Migraine headaches can be debilitating, affecting daily life with intense pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. While conventional treatments often focus on medication, a holistic approach—addressing spinal alignment, muscle tension, hormones, nutrition, and lifestyle factors—can offer long-term relief.
At our clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to migraine treatment, offering chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy, functional medicine, and health coaching to help patients find lasting relief.
Chiropractic Adjustments for Migraine Relief
Spinal misalignments, particularly in the cervical (neck) region, can contribute to migraines by putting pressure on nerves and restricting blood flow to the brain. Chiropractic adjustments:
- Improve spinal alignment, reducing nerve irritation.
- Restore proper biomechanics of the neck and upper back.
- Reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines.
Many migraine sufferers have misalignments in the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae, which can interfere with normal nerve function and blood flow. Gentle chiropractic adjustments can help relieve tension, improve nervous system function, and decrease migraine triggers.
You can seek chiropractic and soft tissue services with Dr. Missy Wessels, Dr. Nate Weber, and Dr. Calla Kleene.
Soft Tissue Therapy for Neck & Shoulder Tension
Muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and upper back can exacerbate migraines by pulling on the vertebrae and contributing to misalignment. Soft tissue techniques such as:
• Active Release Technique (ART) – Targets scar tissue and adhesions in muscles, improving range of motion and reducing tightness.
• Cupping Therapy – Helps increase circulation, break up fascia restrictions, and release deep muscle tension.
• Dry Needling – Addresses trigger points in tight muscles, reducing referred pain into the head and neck.
By releasing tension in muscles that attach to the base of the skull and upper cervical spine, these therapies can provide lasting migraine relief.
Hormones & Migraines: A Female Connection
Many women experience migraines in connection with hormonal fluctuations, particularly around their menstrual cycle. Drops in estrogen levels can contribute to migraine onset. Supporting hormone balance through:
• Chiropractic care to regulate nervous system function.
• Stress management to reduce cortisol imbalances.
• Magnesium supplementation (we carry high-quality magnesium supplements in our office) to help regulate muscle tension and neurotransmitter function.
• Functional medicine & health coaching to assess and balance hormone levels naturally.
If you’re experiencing cycle-related migraines, you may benefit from functional medicine and health coaching services with Dr. Calla Kleene, Brittney Pfiffner, and Dara Price.
The Role of Stress in Migraines & How to Reduce It
Stress is a major migraine trigger, leading to muscle tension, hormone imbalances, and nervous system dysregulation. Effective ways to manage stress include:
• Breathwork & Meditation – Deep breathing and mindfulness can lower stress hormones and calm the nervous system.
• Gentle Movement – Activities like yoga and stretching improve circulation and reduce muscle tension.
• Acupressure Points – Applying pressure to key points (shown below) can help relieve migraine pain.
Acupressure Points for Migraine Relief
• LI-4 (Hegu) – Between the thumb and index finger, this point helps relieve headaches and tension.
• GB-20 (Feng Chi) – At the base of the skull, on either side of the spine, it reduces neck stiffness and migraines.
• PC-6 (Nei Guan) – Inside the wrist, it helps with nausea associated with migraines.
Barometric Pressure & Migraine Awareness
Many migraine sufferers notice headaches triggered by weather changes, especially drops in barometric pressure. Keeping a headache journal can help track patterns and prepare for potential flare-ups. Strategies include:
• Staying hydrated and maintaining electrolyte balance.
• Using essential oils like peppermint or blue tansy (found in Ver Vita’s Sore to Soar or DoTerra’s Deep Blue).
• Supporting the nervous system with chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue work before major weather shifts.
Nutritional Considerations for Migraine Prevention
What we eat plays a major role in migraine frequency and severity. Some of the most common migraine-triggering foods include:
• Gluten
• Dairy
• Chocolate
• Aged cheeses
• Alcohol (especially red wine & beer)
• Caffeine (both too much or withdrawal)
A personalized elimination diet can help identify specific food sensitivities contributing to migraines. Additionally, reducing inflammatory foods like refined sugar and processed grains can make a noticeable difference.
Electrolytes & Hydration for Migraine Prevention
Proper hydration is essential, but the type of salt matters! Instead of iodized table salt, opt for:
• Celtic sea salt
• Pink Himalayan salt
• Electrolyte packets like LMNT
This helps maintain electrolyte balance, reducing the likelihood of dehydration-induced migraines. That’s why salted popcorn is often recommended as a migraine-friendly snack!
Supplements for Migraine Support
We offer high-quality supplements in our office to support migraine prevention and relief:
• Magnesium – Helps regulate muscle tension, nerve function, and neurotransmitter balance.
• Migran-X – A targeted supplement for migraine onset that includes nutrients to help reduce headache intensity.
Stop by our office to learn more about how these supplements can support your migraine management plan.
Lifestyle Habits for Migraine Prevention
Beyond spinal alignment and nutrition, daily habits also play a role in migraine prevention. Key factors include:
• Adequate Sleep – Aim for 7-9 hours per night to support nervous system regulation.
• Consistent Routine – Sudden changes in sleep, eating, or caffeine intake can trigger migraines.
• Proper Neck & Shoulder Stretches – Simple stretches can relieve muscle tension and improve posture.
Stretching Routine for Migraine Relief
• Chin Tucks – Strengthens deep neck flexors, reducing strain on the upper cervical spine.
• Upper Trap Stretch – Helps relieve shoulder and neck tension.
• Levator Scapulae Stretch – Loosens muscles that often pull on the base of the skull.
Final Thoughts
Migraines are complex, but by addressing spinal alignment, muscle tension, hormones, stress, nutrition, hydration, and lifestyle factors, we can reduce both the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks naturally.
At our office, we offer:
• Chiropractic and soft tissue therapy with Dr. Missy Wessels, Dr. Nate Weber, and Dr. Calla Kleene.
• Functional medicine and health coaching with Dr. Calla Kleene, Brittney Pfiffner, and Dara Price.
If you suffer from migraines and are looking for a natural approach to relief, schedule a consultation with our team today!
Contact us to book an appointment and start your journey to migraine-free living!
Dr. Missy Wessels
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