Migraines and the Spine: What Most People Don't Know

Research suggests a strong connection between neck tension, spinal function, and migraine frequency. Many people who experience migraines also report significant neck stiffness and restriction. Chiropractic care focuses on spinal function, posture, and nervous system health. Preliminary evidence suggests it may support a reduction in migraine frequency and severity as part of a broader care approach.

40% of people globally are affected by headache disorders

75% of migraine sufferers also report neck pain or tension

1 in 5 new chiropractic patients list headaches as their top complaint

The pulsing pain. The nausea. The way even a sliver of light feels unbearable. Migraines are not just bad headaches. They are a full-body neurological event that can make even ordinary daily tasks feel impossible.

Many people rely on medication for partial or temporary relief. But more and more are asking a broader question: is there a way to support the body differently, rather than simply dampening the signal each time it fires?

That is the question I hear regularly in practice. And it is worth exploring, because for many people, one piece of the puzzle involves something they had not previously considered: the health of their spine and nervous system.

"The goal is not simply to manage migraines better. It is to understand what the body is responding to, and to support its ability to function well."

Migraines are a neurological condition, not simply a bad headache. They are characterised by intense, often one-sided pain, combined with nausea, light and sound sensitivity, and in some cases aura (visual or sensory disturbances that can precede the headache phase).

They are not caused by a single factor but by a combination: stress, hormonal shifts, posture, diet, sleep quality, and other environmental triggers all play a role. According to the World Health Organisation, headache disorders affected approximately 40% of the global population in 2021, around 3.1 billion people. They are ranked among the most disabling conditions worldwide, third in years of healthy life lost behind only stroke and dementia.

That is not a minor inconvenience. That is a significant public health burden, and one that deserves more than just symptom management.

Here is something that surprises many patients: a 2019 study found that 75% of people who experience migraines also report neck pain, stiffness, and tension, often arising before the headache itself begins. That overlap is significant, and it has prompted researchers to explore whether spinal and muscular tension in the neck may play a role in migraine onset.

Think about how most of us spend our days. Screens at work. Phones in the evening. Heads drifting forward. When the head sits in a forward position, the load on the upper cervical spine increases considerably. The muscles at the base of the skull (the sub-occipitals, upper trapezius, and levator scapulae) can become overactive, fatigued, and tense. That tension is associated with joint restriction and increased nociceptive input to the nervous system.

Over time, researchers suggest this sustained input may promote sensitisation, meaning the threshold for triggering a migraine episode can become progressively lower. The body is not broken; it is responding to a mechanical stress that has not yet been addressed.

Preliminary evidence suggests that chiropractic care, by addressing spinal function and reducing that mechanical load, may support a reduction in both the frequency and severity of migraines.

Good chiropractic care is approached from a whole-person perspective, looking not just at symptoms but at how the spine and nervous system are functioning overall. Here is what that looks like in practice:

Restrictions and misalignments in the upper neck can affect the nerves that communicate between the spine and the brain. Chiropractic adjustments aim to restore proper motion and alignment to these joints, supporting better nervous system function and potentially reducing the mechanical drivers associated with migraine episodes.

Sustained tightness in the muscles around the base of the skull and upper back is common in people who experience frequent migraines, often as a result of posture habits, stress, or long-standing spinal restriction. Soft tissue therapy from an appropriately qualified practitioner can be a useful addition to a broader care plan.

Consistent forward-head posture, accelerated by screen time and sedentary habits, places cumulative strain on the cervical spine. Alongside adjustments, posture guidance, movement habits, and ergonomic awareness can support a gradual reduction in the underlying load that may be contributing to migraine frequency.

One additional tool that some patients find beneficial is Nasal Release Technique, or NRT. It is a specialised procedure that works through the nasal passages to gently mobilise the bones of the skull, including the sphenoid, which sits at the base of the cranium and has connections to the dural system surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

For some migraine sufferers, cranial tension and restrictions in this area may be a contributing factor. NRT aims to address those restrictions, supporting better cranial mobility and nervous system function. It is not a common offering and I am one of only a small number of practitioners providing it in the UK and Ireland. For patients who have tried conventional chiropractic approaches with limited results, it may be worth exploring as part of a more comprehensive care plan.

There is no single schedule that works for everyone. How your body responds, how long the issue has been building, and your personal health goals will all shape the approach you and your chiropractor discuss together. That said, most people follow a general arc:

2–3 visits per week for 9–12 weeks to assess spinal function, address restriction, and begin reducing mechanical load.

Visits taper as the spine holds its function better and overall patterns begin to shift.

Weekly or once every two weeks, to support ongoing spinal health and nervous system resilience.

The goal is to support your body's ability to function well over the long term, not simply to manage episodes as they occur.

A thorough first visit should go well beyond your pain. Look for an assessment of your posture, spinal motion, and overall health picture. Care may include:

- A detailed posture and spinal assessment to understand the underlying picture

- Gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments suited to your presentation and comfort level

- Home exercises and posture guidance to support progress between visits

- Referral to soft tissue specialists where appropriate

- Nasal Release Technique where clinically appropriate

- Lifestyle discussion around sleep, hydration, and stress, as these factors interact with spinal and nervous system health

Over time, many patients report becoming more aware of how their body feels before a migraine episode develops. That kind of body awareness is often a sign of improved nervous system regulation, and it is a meaningful step toward a different relationship with your health.

I practice at Gosforth Family Chiropractic in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, where we work with families looking for a thoughtful, long-term approach to their health. If you would like to explore whether chiropractic care or NRT is right for you, get in touch.

gosforthfamilychiropractic.co.uk

Call or WhatsApp to schedule: 07359 188567