Headache and Migraine Relief in Raleigh, NC
Chiropractic Treatment for Headaches and Migraines
If you're prone to headaches or migraines — or even just get one occasionally — you know how disruptive they can be. They can derail your day or night and make it hard to concentrate on anything. At our Raleigh, NC office, Dr. Winget works with patients to identify what's actually triggering their headaches so care can address the cause, not just mask the symptom.
Headaches Are More Common Than You'd Think
Headaches occur across nearly every population and are extremely common. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 47 percent of the worldwide adult population has experienced a headache at least once in the past year, and research shows women tend to experience headaches more frequently than men, though the reason isn't fully understood. Of the more than 200 recognized types of headache, the tension-type headache is by far the most common — episodic tension headaches reportedly affect around 70 percent of some populations, while 1 to 3 percent of adults deal with them chronically. These typically cause pressure and a dull ache around the forehead, temples, or back of the head.
Migraines Are a Different Level of Severe
Migraines represent the most severe category of headache and can be completely debilitating. Along with intense head pain, migraine symptoms can include dizziness, light sensitivity, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision.
The Three T's: Trauma, Toxins & Thoughts
As chiropractors, we look at headache causes through three categories: trauma (accidents and injuries), toxins (chemical exposure, everyday skincare products, food additives, alcohol), and thoughts (stress, anxiety, and depression). All three can contribute to subluxations in the spine — misalignments that interfere with proper communication between the brain and the rest of the body. When a subluxation occurs, one or more vertebrae shift out of position, placing stress or irritation on nearby nerves and preventing the body from healing properly.
How Chiropractic Care Helps
Numerous studies have identified a link between chiropractic adjustments and a reduction in migraine and headache symptoms. One case study, published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, followed a 52-year-old woman who had struggled with chronic migraines for several years, typically enduring an episode every month lasting around 15 hours. Following a course of chiropractic spinal manipulative treatment, she reported zero migraines at her six-month follow-up. Correcting spinal subluxations is a core part of the care patients receive at our Raleigh, NC practice — and this research is part of why so many patients across Raleigh turn to chiropractic as a first step before relying on medication alone.
Frequently Asked Questions about Headache & Migraine
Q1: What's the difference between a regular headache and a migraine?
A: A typical tension headache tends to cause dull, pressing pain around the forehead or the back and sides of the head. Migraines are more severe and often come with additional symptoms like light sensitivity, nausea, dizziness, or blurred vision — and can be debilitating enough to stop your day entirely.
Q2: Can chiropractic care actually help with migraines, not just tension headaches?
A: Research, including published case studies, has shown a link between chiropractic spinal adjustments and reduced frequency or severity of migraines, in addition to tension-type headaches. At our Raleigh, NC office, Dr. Winget evaluates each patient individually to determine whether spinal misalignment may be a contributing factor.
Q3: What actually causes headaches and migraines?
A: We look at three main categories: trauma (injuries or accidents), toxins (chemical or dietary exposure), and thoughts (stress and emotional strain). Any of these can contribute to spinal subluxations that interfere with nerve communication and trigger headache symptoms.
Q4: How many chiropractic visits does it typically take before I notice fewer headaches?
A: It varies by patient and by what's driving the headaches in the first place. Some patients notice a difference within the first several visits, while others — especially those with a long history of chronic migraines — may need a longer course of care before symptoms taper off.
Q5: Is chiropractic care safe if I get frequent migraines?
A: Yes, chiropractic adjustment is a conservative, non-drug approach that many frequent migraine sufferers use. Dr. Winget starts with a full evaluation to understand your specific history before recommending a plan of care.