen time
Stress and muscle tension
Dehydration and irregular sleep patterns
For migraines specifically: a range of individual triggers that vary significantly person to person
When to Seek Medical Evaluation
Seek immediate medical attention for: the sudden onset of the "worst headache of your life," a headache with fever and stiff neck, a headache following head trauma, or a headache accompanied by confusion, vision loss, weakness, or slurred speech.
Our Approach
We evaluate alignment and movement in the upper neck, along with posture and any history of injury, to identify what may be contributing to your headaches. Adjustments aim to restore normal function in this area.
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please seek immediate medical care for sudden, severe, or unusual headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Migraines are a distinct neurological condition, and chiropractic care isn't a cure. However, some migraine sufferers whose episodes are connected to neck tension report improvement as part of a broader management plan with their physician.
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We pay particular attention to the upper cervical spine and any postural or injury history that could be contributing specifically to headache patterns.
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Sudden, severe, or unusual headaches — especially the "worst headache of your life" — should be evaluated by a physician immediately to rule out serious causes.
— not planning around the next headache, or losing hours of your day to pain that seems to come out of nowhere.
Holistic, non-invasive chiropractic care helps to provide a clear and hopeful path forward for you and your family, meeting you exactly where you are, whether you're dealing with a nagging ache that's overstayed its welcome or searching for real answers after years of being told to just live with it. You don't have to have all the answers today — just a willingness to explore what's possible, one gentle step at a time.