Headaches are one of the most common health complaints in the world. Whether it’s a dull ache at the base of your skull, a pulsing behind your eyes, or a migraine that sends you to bed for the day, chronic head pain affects your ability to focus, work, parent, and simply enjoy life.
At Flintridge Family Chiropractic in La Cañada Flintridge, we help patients every day who are tired of managing headaches with medication and want a more lasting, natural solution. Dr. Zimmerman and Dr. Shabazian specialize in identifying the root causes of headaches and migraines which are often related to spinal misalignments, posture, and nerve irritation.
Let’s explore how chiropractic care can help relieve headaches and support long-term relief.
Common Types of Headaches We See in Our Office
Not all headaches are the same, and understanding the type of headache you’re experiencing can help determine the best course of care. At Flintridge Family Chiropractic, we commonly treat:
- Tension Headaches: These feel like a band of pressure or tightness around the head and are often caused by stress, poor posture, or neck tension.
- Cervicogenic Headaches: Originating from the neck, these headaches can radiate from the base of the skull up toward the forehead.
- Migraines: These neurological headaches often include throbbing pain, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and can last for hours or even days.
- Cluster Headaches: Intense, one-sided headaches that come in groups or “clusters” over a period of time.
- Sinus Headaches: Typically caused by congestion or sinus inflammation, but sometimes misdiagnosed when actually tension-related.
No matter the type, chronic headaches are a signal that something in your body—especially your nervous system—may be out of balance.
How Spinal Alignment Affects Headaches
The spine plays a central role in the health of your nervous system. Misalignments in the cervical spine (neck) can create tension in surrounding muscles, irritate nerves, and restrict blood flow. This often leads to tension headaches and can be a major trigger for migraines.
Poor posture, especially tech neck from looking down at phones and laptops, can also place significant strain on the upper spine and shoulder muscles, contributing to headaches. This is especially common in students, remote workers, and anyone spending long hours at a desk.
Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper spinal alignment and joint motion, which can relieve muscle tension, improve nerve function, and reduce headache frequency and severity.
The Chiropractic Approach to Headache Relief
At Flintridge Family Chiropractic, we take a comprehensive approach to treating headaches. Dr. Zimmerman and Dr. Shabazian begin with a detailed consultation, posture analysis, and spinal evaluation. We look at your headache patterns, lifestyle habits, and any underlying triggers like stress, ergonomics, or past injuries.
If we determine that spinal misalignment is contributing to your headaches, we’ll develop a personalized care plan that may include:
- Gentle chiropractic adjustments
- Postural correction exercises
- Ergonomic recommendations for home and work
- Lifestyle changes (hydration, sleep, stress reduction)
- Stretching and mobility routines
We use precise, low-force techniques to restore proper motion in the cervical spine, helping relieve pressure on nerves and reduce headache-related tension.
Chiropractic vs Medication: Treating the Cause, Not Just the Symptoms
Over-the-counter or prescription medications can provide temporary headache relief—but they don’t address the underlying cause. Chiropractic care focuses on correcting the root issue, so your body can heal naturally and headaches become less frequent over time.
Many of our patients are able to reduce or eliminate their need for pain medications entirely, and they often notice improvements in energy, focus, and sleep as their spinal function improves.
Studies have shown that spinal adjustments can be more effective than some medications for certain types of headaches, especially tension and cervicogenic headaches.
Helping Athletes Perform at Their Best
Headaches don’t just affect the general population, they’re also common among athletes due to physical strain, head trauma, and poor recovery habits. That’s why chiropractic care is a trusted part of health management for elite athletes, including the Men’s and Women’s Olympic Soccer Teams, whom we are proud to support.
Whether it’s improving spinal function, reducing post-concussion symptoms, or optimizing performance, chiropractic plays a vital role in keeping athletes pain-free and at the top of their game.
If you’re active and suffer from recurring headaches, chiropractic may be the missing link in your recovery and performance strategy.
The Role of Posture and Lifestyle
Many headaches today are linked to our modern lifestyle. Hours spent hunched over devices, slouching in cars, or sitting at desks can distort posture and increase stress on the neck. Add in dehydration, screen fatigue, lack of movement, and mental stress and you have a perfect storm for head pain.
Our doctors will not only adjust your spine, but also educate you on simple, sustainable changes that can reduce headache triggers. These include:
- Desk setup changes to support better posture
- Stretches to do throughout your day
- Breathing and relaxation techniques for stress
- Sleep position guidance
Small adjustments to your daily routine can go a long way toward preventing headaches before they start.
Your Head Doesn’t Have to Hurt
If you’ve been struggling with headaches or migraines and are looking for a natural, non-invasive solution, chiropractic care may be exactly what you need.
At Flintridge Family Chiropractic, Dr. Zimmerman and Dr. Shabazian are here to help you get to the root of your pain and support your body’s ability to heal. Whether your headaches are occasional or constant, mild or severe, we’ll meet you where you are—and help you move forward, pain-free.
Book your first visit today and take the first step toward a clearer, calmer, more comfortable life.
