Headache and Migraine Chiropractor in Orem, Utah
Can a chiropractor help with headaches and migraines? Yes. Research shows that chiropractic spinal manipulation effectively reduces the frequency, duration, and intensity of tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, and migraines. Dr. Drussel treats headaches at Integrative Motion in Orem, UT.
Understanding Headaches and Migraines
Headaches are one of the most common health complaints in the world, affecting nearly half of the adult population at least once a year. While most people reach for over-the-counter painkillers, this approach only masks the symptom without addressing what is actually causing the headache. For many headache sufferers, the root cause is a treatable musculoskeletal problem in the neck and upper back.
There are several types of headaches that chiropractic care effectively treats:
Tension headaches are the most common type. They produce a dull, aching pain that often feels like a tight band around the head. Tension headaches are frequently caused by muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and jaw, often related to stress, poor posture, or prolonged desk work.
Cervicogenic headaches originate from dysfunction in the cervical spine (neck). Misaligned vertebrae, restricted joint mobility, or irritated nerves in the upper neck refer pain to the head, typically on one side. These headaches are often misdiagnosed as migraines or tension headaches.
Migraines are a neurological condition characterized by intense, throbbing pain (usually on one side of the head), often accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances. While migraines have complex triggers, research has shown that cervical spine dysfunction and muscle tension in the neck are significant contributing factors that chiropractic care can address.
How Dr. Drussel Treats Headaches and Migraines
At Integrative Motion, headache treatment begins with a thorough evaluation to identify the type and source of your headaches. Dr. Drussel examines your cervical spine alignment, tests range of motion, evaluates muscle tension patterns in the neck and shoulders, assesses your posture, and reviews your headache history (frequency, location, triggers, associated symptoms).
Based on his findings, Dr. Drussel creates a targeted treatment plan that may include:
- Upper cervical adjustments to correct misalignment in the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae, which are the most common structural contributors to headaches
- Soft tissue therapy focused on the suboccipital muscles, upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and other muscles that trigger and perpetuate headache patterns
- Acupuncture targeting headache-specific points for natural pain relief and nervous system regulation
- Postural correction exercises to address the forward head posture and rounded shoulders that create chronic tension in headache-producing muscles
- Lifestyle guidance on ergonomics, stress management, hydration, and sleep habits that influence headache frequency
Signs You Should See a Chiropractor for Headaches
- Headaches that occur more than twice per week
- Headaches that start at the base of your skull or in your neck
- Headaches that worsen with certain neck positions or movements
- Pain that is consistently on one side of the head
- Headaches accompanied by neck stiffness or shoulder tension
- Over-the-counter medications no longer provide adequate relief
- Headaches that started after a car accident or injury
- Migraines that are increasing in frequency or severity
- Daily or near-daily headaches that are affecting your quality of life
What to Expect During Treatment
Your first headache evaluation at Integrative Motion takes 45 to 60 minutes. Dr. Drussel will ask about your headache patterns, triggers, family history, and any previous treatments you have tried. He will perform a comprehensive neck and upper back examination to identify the structural and muscular contributors to your headaches.
Treatment typically begins during the first visit. Many headache patients report a noticeable reduction in symptoms after just one or two sessions. For chronic headaches, Dr. Drussel recommends an initial series of visits (usually 2 to 3 per week for 2 to 4 weeks) to establish momentum, then tapers frequency as your headaches improve.
The goal is not to become dependent on regular adjustments for headache relief. It is to correct the underlying dysfunction, teach you the exercises and habits that prevent headaches, and reduce your need for ongoing treatment. Many patients eventually transition to monthly or as-needed maintenance visits to keep headaches at bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Multiple clinical studies have shown that chiropractic spinal manipulation reduces migraine frequency, duration, and intensity. While migraines are a complex neurological condition with multiple triggers, cervical spine dysfunction and neck muscle tension are significant contributing factors that chiropractic care directly addresses. Many migraine patients at Integrative Motion experience a substantial reduction in attacks.
Many patients notice improvement after 1 to 3 visits. For chronic headache sufferers (multiple headaches per week for months or years), a treatment plan of 8 to 12 visits typically produces significant, measurable improvement. Dr. Drussel tracks your headache frequency and intensity at each visit to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.
A cervicogenic headache is a headache caused by dysfunction in the cervical spine (neck). Misaligned vertebrae, restricted joints, or irritated nerves in the upper neck refer pain to the head, mimicking tension headaches or migraines. Cervicogenic headaches are very common and respond extremely well to chiropractic adjustments. They are one of Dr. Drussel's most frequently treated conditions.
Continue taking any prescribed medications as directed by your prescribing physician. As your headaches improve through chiropractic care, you and your doctor may decide to reduce medication over time. Dr. Drussel does not prescribe or manage medications but can communicate with your primary care provider about your progress if needed.
Not resolving as expected?
When structural treatment alone isn't producing the results you'd expect, there may be something systemic underneath. Chronic inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, or metabolic imbalances can prevent your body from healing properly. Dr. Drussel's functional medicine approach investigates these deeper root causes.
Break Free from Headaches
Stop masking the pain with medication. Find and fix the cause of your headaches at Integrative Motion in Orem, Utah.