Headaches Treatment in Lynnwood, WA
Headaches and migraines can interfere with every part of life — from how well you can focus at work to how comfortably you sleep. Migraines are a recurring type of headache often described as throbbing, pounding, or intensely sore, and they can be difficult to manage without proper care.
At Alderwood Back and Neck Pain in Lynnwood, we provide natural, medication-free treatment options that focus on identifying and correcting the underlying causes rather than only masking the symptoms.
Below, you’ll find common signs, possible causes, and treatment options to guide you toward lasting relief.
If you’re seeking effective headache care in Lynnwood, a detailed evaluation is the best first step. Call (425) 775-6767 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Headaches vs. Migraines
People use the words “headache” and “migraine” a lot, and sometimes they overlap. Many patients describe:
- Pressure or tightness that starts in the neck or shoulders
- Pain that wraps up the back of the head
- Achy or throbbing pain behind the eyes
- Sensitivity to light or needing a dark, quiet room
In our clinic, we often see what are called cervicogenic headaches, which start in the neck and then feel like a “head” problem.
Migraines can bring more intense symptoms like nausea or strong light and sound sensitivity. Whether your issue feels like classic migraine or “just headaches”, we focus on what your spine, muscles, and nerves are actually doing, then build a plan around that.
What Are the Root Causes of Headaches?
For many patients, the real issue is not “just a headache”, it is what is happening in the neck and upper back. Common root factors we see include:
- Cervical spine tension or misalignment, often from long hours at a desk
- Posture and screen-time strain, sometimes called tech neck
- Tight muscles across the shoulders and base of the skull
- Loss of the normal curve in the neck that puts extra stretch on muscles and joints
Stress, poor sleep, dehydration, and skipped meals can stack on top and make headaches more frequent. Some patients also notice flares with certain foods, hormonal changes, or jaw clenching. As a chiropractor for headaches, the goal is to sort out what we can address in the spine and soft tissues and what we may need to co-manage with your medical provider.
How Does the Treatment Plan Look?
Your care always starts with a conversation and a thorough exam. We review your history, headache patterns, work setup, and past injuries. Then we check posture, range of motion, muscle tension, and perform orthopedic and neurological tests. X-rays may be taken to evaluate neck alignment and rule out more serious issues when appropriate.
From there, a typical plan for migraine treatment in Lynnwood may include:
- Gentle spinal adjustments focused on the neck and upper back
- Myofascial and soft tissue work to release tight neck and shoulder muscles
- Posture and ergonomic coaching so your desk or work setup stops fighting you
- Simple home guidance on sleep, hydration, and trigger awareness
Everything is tailored to your findings, comfort level, and goals. You stay in control, and we adjust the plan as your body responds.
What Equipment Do You Use for Treatment?
To keep care precise and comfortable, we use a mix of hands-on and instrument-based tools, chosen for your specific case. Equipment commonly used in headache treatment includes:
- Chiropractic adjusting tables, including drop tables for targeted, low-force spinal corrections
- Handheld adjusting instruments, such as Activator-style and ArthroStim-type tools, for very gentle adjustments when needed
- Soft tissue tools and hands-on myofascial techniques to ease muscle tension at the base of the skull and across the shoulders
- Thermal modalities like cold and heat therapy to calm irritated tissues and support relaxation
- X-ray imaging when appropriate, to evaluate spinal alignment and rule out certain structural issues
The goal is comfort, accuracy, and giving your body the best chance to function well with natural, medication-free headache care.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Headache timelines are different for everyone, and we keep it real about that. Some patients feel a noticeable change in intensity or frequency within the first few visits, especially when tension and joint restriction in the neck are big drivers.
If your headaches have been building for years, or there is long-term postural change or past trauma, progress is usually more gradual. It can take several weeks to start seeing consistent improvement and longer to build stability. Factors like stress levels, job demands, sleep, and how well home advice is followed all make a difference. Our job is to monitor your response closely, adjust the plan as needed, and let you know when we think additional testing or co-management is appropriate.
Case Studies
A caregiver in her late 30s came in with daily headaches that wrapped from the base of her neck to behind her eyes. She spent long hours helping clients, then charting on a computer. Medications gave only short-term relief. On exam, her neck motion was stiff, her posture was forward, and X-rays showed a very straight neck curve with tight muscles from her shoulders into the back of her head.
We started cervical and upper back adjustments plus focused myofascial release two to three times per week at first. After her first visit, she noticed her headache lighten, and over the next few weeks, the frequency and intensity continued to drop. For home, we coached her to:
- Take regular posture breaks away from screens
- Do simple neck and shoulder stretches
- Stay hydrated and keep a consistent sleep routine
This is one example. Results vary, but it shows how addressing the neck can change daily life.
Book An Appointment
Please use the booking tool below to book an appointment or by calling us on (425) 775-6767
FAQs - Headache Treatment
Can a chiropractor help with headaches and migraines?
Yes, in many cases. When headaches are related to neck tension, joint restriction, posture, or past injuries, chiropractic can help improve motion, reduce muscle tightness, and decrease irritation to local nerves and joints. We focus on finding out if your headaches are likely spine-related and build a plan around that. If we see red flags or signs that something else is going on, we will refer you to the appropriate medical provider.
What are common triggers for my headaches?
Common triggers we hear about include long hours at a computer, poor posture, stress, teeth clenching, lack of sleep, dehydration, skipped meals, and sometimes certain foods or hormonal shifts. During your visit, we map out your patterns and help you notice what tends to set things off so you can start taking back some control.
When should I seek care for headaches?
You should consider care if headaches are recurring, getting more frequent or intense, follow a car accident or injury, or are starting to interfere with work, family time, or sleep. Sudden severe headaches, headaches with vision or speech changes, or other serious symptoms are medical emergencies and need immediate medical attention. For spine-related headaches, a detailed chiropractic assessment in Lynnwood can be a smart next step.
Are neck adjustments safe for headache patients?
Chiropractic care is noninvasive and is generally considered safe when performed by a trained, licensed chiropractor after a proper exam. We screen for conditions where certain adjustments would not be appropriate and can use gentler techniques or handheld instruments if you prefer. Your comfort and safety are always the priority.
Which home strategies can I try now?
Simple steps that often help include drinking more water, taking microbreaks from screens, doing light neck and shoulder mobility drills, and keeping a steady sleep schedule. Avoiding long periods of slouching and heavy bags on one shoulder can also reduce strain. These tips are general, so getting checked first is best, especially if your pain is severe or changing.
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