Headache & Migraine Care in Portland & Hood River

What is headaches & migraines?

Headaches come in several types. Tension-type headaches feel like a band of pressure around the head. Cervicogenic headaches start in the neck and are felt in the head, often on one side. Migraines are a neurological condition with throbbing pain, often with nausea and sensitivity to light or sound, and sometimes an aura.

Chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal contributors — neck joints, muscles and posture — that can trigger or worsen tension-type and cervicogenic headaches, and sometimes migraines.

Common symptoms of headaches & migraines

• Pressure or tightness around the forehead, temples or back of the head
• Headache that starts at the base of the skull and spreads forward
• Neck stiffness or reduced motion with headaches
• One-sided head pain made worse by neck movement or posture
• With migraine: throbbing pain, nausea, light or sound sensitivity

What causes headaches & migraines?

Tension-type and cervicogenic headaches are commonly linked to sustained screen posture, neck joint stiffness, tight upper-shoulder muscles, stress, poor sleep and jaw clenching. Migraine triggers vary but often include stress, sleep changes, hormonal shifts, skipped meals, dehydration, certain foods and bright light.

When should you see a doctor right away?

Most headaches & migraines is not an emergency, but some symptoms need immediate medical care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room — rather than booking a chiropractic visit — if you have any of the following:

• A sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache — the worst of your life
• Headache with weakness, numbness, confusion, trouble speaking or vision loss
• Headache with fever and a stiff neck
• Headache after a head injury
• A new headache pattern after age 50, or headaches that steadily worsen

How chiropractic care may help headaches & migraines

For tension-type and cervicogenic headaches, your doctor looks for neck joint restrictions, muscle tension and posture habits that may be contributing. Care may include gentle chiropractic adjustments to the neck and upper back, posture and workstation advice, and simple exercises. Wellness visits can help some people keep headache frequency down.

For migraines, chiropractic care may help address neck tension that can accompany or trigger attacks. It doesn't replace care from your physician or neurologist.

Services used for headaches & migraines:

• Chiropractic Adjustments
• Wellness Care

What to expect at ALVIS

Care for headaches & migraines at ALVIS Chiropractic follows three simple steps, starting with a free consultation. Nothing is decided until the doctor has heard your story and examined you, and there's no obligation to begin care.

1. 1Free consultation: tell the doctor about your headaches & migraines — when it started, what makes it better or worse, and your goals.
2. 2Exam: a hands-on chiropractic exam, with X-rays or other imaging reviewed or referred if needed, to identify the likely source and rule out red flags.
3. 3Personalized plan: the doctor explains the findings and recommends a plan, which may include chiropractic care, StemWave, home exercises or — in Portland — spinal decompression, or a referral if another provider is a better fit.

At-home tips while you heal

These general tips are safe for most people. Stop anything that clearly worsens your symptoms and ask your doctor what's right for you.

• Keep a headache diary to spot triggers such as sleep, meals or screen time.
• Stay hydrated and avoid skipping meals.
• Raise your screen to eye level and take regular breaks.
• Try gentle neck stretches and relaxing your jaw and shoulders through the day.