Headache & Migraine Relief in Lubbock, TX

Understanding Headaches and Migraines

Headaches rank among the most prevalent neurological disorders in the world, affecting roughly half of all adults at any given time. For many Lubbock residents, headaches are not a rare inconvenience — they are a recurring disruption to work, family life, and well-being. Understanding the type of headache you experience is the first step toward finding real, lasting relief.

Tension-type headaches are the most common, producing a pressing or tightening sensation — often described as a band around the head. They typically stem from muscle tension in the neck and upper back and may be triggered by stress, poor posture, extended screen time, or dehydration.

Cervicogenic headaches originate in the neck — specifically from dysfunction in the upper cervical vertebrae (C1–C3) — and are referred as pain into the head. These headaches are frequently one-sided, begin at the base of the skull, and are often misdiagnosed as migraines. Patients typically report neck pain or stiffness accompanying their headaches.

Migraines are a distinct neurological condition characterized by moderate-to-severe throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Some migraines are preceded by an “aura” — visual disturbances, tingling, or speech changes. While migraines have complex neurological triggers, cervical spine dysfunction can be a significant contributing factor for many patients.

Cluster headaches are severe, recurring headaches on one side of the head, often around the eye, occurring in cyclical clusters. They are less common but extremely debilitating.

Common headache triggers and contributing factors:

• Upper cervical vertebral subluxations compressing nerve roots or vertebral arteries
• Sustained muscle tension in the neck, trapezius, and suboccipital muscles
• Forward head posture from prolonged device or desk use
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction
• Dehydration and poor sleep habits
• Hormonal fluctuations, dietary triggers, and stress (primarily for migraines)

How We Treat Headaches and Migraines at Back 2 Health

Many headaches — particularly tension-type and cervicogenic — have a significant structural component that responds very well to chiropractic care. Dr. Brett Chavez begins with a thorough evaluation of the cervical spine, evaluating joint mobility, muscle tension patterns, postural alignment, and neurological function to identify whether your headaches are driven by spinal dysfunction.

When upper cervical misalignments are present, precise chiropractic adjustments restore normal joint mechanics, reduce nerve irritation, and ease the chronic muscle tension that fuels recurring headaches. For many patients, the frequency and severity of headaches diminish significantly within the first few weeks of care — often without any medication.

For migraine patients, chiropractic care works best as part of a comprehensive approach that may also include dietary and lifestyle counseling, stress management, and coordination with your primary care provider or neurologist when appropriate.

Treatment Options

• Chiropractic Care — Cervical and upper thoracic adjustments targeting the structural contributors to headache
• Upper Cervical Correction — Specific correction of atlas and axis misalignment, a key driver of cervicogenic headaches
• Trigger Point Therapy — Release of active trigger points in suboccipital, trapezius, and sternocleidomastoid muscles
• Postural Correction — Addressing forward head posture to reduce ongoing cervical load
• Lifestyle and Nutritional Guidance — Identifying and minimizing headache triggers

When to See a Chiropractor for Headaches or Migraines

Consider scheduling a chiropractic evaluation if:

• You experience headaches more than once per week
• Your headaches are accompanied by neck pain or stiffness
• You rely on over-the-counter pain medications more than two days per week
• You have been diagnosed with tension headaches or cervicogenic headaches
• Your migraines are occurring more frequently or with greater intensity
• Stress, posture, or screen time seem to worsen your headaches
• You want to reduce your dependence on medication and address root causes

Note: If you experience the sudden onset of an extremely severe “thunderclap” headache, headaches with fever and stiff neck, or headaches following head trauma, seek emergency medical evaluation immediately.

Get Real Headache Relief in Lubbock

You should not have to plan your life around your next headache. Back 2 Health Chiropractic has helped many Lubbock patients dramatically reduce or eliminate chronic headaches through targeted, drug-free care. Call (806) 425-5973 or request your appointment today.