Headache & Migraine Relief — Burnaby BC
Recurring Headaches? Your Neck May Be the Unexpected Cause.
Most headaches aren't treated where they begin. At Adapt Spine Centre in Burnaby, we address the cervicogenic component of headaches — the spinal dysfunction that drives the majority of tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, and even migraines.
50%+
of chronic headaches have a cervical spine component
Drug-Free
Address the cause — not just the pain signal
Burnaby
Serving North Burnaby, Burnaby Heights & beyond
The Spine-Headache Connection
Why So Many Headaches Start in the Neck
The upper cervical spine — particularly C1, C2, and C3 — has a direct neurological relationship with the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face and head. When these upper cervical vertebrae become misaligned, they can irritate the local nerve roots and trigger a cascade of referred pain that presents as headache.
This is what's known as a cervicogenic headache — a headache that originates in the cervical spine but is felt in the head. These headaches often come with neck stiffness, are triggered or worsened by head movement, and are commonly misdiagnosed as tension headaches or migraines.
Even in cases of true migraine, upper cervical misalignment can increase headache frequency and severity by sensitizing the central nervous system. Correcting this misalignment often reduces both the intensity and frequency of migraine episodes.
Headaches that start at the base of the skull and radiate forward or behind the eyes
Pain that worsens with neck movement or certain head positions
Recurring tension headaches that feel like a band around the head
Migraines accompanied by neck stiffness or upper back tension
Headaches after screen time, stress, or poor sleep — often worsened by posture
The Gonstead Approach to Headaches
Treating the Cervical Cause — Not Just Masking the Symptom
When headaches have a cervicogenic component, the most effective long-term solution is to correct the spinal dysfunction driving them. The Gonstead system's precise upper cervical analysis and specific adjustments address exactly this — reducing nerve irritation, restoring proper motion, and alleviating the tension patterns that perpetuate headaches.
Upper Cervical Analysis
We specifically assess C1 (Atlas) and C2 (Axis) misalignment — the vertebrae most commonly linked to cervicogenic headaches — using X-ray, thermal scanning, and precise palpation.
Nerve Irritation Reduction
Specific Gonstead adjustments reduce the irritation to upper cervical nerve roots, decreasing the neurological input that drives headache and migraine cycles.
Postural & Lifestyle Guidance
We identify the postural patterns and daily habits contributing to your headaches and give you practical guidance to reduce recurrence between visits.
Common Questions
Headache FAQs
Can chiropractic really help with migraines?
For many migraine sufferers, yes — particularly when migraines are accompanied by neck stiffness, are triggered by posture or neck tension, or follow a cervical spine injury. Research supports chiropractic care as an effective treatment for cervicogenic headaches, and many migraine patients report reduced frequency and severity following spinal correction.
How do I know if my headaches are coming from my neck?
Common indicators include: headaches that start at the back of your head or neck, pain that worsens with certain neck positions, headaches that follow a period of increased stress or screen time, and a history of neck injury. Our initial examination will identify whether cervical dysfunction is a contributing factor.
Will I need to keep coming back forever to prevent headaches?
Not necessarily. Many patients find that once the underlying cervical misalignment is corrected and maintained, headache frequency drops significantly or resolves completely. After an initial corrective phase of care, most patients transition to a less frequent maintenance schedule tailored to their needs.
Headaches Every Week Aren't Normal. They're Fixable.
Book your initial exam at Adapt Spine Centre in Burnaby. We'll assess your cervical spine and give you a clear, honest picture of whether Gonstead care can reduce your headache frequency and severity.
Located at 3961 Hastings Street #101, Burnaby BC · Open Mon–Sat · No referral required