If you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, you already know that pain medication only goes so far. At Life in Motion Chiropractic, we identify and treat the underlying structural cause — so attacks become less frequent, less severe, and eventually stop altogether.
Why Do You Keep Getting Headaches — And Why Won’t They Stay Away?
There are 17 recognized types of headache, and many people experience more than one simultaneously. Because each type has a different underlying cause, treating them all the same way — typically with pain medication — is one of the main reasons so many people never find lasting relief. In fact, overuse of pain medication can actually trigger more frequent headaches over time, a condition known as “rebound headache.”
At Life in Motion, therefore, we start by identifying exactly what type of headache you’re experiencing and what’s driving it. Only then can we apply the right treatment — one that addresses the cause rather than masking the symptom.
The Most Common Headache Types We Treat
Not sure which type of headache you’re experiencing? That’s one of the first things we determine at your initial visit. Learn what to expect on your first appointment →
Why Your Headaches May Be Starting in Your Neck
The cervical spine — the seven vertebrae of your neck — houses the nerves and blood vessels that supply the head. When these vertebrae are misaligned, restricted, or surrounded by tense muscle tissue, they can directly trigger headache and migraine attacks. This is especially true of the upper three cervical segments, which share neural pathways with the trigeminal nerve — the same nerve implicated in migraine pain.
Furthermore, modern lifestyle habits have made this connection more widespread than ever. Prolonged screen time, forward head posture from phone use, and long hours at a desk all place significant stress on the cervical spine. As a result, many people who think of themselves as “headache sufferers” are actually experiencing the downstream effects of an unaddressed neck problem.
That’s precisely why chiropractic care — which directly addresses cervical dysfunction — is so effective for headache and migraine patients. Learn more about how we treat neck pain →
Cervical nerve compression is a leading — and often overlooked — driver of chronic headaches.
Our Approach to Headache & Migraine Relief
Because headaches have so many possible causes, effective treatment must be built around an accurate diagnosis. Accordingly, Dr. Dockery begins every headache patient’s care with a detailed evaluation — including postural analysis, cervical range-of-motion testing, neurological screening, and digital X-rays when indicated. The result is a customized plan that addresses your specific headache pattern — not a generic protocol.
Treatments Commonly Used for Headaches & Migraines
Chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine are the cornerstone of our headache treatment. Specifically, they restore proper joint movement, relieve nerve irritation, and reduce the muscle tension that triggers both tension headaches and migraines. Dr. Dockery uses a range of techniques — including low-force instrument-assisted options — so the approach always matches your comfort level. Learn about our adjustment techniques →
Our LightForce Class 4 laser is highly effective for headache patients because it reduces inflammation in the cervical joints and muscles, stimulates circulation, and promotes tissue healing at the root of the pain pattern. Moreover, because the treatment is painless and requires no downtime, it can be easily combined with chiropractic adjustments in the same visit for faster results. Learn about laser therapy →
The muscles of the neck, upper back, and base of the skull play a major role in both tension headaches and migraines. Accordingly, therapeutic massage to release trigger points in these areas — particularly the suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull — can provide significant and immediate relief. In addition, regular massage helps prevent headaches from returning by keeping the surrounding soft tissue relaxed and mobile. Learn about massage therapy →
In addition to in-office treatment, every headache patient receives a customized set of home exercises to reinforce cervical alignment, strengthen postural muscles, and reduce the tension patterns that trigger attacks. These are demonstrated in-office and available to review anytime through our Rehab Exercise Library. Because these exercises address the structural cause directly, patients who stay consistent tend to experience a significant reduction in both frequency and severity over time.
Since many headaches are driven or worsened by poor ergonomics, screen habits, and sleep position, Dr. Dockery provides specific, practical guidance on each of these areas. Even small changes — such as adjusting monitor height, changing your pillow, or modifying your phone use habits — can meaningfully reduce headache frequency. As a result, this is an essential part of every headache treatment plan at Life in Motion.
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Suggested: 60–90 sec video of Dr. Dockery explaining the neck-headache connection and his treatment approach.
Who We Help
Headaches and migraines affect people across all age groups and lifestyles. In particular, we frequently help the following types of patients:
People with frequent tension headaches from desk work, screens, or stress
Migraine sufferers who want to reduce frequency and severity without daily medication
Patients with existing neck pain whose headaches coincide with cervical stiffness
Auto accident patients experiencing post-traumatic headaches after whiplash
Anyone who has relied on pain medication long-term and wants to break that cycle
Patients told their headaches are “just stress” — when the real cause may be structural
Were you in a car accident? Post-traumatic headaches following whiplash are extremely common and often don’t develop until days after the collision. Because they have a clear structural cause in the cervical spine, they tend to respond exceptionally well to chiropractic care — particularly when treated promptly.
Is Chiropractic Care Proven to Help With Headaches & Migraines?
Yes — and the evidence comes from some of the most respected journals in medicine. Specifically, a systematic review and meta-analysis found that spinal manipulation significantly reduced both the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks. Furthermore, a separate study published in the Spine Journal found that chiropractic care cut the number of symptomatic headache days by approximately 50% for cervicogenic headache sufferers — a result that has since been replicated across multiple clinical trials.
These findings are significant because, unlike medication, chiropractic care produces these outcomes by correcting the structural problem — not by suppressing pain signals. As a result, improvements tend to build over time rather than wearing off between doses.
We accept most major insurance plans. Check your coverage →
Why Headache Patients in Livonia Choose Life in Motion
Many headache patients arrive at Life in Motion after years of relying on medication with limited results. Rather than adding another temporary fix, Dr. Dockery takes time to understand your full headache history, identifies the structural factors involved, and builds a plan with clear, measurable goals. Moreover, because that plan includes take-home exercises and lifestyle guidance, patients continue making progress between visits — not just during them.
“Thanks to Dr. Dockery, the pain I had for years is almost gone, my headaches are less often, and my back pain is no longer a daily problem. He also helps with my TMJ pain. I’m grateful to have found a doctor that actually listens and helps me!”
— Life in Motion patient
“Dr. Dockery is a wonderful chiropractor! You can really tell how passionate he is about chiropractic and how he truly cares about the wellbeing of his patients. I felt very welcomed at my first visit and have been recommending him to everyone since.”
— Life in Motion patient
“He is always friendly and willing to listen, focuses on fixing the areas of your body that are painful, and gives a very thorough treatment that is worth every penny. I highly recommend him to friends, family, and all with pain issues.”
— Life in Motion patient
Read more patient testimonials →
Headache & Migraine FAQs
Can a chiropractor actually help with migraines?
Yes — and the research is clear. A systematic review found that spinal manipulation significantly reduced migraine frequency and intensity. Because many migraines have a cervical component, chiropractic care addresses the structural cause rather than just masking the pain with medication. See our full FAQ →
How is a cervicogenic headache different from a regular tension headache?
A cervicogenic headache originates specifically from dysfunction in the cervical spine — the joints, discs, or nerves of the neck. As a result, it often presents with pain at the base of the skull, restricted neck movement, or pain that worsens when you turn your head. Tension headaches, by contrast, are primarily muscular. Both respond well to chiropractic care, though the specific treatment approach differs.
How many visits will it take to see improvement?
Many patients notice a reduction in frequency or severity within the first few visits. However, lasting results typically require a full course of care. After your evaluation, Dr. Dockery will outline a clear plan with realistic expectations and measurable milestones. Learn what to expect →
Can my neck pain and headaches both be treated at the same time?
Absolutely — in fact, they’re usually treated together because they share the same root cause. Many patients find that as their neck pain improves, their headaches resolve alongside it. Similarly, improvements in back pain and posture often reduce headache frequency as well.
I’ve had headaches for years. Is it too late to get help?
Not at all. Many of our most dramatic outcomes have been with long-term headache sufferers who had given up on finding a solution. Chronic headache patterns often have an identifiable structural component that, once addressed, produces rapid and significant improvement — even in patients who’ve suffered for decades.
Do you accept insurance for headache treatment?
Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. Check your coverage here →
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- Rist PM, et al. “The impact of spinal manipulation on migraine pain and disability: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Headache. 2019 Apr;59(4):532–542.
- Haas M, et al. “Dose-response and efficacy in spinal manipulation for the care of cervicogenic headache: a dual-center randomized controlled trial.” Spine J. 2018 Oct;18(10):1741–1754.