Can Chiropractic Care Help with Migraines?

Migraine Relief with chiropractic in Rolleston | Bloom Chiropractic

If you suffer from migraines or regular headaches, you’ve probably tried everything — painkillers, dark rooms, hydration, avoiding triggers… and maybe even just “pushing through.”

So you might be wondering:

• Can a chiropractor actually help with my migraines?

• If my spine doesn’t hurt, is it still related?

• What if it’s my shoulders that ache when the headache hits?

Let’s explore what might be going on in your body — and how chiropractic care can help.

Firstly, What Are Migraines?

Migraines are more than just “bad headaches.” They can come with:

• Throbbing or pulsating pain (often on one side)

• Nausea or vomiting

• Sensitivity to light, sound, and smells

• Visual changes or aura before the headache starts

Everyone’s experience is a bit different, and triggers can range from stress and hormones to posture, dehydration, or neck tension.

How Is My Spine Connected to My Headaches?

Your spine, especially the neck and upper back, plays a key role in how your nervous system functions. That’s important because your nervous system helps regulate:

• Blood flow to the head

• Tension in the muscles and joints

• Your body’s response to stress

If the upper spine is stiff, out of alignment, or under tension, it may contribute to or exacerbate migraines and tension headaches — even if you don’t feel direct neck pain.

Some people with migraines also have issues like:

• Tight shoulders

• Jaw tension

• Poor posture or screen strain

• Subtle spinal and cranial misalignments they weren’t aware of...

Chiropractic care works by gently improving mobility, alignment, and nervous system balance, which may help ease some of the underlying tension contributing to headaches.

“But My Spine Doesn’t Hurt — So It Can’t Be Causing My Headaches, Right?”

Not necessarily.

You can have spinal or postural tension without being in obvious pain. For example, someone may have restricted movement in their neck or upper back without realising it — but their body is working overtime to compensate. Over time, this can contribute to:

• Muscle fatigue

• Reduced blood flow

• Heightened sensitivity in the nervous system

Chiropractic care doesn’t just address pain — it supports how well your spine and nervous system are working together, which may help with issues like migraines even if the spine itself doesn’t feel “sore.”

What If I Feel It In My Shoulders?

That’s a common pattern — especially in people who:

• Work at desks

• Have poor posture

• Are under regular stress

Shoulder tension can sometimes be a symptom of what’s going on in the neck and upper back. And in some cases, it can even trigger headaches — especially if the tension refers up into the base of the skull or temples.

At Bloom Chiropractic, we’ll assess your whole body — not just your neck — to understand where your tension is really coming from. Dr Oceane Clement uses gentle, individualised techniques to release pressure, improve balance, and help your body find more ease.

Can Chiropractic “Cure” My Migraines?

Chiropractic care is not a cure — but it may be a helpful, drug-free option to support your body’s ability to regulate and recover.

Some people experience fewer migraines. Others notice their headaches are less intense, last for shorter periods, or feel more manageable overall.

We’ll always start by listening to your story and working together to create a care plan that supports your goals.

Headaches Don’t Have to Be Your “Normal”

If you’re tired of living with regular headaches or migraines — especially if they seem connected to shoulder tension, posture, or stress — we’d love to help.

At Bloom Chiropractic, we’re here to support you with care that’s gentle, calming, and focused on the bigger picture of your wellbeing.