Headaches

Headache and migraine treatment

Headaches are one of the most common pain conditions in the world, yet most people manage them with over-the-counter medication without ever identifying the cause. For many headache sufferers, the source of the problem is mechanical — dysfunction in the cervical spine, muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, or joint irritation at the base of the skull.

At Chiropractic Solutions of Denver, Dr. Baldwin treats headaches by finding and correcting the underlying cause rather than masking the pain. Research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics has shown that spinal manipulation is effective for reducing the frequency, duration, and intensity of several headache types.

Types of headaches we treat

• Cervicogenic headaches — originate from dysfunction in the cervical spine. Pain typically starts at the base of the skull or upper neck and radiates to the forehead, temples, or behind the eyes. These headaches respond exceptionally well to chiropractic care because the cause is mechanical.
• Tension headaches — the most common type, characterized by a dull, band-like pressure around the head. Often caused by sustained muscle contraction in the neck, shoulders, and jaw due to stress, poor posture, or prolonged screen time.
• Migraines — intense, often one-sided headaches that may include nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances. While migraines have a neurological component, cervical spine dysfunction and muscle tension are common triggers. Chiropractic and acupuncture have been shown to reduce migraine frequency in clinical studies.
• Cluster headaches — severe, recurring headaches concentrated around one eye. Less common than other types but extremely painful. While cluster headaches require specialized management, chiropractic care can play a supportive role.

How cervical spine problems cause headaches

The upper cervical spine — particularly the C1, C2, and C3 vertebrae — has a direct neurological connection to the head, face, and jaw through the trigeminocervical nucleus. When the joints in this region are restricted, misaligned, or inflamed, they can refer pain into the head in patterns that closely mimic migraines or tension headaches.

Forward head posture compounds the problem. For every inch your head sits forward of your shoulders, the effective weight on your cervical spine increases by roughly 10 pounds. This additional load creates chronic muscle tension in the suboccipital muscles, upper trapezius, and levator scapulae — all of which are common headache triggers.

Our treatment approach

Dr. Baldwin begins with a thorough evaluation of the cervical spine, including range of motion testing, palpation of the upper cervical joints, postural assessment, and neurological screening. This evaluation determines whether your headaches have a mechanical component that can be treated conservatively.

Treatment is tailored to the type and severity of your headaches:

• Cervical adjustments — restore proper motion and alignment to the upper cervical spine, reducing nerve irritation at the source
• Soft tissue therapy — Graston technique, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release to address muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and suboccipital region
• Acupuncture — disrupts pain pathways and reduces the frequency and severity of migraines and tension headaches. A Cochrane review of 22 trials found acupuncture effective for both migraine prevention and tension headache treatment.
• Postural correction — rehabilitative exercises to address forward head posture and reduce the chronic strain that drives recurring headaches
• Ergonomic guidance — practical changes to your workstation, sleeping position, and daily habits that reduce headache triggers

When to seek immediate medical attention

Most headaches are not dangerous, but certain red flags require urgent evaluation: a sudden, severe headache unlike anything you have experienced before; headache with fever and stiff neck; headache following a head injury; headache with confusion, vision changes, or weakness on one side of the body. If you experience any of these, seek emergency medical care.

Is headache treatment covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans cover chiropractic evaluation and treatment for headaches. Many also cover acupuncture. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment begins, and we offer self-pay options for services not covered by your plan.

Contact us at 303.647.9196 or Schedule Appointment to schedule an evaluation and find out what's causing your headaches.