North Florida Spine and Injury Center

12/30/2025

Chiropractic Care and Migraine Headaches: Can It Help?

Migraine headaches affect millions of people worldwide and can significantly interfere with daily life. Unlike typical headaches, migraines often come with symptoms such as nausea, light sensitivity, visual disturbances, and intense, throbbing pain that can last for hours or even days. Because migraines can be complex, multi-factorial and difficult to manage, many people explore complementary approaches — one of which is chiropractic care.

So how does chiropractic care relate to migraines, and can it really help? Let’s take a closer look.

Understanding Migraine Headaches

Migraines are considered a neurological condition compared to other headache types. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, migraines are often associated with:

Nervous system dysfunction
Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
Poor posture
Stress and sleep disturbances
Changes in blood flow to the brain

Triggers vary from person to person and may include certain foods, hormonal changes, dehydration, stress, or environmental factors.

Because migraines often involve the neck, spine, and nervous system, chiropractic care has gained attention as a potential supportive option.

What Is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care focuses on the relationship between the spine, nervous system, and overall health. Chiropractors are trained to assess spinal function, joint mobility, muscle tension, and posture. Treatment commonly includes spinal adjustments, along with other techniques such as soft tissue therapy, stretching, physio / physical therapy and lifestyle guidance.

The goal of chiropractic care is not to “cure” migraine symptoms, but to help improve spinal function and reduce physical stressors that may contribute to headache frequency and / or intensity. This will help address the cause / trigger of the migraine and not merely cover up symptoms.

How Chiropractic Care May Help with Migraines

While chiropractic care does not replace various other types of medical treatment, some people report migraine relief when underlying musculoskeletal issues are addressed. Potential benefits include:

1. Improved Neck Mobility and Function

Tension and restricted movement in the cervical spine (neck) may contribute to migraine triggers. Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore normal joint movement and reduce stiffness.

2. Reduced Muscle Tension

Tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back can increase strain on nerves and blood vessels. Soft tissue techniques may help relieve this tension.

3. Nervous System Support

The spine plays a key role in protecting the nervous system. Improved spinal mechanics may help reduce irritation or stress affecting nerve function.

4. Posture Correction

Poor / weak posture — especially from prolonged screen use — can place extra stress on the neck and upper spine. Chiropractors often provide ergonomic and posture guidance to support long-term relief.

5. Stress Reduction

Chronic stress is a common migraine trigger. Many patients report feeling more relaxed after chiropractic sessions, which may indirectly help with migraine management.

What the Research Suggests

Some studies indicate that chiropractic care may help reduce the frequency or severity of migraines for certain individuals, particularly when neck-related dysfunction is involved. However, results vary, and more high-quality research is still needed.

It’s important to note that chiropractic care is generally considered part of a multidisciplinary approach, often working best alongside other medical providers, lifestyle changes, and stress management.

What to Expect During Chiropractic Care for Migraines

A chiropractor will typically begin with a detailed health history and physical examination. This may include questions about migraine frequency, triggers, posture, and daily habits.

Treatment plans are individualized and may involve:

Gentle spinal adjustments
Neck and shoulder muscle work
Stretching or mobility exercises
Posture and ergonomic advice
Lifestyle recommendations such as diet, hydration, sleep habits, and stress management

Care is usually gradual, with progress monitored over time.

Is Chiropractic Care Right for Everyone?

Chiropractic care may be helpful for some people with migraines, but it’s not appropriate for every situation. Individuals with certain medical conditions may need to consult their primary healthcare provider before beginning care.

If migraines are severe, sudden, worsening, or accompanied by symptoms such as confusion, weakness, or vision loss, immediate medical evaluation is essential.

A Supportive Option, Not a Standalone Solution – This Goes for All Treatment Types / Options

Migraines are complex, and no single treatment works for everyone. There is no “one size fits all” solution. Chiropractic care can be a valuable supportive option, particularly for those whose migraines are linked to neck tension, posture, or spinal stress.

If you’re considering chiropractic care for migraines, look for a licensed chiropractor who communicates clearly, works collaboratively with other healthcare providers, and focuses on personalized, evidence-based / informed care.

Final Thoughts

Living with migraines can be challenging, but understanding your options empowers you to take an active role in your health. Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive approach that may help reduce contributing physical factors and improve overall well-being for some individuals.

As always, a comprehensive approach — combining professional care, healthy habits, and trigger management — offers the best chance for long-term migraine relief.

North Florida Spine and Injury Center offers evidence-based care solutions / options for conservative / non-invasive management of many musculoskeletal complaints, injuries and conditions. Please give us a call and we will investigate the cause of your issues and not look to just cover up symptoms.

https://www.northfloridaspineandinjurycenter.com/chiropractic-care-and-migraine-headaches-can-it-help

Dr. Adam Zeccardi DC, FIAMA

North Florida Spine and Injury Center

7855 Argyle Forest Blvd., Suite 905
Jacksonville FL, 32244

P: 904 541-6144
F: 904 541-6154

https://www.NorthFloridaSpineandInjuryCenter.com/

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12/09/2025

Tattoo Ink Moves Through the Body, Killing Immune Cells and Weakening Vaccine Response

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-28/tattoo-ink-linked-to-immune-changes-that-may-raise-cancer-risk-study-finds

Interesting...

Tattoo ink doesn’t just sit inertly in the skin. New research shows it moves rapidly into the lymphatic system, where it can persist for months, kill immune cells, and even disrupt how the body responds to vaccines.

11/08/2025

Rearview camera recall

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-recalls-defects/toyota-lexus-subaru-vehicles-recalled-to-fix-backup-camera-a5934409636/

Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru are recalling over a million vehicles—including the popular Camry, Highlander, and RAV4—to fix faulty backup cameras.

11/08/2025

Safety recall

https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2026/STIHL-Recalls-BR-800-Backpack-Blowers-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled STIHL BR 800 backpack blower and bring it to an authorized STIHL servicing dealer for a free inspection and replacement of the fan wheel.

10/14/2025

U.S. hospitals performed more than 200,000 unnecessary back surgeries on Medicare beneficiaries. That’s one low-value back procedure every eight minutes.

These low-value back procedures cost Medicare more than $1.9 billion over three years.

https://lownhospitalsindex.org/unnecessary-back-surgery-2025/

Dr. Adam Zeccardi DC, FIAMA

North Florida Spine and Injury Center

7855 Argyle Forest Blvd., Suite 905
Jacksonville FL, 32244

P: 904 541-6144
F: 904 541-6154

https://www.NorthFloridaSpineandInjuryCenter.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/North-Florida-Spine-and-Injury-Center/1540271702900169

https://twitter.com/Dr_Zeccardi

https://www.instagram.com/dr.zeccardi/?hl=en

Every eight minutes, an unnecessary back surgery is performed.

05/06/2025

Time for a new mattress or pillow???

Many of you have asked me to recommend a quality, affordable mattress that provides therapeutic support, uses natural materials, and comes from a reputable company with great reviews.

I’m pleased to introduce Saatva.

If your mattress is 6-10 years old and you're still experiencing back or body pain, it may be time for a new one. How old is your mattress?

As part of the Saatva Chiropractic Affiliate Program, all patients get 15% off Saatva’s regular mattress pricing using the link below:

https://saatva.partnerlinks.io/sh0u669x62me

Saatva also offers:

● 15% off discount
● 365-night trial (exchange or return)
● Free White Glove delivery and setup (including mattress/box spring removal)
● Mattresses made with natural and organic materials
● Lifetime warranty
● Made in the USA

Please ask us how you can also have the sales tax reimbursed on your purchase.

The highest quality handcrafted mattresses, bedding & furniture at the most comfortable prices.

04/16/2025

Heads up owners

Honda has just launched one of the largest recall campaigns in recent years in the United States, and although we know Honda always does everything right, a

12/05/2024

Of course, the doctors are the problem. Insurance is a nightmare, change my mind....

https://www.npr.org/2024/12/05/nx-s1-5217617/blue-cross-blue-shield-anesthesia-anthem

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is under scrutiny for planning to put time limits on anesthesia care. The Connecticut comptroller's office said Wednesday it had intervened to block the policy there.

11/04/2024

https://www.sciencealert.com/vitamin-d-deficiency-can-trigger-autoimmune-conditions-heres-why

Vitamin D is important to our overall health, and now scientists have made some notable discoveries about how deficiency early in life can trigger problems with the body's immune system.

11/04/2024

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adm9582

Loss of vitamin D signaling disrupts development and induces premature aging of the thymus.

10/14/2024

Medical journal peer reviewers are paid millions by industry, study finds

At issue is concern that financial ties may unduly influence medical practice and research

https://www.statnews.com/pharmalot/2024/10/10/conflicts-medical-journals-money-drugs-devices/

Nearly 60% of the experts who reviewed manuscripts for four top medical journals received at least one payment from industry during a recent three-year period.

09/25/2024

Spine implant for back pain

The Food and Drug Administration reported in 2020 that about 50,000 spinal cord stimulators, devices intended to reduce chronic pain using electrical impulses, were being implanted annually — and that over four years the agency had received 108,000 reports of patient injuries, including 497 deaths, and malfunctioning stimulators.

Annual implantations are likely to have risen since, as doctors seek substitutes for prescription opioids. Do these stimulators work?
Here the dilemma is not lack of evidence but contradictory claims and conflicting findings, with researchers arguing about methodologies and results — a confusing landscape for patients desperately seeking relief.

Pain doctors consider a treatment effective if it reduces pain by half in 50 percent of patients. Potentially confounding such results, however, is the potent placebo effect.

For patients, “the more you have invested, the more likely you are to see an effect,” said Dr. Rita F. Redberg, a cardiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, and a co-author of a recent study in JAMA Neurology.

A surgically implanted generator, with wires inserted into the space around the spinal column, constitutes a major investment. Such studies are not easily blinded, as in most clinical drug trials; patients know they have received stimulators.

The new study analyzed insurance claims data for 7,500 patients (average age: 64) suffering chronic pain, most after failed back surgery. “We did careful matching so we could compare outcomes,” Dr. Redberg said.

Over two years, the 1,260 patients using spinal cord stimulators didn’t have lower use of opioids, or most other pain treatments, than did those pursuing conventional medical management without implantation.

“They wanted to feel better, but they didn’t,” Dr. Redberg said. Moreover, about one patient in five had the device removed or required a second surgery to repair or relocate it.

Two Cochrane reviews, meta-analyses by an independent network of researchers, have found “low to very low certainty evidence” that stimulation reduces pain intensity and “little to no sustained benefit” for low back pain.

Pain specialists and professional organizations were quick to criticize the new study’s methodology, however.
“That’s a very imprecise criteria to judge someone’s pain relief by — the amount of medication they take,” said Dr. Konstantin Slavin, a neurosurgeon at the University of Illinois, Chicago, and president of the International Neuromodulation Society.

“That doesn’t correlate with patients’ self-reported experiences.”
Although the technology is improving rapidly, supporters acknowledge that spinal cord stimulation has limitations. It may help some patients with nerve pain but won’t relieve arthritis pain, pointed out Dr. Lawrence Poree, director of the Neuromodulation Service at U.C.S.F.

“When patients have the expectation of being pain-free with spinal cord stimulation, that just doesn’t happen,” Dr. Slavin said. But “improved ability to function, to enjoy life, we definitely can accomplish that.”
Patients should probably proceed with caution. The F.D.A. recommends a stimulation trial for several days, with the generator taped to the body. Only those experiencing substantial pain relief should go ahead with implantation, Dr. Poree said.

For now, disputes continue. “We all want to help patients with pain,” Dr. Redberg said. “This is not the way to do it.”

Some treatments and procedures become routine despite lacking strong evidence to show that they’re beneficial. Recent studies have called a few into question.