Headaches & Migraines

Chiropractors often focus on addressing underlying musculoskeletal issues, such as misalignments in the spine or tension in the muscles of the neck and shoulders, which can contribute to headache symptoms.

By performing spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapy, chiropractors aim to alleviate tension, improve spinal function, and reduce nerve irritation, which may help alleviate headache symptoms. Additionally, chiropractors may provide lifestyle advice, ergonomic recommendations, and exercises to help prevent future headaches and promote overall wellness.

While Chiropractic care may not be effective for every individual or every type of headache, many patients report significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life with chiropractic treatment. It's important for individuals experiencing headaches to consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a chiropractor, to determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on their specific needs and health history.

A therapist performing a neck adjustment on a shirtless man in a clinic, with anatomical charts on the walls.

Chiropractors may use a variety of tests and assessments to evaluate and treat headaches and migraines, including:

  • Health History

    Chiropractors typically begin by taking a thorough health history, including information about the frequency, intensity, and duration of headaches, as well as any relevant medical history and lifestyle factors.

  • Physical Examination

    Chiropractors perform a comprehensive physical examination to assess posture, spinal alignment, range of motion, muscle tension, and neurological function. This may involve palpation (gentle touch) of the spine and surrounding muscles to identify areas of tension or misalignment.

  • Orthopedic and Neurological Tests

    Chiropractors may perform orthopedic tests to assess joint function and stability, as well as neurological tests to evaluate nerve function and sensory perception.

  • Range of Motion Assessment

    Chiropractors may assess the range of motion in the neck and upper back to identify any restrictions or limitations that may contribute to headache symptoms.

  • Diagnostic Imaging

    In some cases, chiropractors may recommend diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to further evaluate the spine and surrounding structures, particularly if there are signs of underlying pathology or structural abnormalities.

How it works

There are 3 key elements to our patients journey or introduction to our practice and continuity of care. 

  • Your initial consultation will begin with a thorough discussion to understand and develop your medical history. We take the time to listen, ensuring we gather all necessary details. 

  • On your second visit, we’ll bring together all the elements from your initial consultation. Our chiropractor will review the findings and answer any questions you may have. We’ll recommend a care plan tailored to your history, pain, and objective findings, such as X-rays, scans, and tests. Establishing a timeline is crucial for optimal healing, allowing you to track progress, become symptom-free, and stabilise your condition. Healing takes time, especially for those who’ve had unresolved issues for months or years. What sets us apart is our comprehensive setup: all services under one roof, a well-organised practice, and an efficient information processing system. Once we discuss your care plan and fee structure, you’ll be directed to the treatment area, where the magic begins.

  • Patients’ perception of a chiropractic adjustment on the first visit can vary greatly. It’s not always the clicking or cracking sound you might expect. The adjustment can be manual, low-force, or even no-force. Sometimes, we also use specialised equipment to achieve the best result.

    A typical chiropractic adjustment can vary depending on your case, any contraindications to care, and the modality chosen by your chiropractor. 

    At Lisburn Chiropractic, we use a blend of traditional techniques like Diversified, Gonstead, SOT, Drop-piece Terminal Point Technique, Activator Methods, NET, Network Spinal Analysis, and Flexion Distraction/Spinal Decompression Technique. 

    Our aim is straightforward: to ensure full spinal function, mobility, flexibility, and flow. 

    We focus on your chief complaint, whether it’s lower back pain, headaches, or rotator cuff syndrome, while paying attention to the biomechanics of your entire spine, the tone of your body, and energy state. 

    A holistic approach to your health and well-being is our top priority. Seeing you thrive naturally is what drives our passion. Your health is a journey, and we’re here to support you along the way. Alignment is Key. Its is not unusual for patients to spring up from their adjustments feeling light, invigorated and free. We look forward to getting you started.

A list of services and prices on a wooden board with black lettering, including terms like "Initial Consultation," "Report of Findings," "Rescan," and "Adjustment."

Next Steps

Based on the findings of these assessments, Chiropractors develop individualised treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of each patient. Treatment may include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, rehabilitative exercises, lifestyle modifications, and ergonomic recommendations to address underlying musculoskeletal issues and promote overall wellness.