Migraines Are More Than "Just Headaches"

If you've ever experienced a migraine, you know the difference instantly. These aren't just bad headaches—they're full-body episodes that can leave you curled up in a dark room, unable to function for hours or even days. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, more than 39 million Americans and nearly 1 billion people worldwide are affected by migraines. This makes migraines one of the most prevalent, and misunderstood, neurological disorders.

For many, the struggle isn't just the pain. It's the unpredictability. The lost workdays. The missed family events. The anxiety of wondering when the next attack will strike. Often, people cycle through medications, specialists, and even ER visits, without ever getting to the root cause. The frustrating part? Many of these interventions focus solely on the head.

But what if the problem isn't just in your head? What if it starts just below it?

At The Upper Cervical Clinic, we take a different approach. Dr. Larry Burks specializes in a gentle, targeted form of chiropractic that addresses the alignment of the top two vertebrae in the spine—the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). These tiny bones sit right at the base of your skull, and when misaligned, they can disrupt the nervous system in powerful ways—ways that may contribute to the onset, severity, and frequency of migraines.

Understanding the Migraine Mechanism

Migraines are are rooted in the nervous system. Migraines are also complex. They involve multiple factors, including vascular changes, nerve irritation, inflammation, and overstimulation of the brainstem. However, while most treatments target symptoms (such as pain or nausea), very few address one of the most important structural factors: the alignment of the upper cervical spine.

Let's break this down.

The brainstem serves as the command center for many involuntary functions, including breathing, heart rate, balance, digestion, and, yes, pain processing. It also acts as a relay system between the brain and body. The C1 (atlas) vertebra cradles this delicate structure. If the atlas is even slightly out of alignment—due to a fall, car accident, sports injury, or even years of poor posture—it can interfere with cerebrospinal fluid flow, compress surrounding tissues, and irritate nearby nerves.

This disruption may trigger a cascade of effects:

Impaired blood flow to the brain
Sensitized pain receptors (trigeminal nerve pathway)
Autonomic nervous system imbalance (fight-or-flight overload)
Increased likelihood of migraine episodes

While each person's migraine triggers are unique, this upper cervical dysfunction is a hidden factor that many conventional practitioners overlook. Yet mounting evidence suggests that correcting the problem at the level of the atlas can help regulate the body's internal systems and reduce migraine activity.

Why the Upper Cervical Spine Holds the Key to Migraine Relief

The upper cervical spine is one of the most structurally and neurologically significant areas of the entire body. The C1 and C2 vertebrae:

They have no intervertebral discs—meaning they have less shock absorption and a higher potential for irritation.
They are uniquely mobile to support head movement, but this makes them more vulnerable to misalignment.
They surround the lower part of the brainstem and vertebral arteries.

Even a small shift in the positioning of the atlas can compromise nerve function, alter head posture, and strain muscles at the base of the skull. Over time, this dysfunction creates a perfect storm for migraine development—especially if it's never been identified or corrected.

Patients at The Upper Cervical Clinic are often surprised to learn that chronic headaches or migraines can be tied to old injuries they've long forgotten about—like a childhood tumble off a bike or a fender bender that "didn't seem serious at the time." The effects can build slowly, contributing to poor sleep, jaw tension, visual disturbances, or a cycle of "flare-ups" that seem random but often have a structural origin.

Correcting these misalignments doesn't mean forcing the spine into place. Through gentle, precision-based adjustments using NUCCA or KCUCS techniques, Dr. Burks helps restore balance to the head-neck junction—supporting brainstem function, improving circulation, and relieving pressure that can contribute to migraines.

Research Spotlight: What the Science Says About Chiropractic and Migraines

Upper cervical care might sound niche, but the scientific evidence backing its role in migraine relief is growing—and worth paying attention to.

A review published in Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain notes that the trigemino-cervical complex—a network of nerves connecting the upper neck and head—is a critical site of pain processing in migraine sufferers. Misalignment or tension in the neck can irritate this system, triggering or amplifying migraine episodes.

Several studies examine the effects of chiropractic care on migraine frequency and intensity:

A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) indicated that patients receiving spinal manipulative therapy experienced significantly fewer migraine days, reduced pain intensity, and a decreased reliance on medication over the course of the study.
In a case series published in the Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research Journal, 72% of patients with migraines reported improvement after receiving upper cervical-specific adjustments (often NUCCA or similar techniques). Some even experienced complete resolution over time.
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) also recognizes chiropractic's effectiveness in reducing migraine frequency without the side effects common in pharmaceutical approaches. Chiropractic helps by addressing mechanical tension, improving nervous system regulation, and decreasing muscular irritation around the neck and skull.

These studies don't claim chiropractic is a "cure." But they suggest that targeted structural correction at the top of the spine can influence the neurological pathways most associated with migraine activity. It's a meaningful option—especially for patients who haven't responded well to other treatments or who are seeking drug-free approaches.

What to Expect at The Upper Cervical Clinic

If you're new to upper cervical care, it's natural to have questions: How does it work? Will it hurt? How long will it take?

At The Upper Cervical Clinic in Portland, Dr. Larry Burks provides a care experience that's gentle, thorough, and personalized, rooted in accurate diagnostics. There's no guesswork. Every adjustment is based on detailed imaging, analysis, and your body's specific needs.

Here's what the process typically looks like:

Consultation and History
Dr. Burks listens closely to your story—not just the migraine symptoms, but your full health picture. Past injuries, sleep habits, stress levels, and lifestyle all factor into the care approach.
3D Imaging and Postural Analysis
Using state-of-the-art technology (like digital X-rays and thermographic scans), Dr. Burks maps out the alignment of your upper cervical spine. These images reveal subtle misalignments that other providers often miss.
Custom Correction Plan
Based on your results, Dr. Burks will design a plan that includes gentle corrections using techniques like KCUCS or NUCCA—both known for their precision and comfort. No cracking or twisting is involved. Most patients barely feel the adjustment—but feel real changes afterward.
Monitoring and Progress Check-Ins
Over time, progress is tracked not just by symptom relief but by how well the spine is holding its correction. The goal is long-term stability, not frequent adjustments. As function improves, many patients experience fewer migraine days, better sleep, and more energy.
Supportive Education and Guidance
You'll also learn posture habits, hydration tips, and stress-reduction tools to support your body between visits. It's a holistic, whole-body approach that empowers you to take control of your wellness journey.

How Migraine Symptoms Change After Upper Cervical Care

Many patients come to Dr. Burks as a last resort—having tried medications, diet changes, sleep tracking, and stress management with only minimal relief. But once their upper cervical alignment is corrected, they often report changes that go beyond just pain relief.

Here's what people commonly experience after consistent upper cervical care:

Fewer Migraine Days Per Month

Some patients reduce their episodes from 12–15 per month to just 2–3. Others, particularly those with cervicogenic triggers (neck-related migraines), may see even more dramatic changes.

Shorter Duration and Reduced Severity

Migraines that used to last for days may be reduced to a few hours. Intensity decreases from "can't move or speak" to manageable discomfort. Often, patients find they don't need to cancel plans or miss work like they used to.

Less Medication Reliance

By improving the underlying mechanical and neurological factors, many people reduce or even eliminate their need for daily preventative medications, muscle relaxers, or triptans. (Always consult your prescribing doctor before changing meds.)

Improvement in Sleep, Energy, and Mental Clarity

Because migraines often disrupt sleep and exacerbate fatigue, correcting the spinal imbalance can create a ripple effect, resulting in improved rest, more consistent energy, and clearer thinking.

A Reduction in Neck and Shoulder Symptoms

Because tension headaches, neck tightness, and shoulder discomfort are often part of the migraine pattern, when the spine is aligned, those patterns tend to soften or resolve completely.

This isn't a one-size-fits-all process, and results vary depending on your history, stress levels, lifestyle, and other factors. But for many people, upper cervical care brings a level of relief and control they never thought possible.

The Emotional Toll of Migraines, and the Hope of Natural Care

Migraine sufferers know: this condition doesn't just hurt your head. It touches every part of your life.

It affects your work when you call in sick for the third time this month.

It affects your relationships—when you miss family outings, birthdays, or dinner dates.

It affects your identity—when you begin to feel unreliable, fragile, or chronically exhausted.

Like most chronic conditions, migraines are are more that just a health condition. They're an emotional weight. They rob people of their spontaneity, confidence, and joy. And perhaps the hardest part? The unpredictability. Never knowing when the next attack will hit, or if anything you're doing is actually helping.

That's why natural, proactive care options matter. Upper cervical chiropractic doesn't promise to "cure" migraines. But it can help.

For many, it's the beginning of reclaiming control—and no longer organizing life around a headache calendar.

Is It Right for You? Signs You Might Benefit from Upper Cervical Care

So, how does upper cervical chiropractic help with your migraines?

You may want to consider a consultation if you experience any of the following:

Recurring migraines that are not well-controlled with medication or lifestyle changes.
Neck pain, stiffness, or limited motion that seems to trigger or accompany your headaches.
Headaches that generally focus at the base of the skull or radiate from the back of the neck forward.
Visual disturbances or an aura that occur before a headache starts.
Tingling in the arms or face, dizziness, or balance issues that accompany your migraine pattern.
A history of head or neck trauma, even years ago, including car accidents, concussions, or sports injuries.

A desire to explore drug-free options in a safe, structured, medically-informed setting.

Dr. Burks often begins with a short in-person consultation and imaging session to see if spinal misalignment is contributing to your symptoms. From there, you'll receive an honest, thorough assessment of whether care is likely to benefit you.

You deserve relief. And just as importantly, you deserve answers.

Here is the final section of the blog "Beyond the Headache: How Upper Cervical Alignment Affects Migraine Frequency and Severity":

You're Not Alone, and Relief Is Possible

If you live with migraines, you already know how much they take from your life. The missed moments. The isolation. The fatigue of trying everything and still not feeling like yourself.

But here's what you may not know:

Your neck—specifically, the alignment of your upper cervical spine—may be playing a silent but powerful role in your migraine experience. And correcting that misalignment could change the game.

At The Upper Cervical Clinic in Portland, Dr. Larry Burks helps patients move from pain management to whole-body restoration. His gentle, non-invasive approach not only targets symptoms, but it also supports the structure and function of your entire nervous system. For many patients, that means fewer migraines, more energy, and a clearer path forward.

You don't need to wait until the next migraine ruins another day.

You deserve answers and care that actually helps.

If you're curious whether upper cervical care could be right for you, schedule a consultation. You'll leave with more clarity, more understanding, and maybe—for the first time in a long time—more hope.

Beyond the Headache: How Upper Cervical Alignment Affects Migraine Frequency and Severity