Headache and migraine relief starts with finding out what kind of head pain you have and what sets it off. At HealthSource Chiropractic of Roseland, Dr. Jenna Patel, D.C., looks at your neck, posture and daily habits to see if they play a part. Some headaches start in the neck, and chiropractic care may help with those. A migraine is different, so we are clear about what our care can and cannot do.
Tension headaches and neck strain
A tension headache often feels like a tight band or steady pressure around the head. It tends to build slowly, and it may come with sore muscles in the neck, shoulders or scalp. Stress, long hours at a screen and poor sleep are common triggers.
Some headaches start in the neck itself. When the joints and muscles at the top of the neck get stiff or irritated, pain can travel up into the back of the head. Many people near our office work along Eisenhower Parkway and sit at desks all day. For them, leaning toward a laptop may add strain hour after hour.
Migraine triggers to watch for
A migraine is a neurological condition, not just a bad headache. An attack often brings throbbing pain on one side of the head. Many people also feel sick to the stomach or sensitive to light and sound. Some see flashing lights or other visual changes, known as an aura, before the pain starts.
Triggers vary from person to person, but common ones include:
- Stress and long, busy weeks
- Skipped meals or not drinking enough water
- Too little sleep, or a change in your sleep schedule
- Bright or flickering lights, loud noise and strong smells
- Certain foods and drinks, including alcohol and caffeine
- Hormone changes, such as those around a menstrual period
A simple headache diary can help you spot patterns. For example, note what you ate, how you slept and what you did before each attack. Then bring it to your visit.
How we approach headache and migraine relief
Dr. Patel evaluates each case before she suggests any care. She looks for the source of the problem, not only the symptoms. For example, she checks how your neck moves, how you sit and stand, and where your muscles feel tight or tender.
If your headaches seem to come from your neck or posture, chiropractic care may help. Her approach can include:
- Hands-on adjustments for stiff joints in the neck and upper back
- Soft tissue work, including instrument-assisted techniques, for tight muscles
- Exercises that build strength and support better posture at your desk
- Lifestyle guidance on sleep, meals, water and daily stress
For some people, headache and migraine relief may come from easing neck tension and changing a few daily habits. Results differ from person to person, so we explain your options and let you decide.
What chiropractic care does not do
Chiropractic care does not replace a medical diagnosis or medical treatment for migraine. Our care focuses on the neck, upper back and posture, so it does not treat the migraine condition itself. Please keep taking any medicine your doctor prescribed, and talk to your doctor before you change it. If your exam points to something outside chiropractic care, we will suggest that you see your medical doctor. To learn more, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has a clear overview of migraine.
Daily habits that support headache and migraine relief
Small habits between visits matter too:
- Set your screen at eye level and keep your feet flat on the floor.
- Take short breaks to stand up and stretch your neck through the workday.
- Aim for a steady bedtime and wake time, even on weekends.
Our sleep optimization service looks at your sleep posture, pillow and evening routine. In addition, nutritional counseling can help you plan regular meals on busy workdays. Dr. Patel holds an M.S. in Applied Clinical Nutrition, so she can connect both parts of your plan. If neck pain comes along with your headaches, see our page on neck pain relief.
When to see a doctor or go to the ER
Most headaches are not a sign of a serious problem. However, some need medical care right away. Call 911 or go to the nearest ER if you have:
- A sudden, severe headache that feels like the worst of your life
- Weakness, numbness or drooping on one side of the face or body
- Trouble speaking, confusion or sudden changes in vision
- Fever and a stiff neck along with a headache
- Head pain after a blow to the head or a fall
Also see your medical doctor soon if your headaches are new, keep getting worse or wake you from sleep. MedlinePlus explains more about headache warning signs. This page is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Your first visit for headache and migraine relief
Your first visit starts with a welcome and a short tour. Next, you fill out a health history questionnaire and talk with Dr. Patel about your headaches. She then checks your posture, mobility and pain. X-rays happen only if clinically needed. Finally, she explains her findings and a personalized care plan before any care starts.
Our office is at 12 Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 1, in Roseland. Ask about our new-patient visit: consultation, exam and X-rays if clinically needed. The offer is for new patients only. It does not apply to Medicare, Medicaid, other federal healthcare program patients or ACN members.
You can book online or call us at (973) 200-2424. Dr. Patel speaks English, Hindi and Gujarati.