Headache and Migraine Treatment in Airdrie
Stop dealing with headaches or migraines and treat the cause. We provide safe and effective treatment for many types of headaches, migraines, and neck-related pain.
Headaches and migraines can range from mild to completely debilitating. They can affect much more than just your head, interfering with your relationships, productivity at work, sleep, and overall concentration.
Understanding what may be causing them is an important step toward finding relief. While all migraines are considered headaches, not all headaches are migraines.
Many common headaches involve pressure, tightness, or aching pain around the head, neck, or forehead, often linked to muscle tension, stress, posture, fatigue, or irritation in the neck and upper back. Migraines are typically more complex and may involve neurological symptoms in addition to head pain, including throbbing or pulsating pain, sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, dizziness, or visual disturbances called "auras." Migraines may last for hours or even days and can significantly interfere with daily life.
is that many people experience significant improvement with the right combination of care, lifestyle modifications, and movement strategies. Identifying contributing factors can often help reduce the frequency, intensity, or duration of symptoms.
Common Symptoms
- Pressure or tightness around the head
- Pain at the base of the skull
- Throbbing or pulsating head pain
- Pain behind the eyes
- Neck stiffness or tension
- Sensitivity to light or sound
- Nausea or dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Visual disturbances or "auras"
- Pain that worsens with stress, screen time, or physical activity
- Tenderness in the neck, shoulders, or scalp
Common Causes
- Muscle Tension and Joint Restrictions: tension in the muscles and joints of the neck and upper back may contribute to headaches, particularly those that begin near the base of the skull
- Stress and Fatigue: physical and emotional stress, poor sleep, and fatigue can all increase tension and sensitivity within the nervous system
- Poor Posture and Screen Time: long hours at computers, looking down at phones, or prolonged sitting places increased strain on the neck and surrounding muscles
- Jaw Tension and Clenching: grinding teeth or clenching the jaw may contribute to tension through the jaw, face, neck, and head
- Dehydration and Lifestyle Factors: hydration, nutrition, caffeine intake, stress levels, and changes in routine may all influence headache frequency or intensity
- Previous Injuries: concussions, whiplash injuries, and previous trauma may contribute to recurring headaches in some individuals
- Sinus and Medical Causes: some headaches may be related to sinus irritation, illness, blood pressure changes, or other medical conditions that may require medical evaluation
- Weather Changes and Chinooks: changes in barometric pressure, which are quite common in Southern Alberta, can cause changes in our body's systems that result in headaches and migraines
Summit Spine Centre's Approach to Headaches and Migraines in Airdrie
Comprehensive History & Exam
We want to know the details about your headache. We'll listen to your story, ask follow-up questions, and then perform a thorough exam that allows us to figure out the "why" behind your headache. Once we know why, we can treat.
Cox Flexion-Distraction
A gentle, evidence-based technique used to decompress the spine and relieve pressure on nerves. We can move the joints in a way that doesn't require the "crack", especially helpful for headaches originating from the neck and upper back.
Chiropractic Adjustments
When cervical joints are stuck, they create inflammation and tension that can radiate into the head. Targeted adjustments restore movement and can significantly reduce headache frequency and severity.
Targeted Exercises
Depending on what's causing your headaches, exercises can be used to support the neck and reduce both the frequency (how often) and severity (how bad) of your headaches.
Lifestyle Modifications
If your headache type has typical triggers you may not be aware of, we'll discuss small changes you can implement into your day that over time will aid in relief.
Why Choose Summit Spine Centre for Headache Treatment
35+ Years Serving Airdrie
Decades of experience treating headaches, migraines, and neck-related pain right here in Airdrie. We've helped patients reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of their symptoms.
We Find the Cause
There's just treating pain, and there's understanding why these headaches keep coming back. Knowing the root cause allows us to help you get rid of them, not just manage them.
Care Tailored to You
Treatment is always tailored to the individual. Your symptoms, your triggers, and your comfort level all guide the plan we build together.
What to Expect at Summit Spine Centre
Tell Us Your Story
Your first visit starts with a detailed conversation about your headaches, what they feel like, how often they occur, what seems to trigger them, and how they're affecting your daily life.
Thorough Assessment
Orthopedic, neurological, and movement assessments help identify contributing factors, from neck joint restrictions to postural strain, so we can target care appropriately.
Clear Recommendations
We explain our findings in plain language and recommend a care plan focused on reducing your headaches and the factors that drive them.
Treatment & Ongoing Support
We track your progress and adjust the plan as you improve. If your needs would be better met by another specialist, we'll make the referral.
What Our Patients Say
“After dealing with neck and back issues for years with little success from other chiropractors and physiotherapists, I started going to Summit Spine Centre after a friend's referral. Their flexion distraction technique has significantly improved my range of motion, and I'm feeling better than I have in years. I'd forgotten what it felt like to move comfortably again.”
Keith B.
Airdrie Patient
“After one month of weekly visits my life is significantly different. My back feels great, I don't grunt and groan when I'm moving, I'm no longer hunched over or constantly protecting myself. I can do things care free like play with my kids, and be present in the moment with them. I'm not nearly as angry or frankly miserable and able to enjoy life again in a way I haven't for some time.”
Justin C.
Airdrie Patient
“This would be 12 stars if I could! Dr. Karl Louder is hands down amazing, and Dr. Ryan Lawrence is pretty amazing too! I have been coming here since 2020. I highly recommend any and everyone to go here for care. Your health is vital and they have played a huge part in my health as well as my husband's. They supported us so deeply while my husband went through cancer treatments. We are so grateful for this place.”
Chelsea D.
Airdrie Patient
Related Conditions
What is the difference between a headache and a migraine?
Headaches often involve pressure, tightness, or aching pain around the head, face, or neck. Migraines are typically more intense and may include throbbing pain, nausea, dizziness, sensitivity to light or sound, or visual disturbances called "auras." Migraines can also interfere more significantly with daily activities and may last for hours or even days.
What are common migraine triggers?
Migraine triggers can vary from person to person. Common triggers may include stress, poor sleep, dehydration, hormonal changes, skipped meals, certain foods, bright lights, strong smells, weather changes, or prolonged screen time.
Can neck tension cause headaches?
Yes. Tension or irritation in the muscles and joints of the neck and upper back may contribute to headaches, especially those that begin near the base of the skull and spread toward the head or behind the eyes.
Can poor posture contribute to headaches?
Poor posture may place increased strain on the muscles and joints of the neck and shoulders over time. Long periods spent at a computer, looking down at phones, or sitting without proper support can contribute to tension-related headaches.
What does a tension headache feel like?
Tension headaches are often described as a dull ache, pressure, or tight band around the head. Many people also notice tightness in the neck, shoulders, or jaw.
What does a migraine feel like?
Migraines often involve throbbing or pulsating pain and may occur on one or both sides of the head. Some people also experience nausea, dizziness, visual changes, sensitivity to light or sound, or increased pain with movement.
Can stress cause headaches or migraines?
Stress is one of the most common contributors to headaches and migraines. Physical and emotional stress may increase muscle tension, nervous system sensitivity, and overall symptom intensity.
When should I seek professional help for headaches or migraines?
It may be helpful to seek an assessment if headaches are frequent, worsening, interfering with daily activities, or associated with symptoms such as numbness, weakness, dizziness, vision changes, balance problems, or persistent neck pain. Sudden severe headaches or headaches following trauma should also be medically evaluated.
How are headaches and migraines usually treated?
Treatment depends on the type and cause. Conservative care may include exercise, stress management, improving sleep and posture, hydration, ergonomic changes, soft tissue therapy, chiropractic care, and movement-based rehabilitation. Some people may also require medical management depending on the severity and frequency of symptoms.
Can chiropractic care help headaches and migraines?
Chiropractic care may help some individuals by improving neck and upper back mobility, reducing muscle tension, addressing postural strain, and supporting overall spinal function. Treatment is always tailored to the individual and their comfort level.
What exercises may help headaches?
Exercises focused on posture, neck mobility, shoulder blade control, stretching, and strengthening the supporting muscles of the neck and upper back may help. The best exercises depend on the individual and the contributing factors involved.
Do I need imaging for headaches or migraines?
Not always. Many headaches and migraines can be assessed effectively through a detailed health history and physical examination. Imaging such as MRI or CT scans may be recommended in certain situations depending on symptoms, neurological findings, or medical history.
How long does it take for headaches or migraines to improve?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the type and contributing factors. Some people notice improvement quickly, while others require a longer-term approach focused on managing triggers, improving movement, and reducing irritation over time.