TYPES OF HEADACHES
Tension
Migraines
Migraines
Most common type, often described as a dull, pressure-like pain on both sides of the head. Frequently triggered by stress, poor posture, or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
Migraines
Migraines
Migraines
Intense, throbbing pain, often on one side of the head. Can last hours to days and are frequently accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. May be preceded by “aura” — visual disturbances like flashing lights or zigzag patterns.
Cervicogenic
Cervicogenic
Cervicogenic
Originate from dysfunction in the cervical spine (neck joints, discs, or muscles). Pain often starts in the neck and radiates toward the front of the head.
Cluster
Cervicogenic
Cervicogenic
Rare but extremely severe headaches, often occurring in cycles (“clusters”) over weeks or months. Typically felt around one eye, with tearing and nasal congestion on the affected side.
How the Spine and Brain Can Cause Headaches
Our Approach
A brain-based diagnostic and treatment approach looks beyond symptom management to identify the root causes of headaches/migraines. This model evaluates:
- Neurological pathways for pain perception and modulation
- Cervical spine function for musculoskeletal contributions
- Eye movement and vestibular function for sensory integration issues
- Autonomic nervous system balance for triggers like stress and sleep disruption
Targeted therapies — such as spinal adjustments, vision therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, and neuroplasticity-based brain exercises — aim to restore healthy communication between the brain, spine, and sensory systems, reducing headache frequency and intensity over time.
Bottom line: Instead of chasing pain with temporary relief, a brain-based approach retrains the nervous system to prevent headaches from starting in the first place.
Common Symptoms
- Pressure, throbbing, or sharp pain in the head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, noise, or smells
- Neck stiffness or pain
- Visual disturbances
- Dizziness or imbalance
Migraines in the brain
Migraines are now understood as a neurological event, not just a vascular one. They involve:
- Abnormal brainstem activation
- Sensory hypersensitivity
- Changes in blood flow to certain brain regions
- Dysfunction in pain modulation systems
This is why migraines can cause a wide range of symptoms — from visual changes to dizziness — and why treatments targeting the nervous system are often most effective.