Chiropractor for Headaches in Kingsport, TN
Go to the ER or call 911 for the worst headache of your life or one that peaks within a minute, a headache with fever and stiff neck, confusion, weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, vision loss, a seizure, or a headache after a head injury. A new headache pattern after age 50 or during pregnancy should also be checked by a physician first.
What kind of headache do you have?
Type
How it usually feels
Where chiropractic fits
Cervicogenic (starts in the neck)
One-sided, starts at the base of the skull, worse with neck movement or posture
Good evidence for manipulation plus exercise
Migraine
Throbbing, often one-sided, with nausea or sensitivity to light and sound
Can be part of care; your physician manages medication
Tension-type
Band-like pressure on both sides, mild to moderate
Evidence for manipulation is weaker; exercise and posture work may help
Jaw-related (TMJ)
Ache at the temples or jaw, worse with chewing or clenching
Jaw and neck exam; may refer to a dentist
Many people have more than one type, and they overlap. That's why the history matters as much as the exam.
How chiropractic care may help
- •Chiropractic adjustments or gentle mobilization of the upper neck and upper back
- •Soft tissue work and dry needling for the muscles at the base of the skull and upper shoulders
- •Exercises for the deep neck muscles and shoulder blades (corrective exercise)
- •Changes to screen height, sleep position, and work or training habits that keep provoking the headache
Keeping a simple headache diary (when, how bad, what you were doing) helps both of you see whether care is working.
What to expect at Elevate Sport and Spine
Your first visit runs 30 to 45 minutes. Dr. Douglas asks about frequency, triggers, medications and what you've tried, then examines your neck, jaw, posture and nerve function and screens for warning signs. If your headaches need a medical workup, he'll refer you to your physician before starting care. More on your first visit.
Is chiropractic care safe for headaches?
For most people, after screening, it's considered low risk. Mild soreness after early visits is the most common side effect. Serious complications from neck manipulation are rare; screening comes first, and gentler techniques are available if you prefer not to have your neck adjusted.
Headache care in Kingsport
We often see headaches in students, desk workers, drivers and athletes who carry tension through the neck and shoulders. Dr. Douglas looks at the whole chain, including how you sit, sleep and train, and works alongside your physician if you're also being treated for migraine.
Common Questions
Clinical Sources & Guidelines
- Bryans R, Descarreaux M, Duranleau M, et al. Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2011;34(5):274-289.
“Most headaches aren't dangerous — but they aren't something you have to live with, either.”
Ready to be seen?
Call 423-239-9122 or book online. We don't take walk-ins, but most new patients are seen within a week, and we check your insurance benefits before your first visit.