At The Path Chiropractic, migraines and headaches are the most common symptoms we treat—and with good reason. Many people are surprised to learn that chronic headaches often begin in the neck, specifically the upper cervical spine(the top three vertebrae: C1–C3).

The Neck’s Role in Headaches

The nerves from these top neck bones send pain signals to a part of the spinal cord called the trigeminocervical nucleus. This area—often called the headache center—is responsible for processing head and neck pain. When the upper cervical vertebrae are misaligned or not moving correctly, they can irritate these nerves and refer pain to the back of the head, temples, forehead, or behind the eyes.

Cervicogenic headaches—headaches that originate in the neck—are particularly common in people with poor posture, previous neck injuries, or chronic tension.

While cervicogenic headaches are the most directly related and well-researched headache type when it comes to upper cervical chiropractic care, we also see excellent results with migraines, tension headaches, and other headache disorders. Many patients experience fewer episodes, decreased intensity, and improved quality of life following care—even when their headaches aren’t purely cervicogenic in nature.

Common Signs of Cervicogenic Headaches

If you experience any of the following, you may have cervicogenic-type headaches:

• Headaches that are typically one-sided
• Tight, tender neck muscles
• Limited range of motion in the neck
• Headaches that worsen with posture or neck movement
• A history of neck trauma or whiplash

These types of headaches often go misdiagnosed, and traditional treatments like medications may offer temporary relief but fail to address the root cause: vertebral misalignment and joint dysfunction in the neck.

Our Approach: Imaging-Guided Chiropractic for Headache Relief

At The Path Chiropractic, we take a precise, modern approach to treating headaches and migraines. Every new patient begins with a 3D cone beam CT scan (CBCT) to capture a detailed image of the upper neck and skull. This advanced imaging allows us to pinpoint even the smallest misalignments in the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae.

From there, we provide a gentle, image-guided upper cervical correction. Our adjustments are low-force, specific, and tailored to your anatomy—maximizing both safety and effectiveness.

By restoring normal alignment and motion to the upper cervical spine, we help reduce nerve irritation and restore balance to the nervous system—providing lasting, natural headache relief without drugs or invasive procedures.

Ready to Find the Root Cause of Your Headaches?

If you’re tired of managing migraines or chronic headaches with temporary fixes, it’s time to explore a different path. Schedule a consultation today to see how upper cervical chiropractic care can help you find long-term relief.

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Check out the following research articles:

Cervicogenic Headache - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Headache of Cervical Origin - PubMed