Drug-Free Relief
Headache and Migraine Relief Grand Rapids
Stop living with constant headaches and migraines. The Chiropractic Doctors provide targeted spinal adjustments that address the root cause of your pain, not just the symptoms. Our office on 28th Street SE serves Grand Rapids, Cascade, Kentwood, and surrounding communities.
New Patient Special
$47
Complimentary Consultation
Headache Types
What Types of Headaches Do Chiropractors Treat?
At The Chiropractic Doctors, we treat the four most common headache types that respond well to chiropractic care. Tension headaches feel like a tight band around your head and are often caused by muscle tightness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. These are the most frequent type we see at our Grand Rapids office. Migraines produce intense throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head, and may include nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances. Cervicogenic headaches originate in the cervical spine and radiate into the skull, often mimicking migraines but always starting in the neck. Cluster headaches, while less common, cause severe pain around one eye and can occur in patterns over weeks or months.
Dr. Phinney, who graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic and has over 35 years of hands-on experience, performs a thorough examination to identify exactly which type of headache you are dealing with. This matters because treatment differs depending on the cause. Patients from Cascade, Forest Hills, and Ada visit our clinic regularly for headache and migraine management. A proper diagnosis ensures you get the right correction from day one, rather than chasing symptoms with pain medication.
Migraine Treatment
How Does Chiropractic Care Relieve Migraines?
Migraines are often triggered by misalignments in the upper cervical spine, specifically the atlas and axis vertebrae at the top of your neck. When these bones shift out of position, they irritate the surrounding nerves and restrict blood flow to the brain. That nerve irritation can set off the cascade of symptoms migraine sufferers know all too well: throbbing pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and fatigue that lasts for hours or even days.
Our chiropractic adjustments correct these misalignments with precise, controlled force. Dr. Bailey and Dr. Papes use upper cervical adjustment techniques alongside soft tissue therapy to release tension in the muscles that support the cervical spine. Many migraine patients also benefit from posture correction and lifestyle guidance, which we include as part of your care plan. The goal is to reduce how often migraines occur, lower their intensity when they do happen, and eventually help you rely less on medication. Patients across Grand Rapids and Kentwood have found lasting migraine relief through consistent chiropractic care at our office on 28th Street SE.
Tension Headaches
What Causes Tension Headaches?
Tension headaches develop when the muscles in your neck, scalp, and upper back tighten and stay contracted for extended periods. The most common triggers include poor posture at a desk, forward head position from looking at a phone or computer, stress, teeth clenching, and sleeping in an awkward position. Over time, this muscle tension pulls on the joints and ligaments of the cervical spine, creating a dull, pressing pain that wraps around the head.
At The Chiropractic Doctors, we address the spinal component that keeps tension headaches coming back. When vertebrae in the cervical spine become restricted or misaligned, the muscles around them guard and tighten as a protective response. That guarding creates a cycle: tight muscles pull the spine further out of alignment, which causes more tightness and more headaches. Adjustments break that cycle by restoring normal joint motion. We also recommend specific stretches and ergonomic adjustments for patients in Forest Hills, Ada, and the greater Grand Rapids area who spend long hours at a desk. Addressing both the spinal misalignment and the daily habits that cause it gives you the best chance of long-term relief.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Can Cervicogenic Headaches Be Treated Without Medication?
Yes. Cervicogenic headaches are one of the conditions that respond best to chiropractic care because the problem starts in the neck, not in the brain. These headaches develop when joints, discs, or muscles in the upper cervical spine refer pain into the head. You might feel a steady ache on one side that worsens when you turn your head, look up, or hold a fixed position for a long time. Many people are diagnosed with migraines when they actually have cervicogenic headaches, which means they receive the wrong treatment for years.
Chiropractic adjustments target the specific cervical segments causing the referred pain. Dr. Phinney uses careful palpation and motion testing to identify which vertebrae are restricted. Once located, a precise adjustment restores normal motion to that segment and takes pressure off the surrounding nerves. Patients often notice that the headache intensity drops within the first few visits. For persistent cases, we combine adjustments with soft tissue work on the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull. This approach treats the cause, not just the symptom, which is why it works without medication. Our pain management team has helped hundreds of patients in Grand Rapids and Kentwood find lasting relief from cervicogenic headaches.
Common Questions
Headache and Migraine Relief FAQ
How quickly can chiropractic care relieve my headaches?
Many patients at The Chiropractic Doctors notice a reduction in headache frequency and intensity within the first two to three weeks of care. Some feel relief after their very first adjustment. Results depend on the type of headache, how long you have been dealing with it, and how your body responds to spinal corrections.
Is chiropractic safe for migraine sufferers?
Yes. Chiropractic adjustments are a safe, drug-free approach to migraine management. Dr. Phinney, Dr. Bailey, and Dr. Papes use controlled, gentle techniques like upper cervical adjustments and Thompson Drop Table to address nerve irritation without medication. Adjustments do not trigger migraines when performed by a trained chiropractor.
How is a cervicogenic headache different from a migraine?
A cervicogenic headache starts in the neck and refers pain into the head, usually on one side. It gets worse with certain neck positions or sustained postures. A migraine is a neurological condition that often includes throbbing pain, light sensitivity, nausea, and visual disturbances. Chiropractic care treats both, but the approach differs based on the source of the problem.
Do I need x-rays before headache treatment?
Dr. Phinney will determine whether x-rays are clinically necessary during your initial examination. If your headaches involve neck stiffness, limited range of motion, or a history of trauma, imaging helps identify the exact spinal segments that need correction. X-rays are included in the $47 new patient consultation when indicated.
Can children receive chiropractic care for headaches?
Yes. Children and teenagers frequently develop headaches from poor posture, heavy backpacks, and screen time. Pediatric adjustments at our Grand Rapids office use very light pressure and are safe for kids of all ages. Many parents report that their child's headaches decrease significantly after starting care.
Explore Our Services
Related Services
Chiropractic Adjustments
Precise spinal adjustments using Thompson Drop Table and Diversified techniques at our Grand Rapids office.
Learn more →Neck Pain Treatment
Relief for neck stiffness, cervical pain, and restricted range of motion through chiropractic care.
Learn more →Pain Management
Comprehensive pain management for back pain, joint pain, and chronic conditions without drugs or surgery.
Learn more →Start Feeling Better Today
Ready to live without headaches?
Three doctors, 35+ years of experience, and 474 Google reviews. Schedule your $47 new patient consultation at The Chiropractic Doctors.
5747 28th Street Southeast, Grand Rapids, MI 49546