Can a Chiropractor Help With Migraines?

Migraine headache

Migraines are not just bad headaches, they are a neurological disorder. Worldwide, about 6% of men and 18% of women experience migraines each year[1]. In Australia this translates to roughly 6.4 million people suffering regular migraines (with an annual cost of around AUD $40 billion). In fact, migraine is Australia’s leading cause of disability and the third most debilitating condition globally[2]. Despite their impact, many sufferers find only partial relief from medications. Prescription drugs like triptans can ease symptoms temporarily, but they often bring side effects (nausea, liver or stomach irritation, etc.) and even medication-overuse headaches. It is no wonder that many people are interested in alternative approaches.

What is a migraine?

A migraine is a complex neurological condition involving more than just head pain. Attacks typically cause moderate-to-severe, throbbing pain on one side of the head, and routine activity can make it worse. Migraines are usually accompanied by other symptoms, for example:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light and sound (photophobia and phonophobia)
  • Aura: visual or sensory disturbances in about 20–30% of attacks[5] (flashing lights, zig-zag lines, tingling, etc.)

Attacks unfold in phases including early warning signs (prodrome), aura (if present), the headache itself, and a postdrome period of fatigue. They can last from hours to days. Migraines often have identifiable triggers, although these vary from person to person. Common triggers include stress, hormonal changes (for example, menstrual cycle), certain foods, alcohol or caffeine, irregular sleep, and strong sensory input (bright lights or smells)[6]. Identifying and avoiding your personal triggers can help, but many people still struggle with migraines despite lifestyle changes.

How chiropractic care may help

Chiropractic care takes a different approach by focusing on spinal alignment and nervous system function. Chiropractors perform precise, gentle spinal adjustments to improve joint mobility and relieve pressure on spinal nerves. The theory is that misalignments or tension in the neck and upper back may irritate nerves involved in migraine pain. By correcting these issues, chiropractic treatment aims to ease the neurological stresses that can trigger headaches.

Some patients report significant improvements after chiropractic care. For example, a published case study described a 52-year-old woman with 40 years of chronic migraines who avoided medications due to side effects. After 11 chiropractic adjustment sessions (using the Gonstead method) over nine weeks, she went completely migraine-free and remained headache-free at a 6-month follow-up[7]. While a single case is not proof for everyone, it suggests that spinal manipulation helped this patient’s long-term migraine.

Scientific research shows mixed results. Several trials and reviews over the years have found some benefit of spinal manipulation for migraine[8]. However, a very recent systematic review and meta-analysis (2024) of six clinical trials (645 patients) found that adding spinal manipulation did not significantly reduce migraine intensity or duration compared to usual care[9]. This analysis concluded that the effectiveness of chiropractic (spinal manipulative therapy) for migraines remains unproven[10]. Evidence to date is inconclusive. Nevertheless, because migraines are complex and vary widely, many practitioners still suggest that chiropractic care may help some individuals, especially when combined with exercise, stress management, and other therapies.

Techniques used in chiropractic care

Chiropractors often use a multimodal approach. Common techniques include:

  • Spinal adjustments: High-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts or gentle mobilizations to correct misaligned vertebrae and improve joint function. These are targeted to areas of tightness or misalignment in the neck and back.
  • Soft tissue therapy: Massage, stretching, or myofascial release to relax tight muscles and reduce tension around the spine.
  • Lifestyle advice: Guidance on posture, ergonomic changes, sleep habits, and stress reduction. Improving overall spinal health and ergonomics can reduce migraine triggers.
  • Other modalities: Some clinics incorporate complementary therapies like dry needling or acupuncture, nutritional counselling, or exercise programs.

The goal is not only to relieve pain once it occurs but to address underlying physical factors. For example, poor neck posture or chronic tension in shoulder muscles can contribute to headache frequency over time. Chiropractic care aims to improve spinal alignment and muscular balance, which may lower the chances of migraine onset.

Who might benefit?

Chiropractic care is not a guaranteed solution for everyone. However, it may be especially useful if your migraines seem linked to neck or upper-back issues, for instance, if stress-related neck stiffness or poor posture often precedes your headaches. It is also an option for people who have not found full relief with medication and want a non-drug approach. Some patients appreciate avoiding side effects and prefer a natural therapy.

It is important to start by talking with a healthcare professional. If your migraines are severe, sudden, or markedly different from past headaches, you should rule out other causes (such as vision issues or more serious conditions) first. A chiropractor can then work alongside your doctor to develop a safe plan. Most chiropractors will take a detailed history and may refer you for imaging if needed to ensure that spinal adjustments are appropriate for your case.

Chiropractic care is generally considered low-risk when performed by a licensed practitioner. You may feel mild soreness in your neck or back for a day or so after an adjustment, similar to how muscles feel after exercise. Serious complications are rare. Always see a qualified chiropractor and tell them about all your health conditions (for example, bone or joint issues, bleeding problems) before starting treatment.

Take the first step

Migraine pain can take a huge toll on your work, family, and daily life. If standard treatments aren’t giving you the relief you need, consider talking to a chiropractor about spinal care. In some cases, improving spinal alignment and reducing neck tension can lessen the frequency or severity of migraine attacks. Chiropractic is not a miracle cure, but it offers a different strategy that many sufferers find helpful as part of a broader management plan.

At Chiropractic Group, Dr Michael Black brings over 40 years of experience to a warm, friendly family practice in Doncaster and Armadale. He provides personalised care for all ages, helping patients understand and manage their migraines effectively. With extended weekday hours, Saturday mornings, and an after-hours emergency service, it’s easy to access the care you need when you need it most.

Reach out today on (03) 9509 7691 to discuss your medical history and explore whether chiropractic adjustments or complementary therapies might be right for you. Relief could be closer than you think.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Can a chiropractor cure migraines? There is no guaranteed cure for migraines. However, many patients report that regular chiropractic care has reduced how often their migraines occur and how intense they feel. Case reports (like the one mentioned above) show some individuals getting major relief[7][11]. Results vary from person to person. Chiropractic care is often considered one part of a comprehensive approach, along with lifestyle changes and, if needed, medical treatments.
  2. Is spinal misalignment linked to migraines? The idea is that misalignments (sometimes called subluxations) in the upper cervical spine could irritate nerves that connect to the brain’s pain pathways. Research describes a “trigeminocervical complex,” where nerves from the upper neck converge with the trigeminal nerve that mediates migraine pain[12]. Tension or fixation in the top neck might trigger migraine attacks in susceptible people. Chiropractic adjustments aim to correct these misalignments, which could reduce nerve irritation and headache triggers[12].
  3. Is chiropractic better than massage for migraines? They serve different but complementary roles. Massage therapy can be very helpful to relax tight muscles and alleviate stress-related tension, which may ease migraine frequency. However, massage does not adjust the spine. Chiropractic adjustments specifically target joint alignment and nervous system function. Many patients find a combination of both works well – massage to loosen muscles and chiropractic to improve spinal motion.
  4. Are there risks to chiropractic treatment for migraines? Chiropractic care is generally safe when done by a trained professional. Most people experience nothing more than mild soreness after an adjustment. Rarely, patients can have more serious side effects (for example, a transient increase in pain or very rarely nerve irritation), but these are uncommon. Before starting treatment, make sure the chiropractor takes a full history and tailors their approach to your condition. If you have underlying health issues (severe osteoporosis, bleeding disorders, etc.), discuss these with the doctor so they can choose the safest techniques.

Sources

Medical studies and reviews on chiropractic and migraines[7][9][10][13][14][12], and migraine epidemiology data[2][1][4] (see cited references for details). The case study of chiropractic care for migraine[7] illustrates potential benefits, while the recent systematic review[9][10] highlights that more research is needed to draw firm conclusions.