Guide to Headaches: Can a Chiropractor Help With Headaches?
Despina’s Chiropractic Sheffield S1 - headache clinic - Sheffield chiropractor
Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, affecting more than 10 million people in the UK alone every year. But what if the solution doesn’t lie in your medicine cabinet?
At Despina's Chiropractic in Sheffield, we believe in addressing the root cause, not just masking the pain. This guide explores how chiropractic care can offer lasting relief for headaches and migraines, especially when they’re caused by muscle tension, poor posture or spinal misalignments.
Key Takeaways
Chiropractic care can help reduce the frequency and intensity of tension headaches and migraines.
Manual adjustments and acupuncture offered in Sheffield may improve nervous system function and reduce muscle tension.
A chiropractor can identify underlying biomechanical issues contributing to chronic headaches.
Not all headaches are treatable by chiropractic care, so knowing when to seek emergency help is crucial.
Types of Headaches Chiropractic Care Can Help With
Types of headaches Sheffield chiropractor can help with including their symptoms and location
Not all headaches are the same, and neither are their treatments. Chiropractic care is particularly effective for:
Tension Headaches
Symptoms: Dull, aching pain on both sides of the head; pressure around the forehead or back of the head
Cause: Often linked to poor posture, stress, or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
Location: Typically felt across the forehead, behind the eyes, or at the base of the skull
Cervicogenic Headaches
Symptoms: Pain starts in the neck and radiates to one side of the head; restricted neck movement
Cause: Arises from dysfunction in the cervical spine
Location: Base of the skull, back of the head, or radiating behind one eye
Migraines
Symptoms: Intense, pulsating pain often on one side; may include nausea, light sensitivity, or aura
Cause: Neurological origin, often with triggers like stress, hormones, or certain foods
Location: Temples, behind the eyes, or across one side of the head
What Exactly Is a Migraine?
People in the UK are estimated to miss around 43 million days of work and education each year due to migraines. (Source: Migraine Trust)
Migraines aren’t your average headache; they’re a complex neurological condition that can disrupt daily life. Unlike tension or cervicogenic headaches, migraines tend to be more severe and come with a range of sensory and physical symptoms.
Typical signs of a migraine include:
Throbbing pain, often on one side
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light or sound
Visual disturbances (aura)
The pain is usually felt around the temples, behind the eyes, or across one side of the head. It can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, and is often made worse by physical activity.
According to the Migraine Trust, migraines affect over 10 million people in the UK, with one in seven adults experiencing them regularly. Chiropractic care is not a cure, but for many sufferers, it plays a key role in reducing the intensity and frequency of migraine episodes as part of a broader wellness strategy.
Causes of Migraine & When Chiropractic Treatment Is Effective
Migraines may be triggered by:
Hormonal changes
Certain foods or additives
Sensory stimuli (e.g., sensitivity to light, sound, or smells)
Poor sleep
Musculoskeletal issues (e.g., neck misalignment, jaw tension)
Chiropractic care is most effective when the root cause includes postural stress, spinal misalignment or nervous system interference. By correcting these issues, we reduce the physical stress that can trigger or intensify a migraine.
What Does Chiropractic Treatment for Migraines Involve?
Our approach to managing migraines at Despina’s Chiropractic is comprehensive and drug-free. We aim to support the body’s natural ability to heal and rebalance itself by correcting structural imbalances and relieving tension.
-
Correct misalignments in the cervical spine that may contribute to nerve irritation.
-
Release muscle tension in the shoulders, neck, and jaw.
-
This technique helps relax muscle trigger points and improve circulation.
-
Including posture tips, sleep hygiene, hydration and nutrition.
Every treatment plan is tailored to you. The goal? Fewer migraines, less intensity, and more control over your life. Many patients report fewer headaches, better sleep, and improved energy levels after beginning treatment. While every case is different, our goal is always long-term relief, not just a temporary fix.
When to Seek Emergency Help
While most headaches can be managed safely, seek medical attention immediately if you experience:
A sudden, severe headache (often described as "thunderclap")
A headache following head trauma
Vision changes, confusion, or loss of consciousness
Weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition, such as a stroke, aneurysm, or infection.
Tips to Prevent Migraines
While not all migraines are avoidable, these tips can help reduce frequency:
Maintain good posture during work and rest.
Manage stress through breathing techniques, exercise or therapy.
Stay hydrated and avoid migraine-triggering foods (like chocolate or aged cheese).
Create a sleep routine and aim for 7–9 hours of rest.
Avoid excessive screen time and reduce blue light exposure whenever possible to reduce strain.
Ready to Book Your Consultation?
Discover the relief that expert chiropractic care from a trusted Sheffield chiropractor can offer for headaches and migraines.
📞 Call us on 07716 377351
📧 Email contact@despinaschiropractic.co.uk
🌐 Book online here
Let Despina, your Sheffield chiropractor, help you regain clarity and comfort with natural, drug-free headache care in Sheffield S1.
Headaches & Chiropractic FAQs
-
Yes, especially if your migraines are linked to spinal misalignment, tension, or posture. Many patients experience reduced frequency and severity of attacks with regular chiropractic care.
-
Absolutely. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free option that’s considered safe for most people. At Despina’s Chiropractic, all treatments are tailored to your personal situation and comfort.
-
Yes. Acupuncture and dry needling can reduce tension and improve nervous system function, supporting migraine prevention. We offer these services at our Sheffield chiropractic clinic.
-
Tension headaches are usually milder, with a band-like pressure. Migraines often include nausea, light sensitivity, and more intense, throbbing pain.
