A couple of common questions we hear in the office are “Can chiropractic help with headaches?” and “Can chiropractic care help with migraines?”
1. Spinal Realignment
A core tool in chiropractic care is spinal manipulation (or adjustment). In the context of headache, targeted adjustments—often at the upper cervical vertebrae—work to move restricted vertebrae into better alignment or normalize their mobility. This can:
- Relieve joint irritation, reduce inflammation, and restore more normal joint mechanics
- Normalize sensory input from spinal joints, reducing aberrant signals to the nervous system
- Reduce aberrant muscle reflexes driven by dysfunctional joints
A 2017 randomized trial of spinal manipulative therapy versus placebo for cervicogenic headache showed that the chiropractic (manual therapy) group had greater improvement in headache index over follow-up periods, while the control group remained largely unchanged.PMC
Similarly, a meta-analysis of studies on migraine found that spinal manipulation was associated with a statistically significant reduction in migraine days compared to controls.PMC
These data suggest that manipulation can meaningfully reduce headache frequency and intensity when applied appropriately.
2. Soft Tissue and Muscle Work
Chiropractors often pair adjustments with soft-tissue therapies: massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, stretching, and mobilization of tight muscles around the neck, shoulders, and scalp. By easing muscle tension:
- They reduce mechanical stress on vertebrae
- Improve local circulation and reduce chemical irritants from muscle fibers
- Diminish the reflexive muscle guarding that can perpetuate pain
This multimodal strategy helps stabilize the structural improvements achieved by adjustments, making the relief more lasting.
Evidence, Considerations, and Safety
While the evidence is not uniformly strong across all headache types, several guideline reviews and systematic reviews endorse chiropractic spinal adjustments, particularly for migraine and cervicogenic headache types.PubMed+2jmptonline.org+2
Why Choose Express Chiropractic in Keller, TX?
At Express Chiropractic in Keller, patients report consistently positive experiences. On Nextdoor.com, Express Chiropractic is regularly ranked among the top chiropractors in Keller, and its listing reflects hundreds of recommendations and laudatory comments from locals.nextdoor.com
Their reviews highlight a patient-first approach, friendly and knowledgeable staff, walk-in convenience, and added therapeutic services (such as massage) that complement chiropractic adjustments. Express Chiropractic Keller+1
If you’re dealing with recurring headaches or migraines and are seeking a nonpharmacologic option, Express Chiropractic in Keller may be a trusted local resource to explore.