Headaches Treatment in Bellevue, WA
Headaches and migraines can take over your day — making it difficult to work, focus, sleep, or enjoy time with the people you care about. When they keep coming back, it’s a sign your body is asking for help.
At True Chiropractic Bellevue, we focus on natural, medication-free headache care that looks for the true source of the problem. For many people, tension, posture, or spinal misalignment in the neck can irritate nerves and lead to recurring headaches.
When appropriate, we use tools like X-rays to understand the structure of your neck and ensure there are no red flags. If headaches are becoming a pattern, a proper evaluation can help you take back control of your days.
Call (425) 644-7582 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
Headaches or Migraines
People usually say “headache” when they feel tight, achy, or band-like pain around the head or behind the eyes. Migraines tend to be more intense. They can throbbing, one-sided, and may come with nausea, light or sound sensitivity, or “I just need a dark room” vibes.
In real life, the symptoms often overlap. Many folks with “migraines” also have neck tension, shoulder tightness, and jaw clenching. Others notice their headaches ramp up after long hours at a computer or looking down at a phone.
At True Chiropractic Bellevue, your chiropractor for headaches will sort out what is driving your specific pattern. Whether your diagnosis leans more “tension headache,” “cervicogenic headache,” or “migraine,” the goal is to calm the pain and work on the underlying mechanics that keep triggering it.
What are root causes that you see
In our Bellevue clinic, we see a few root patterns show up again and again with headaches and migraines:
- Upper neck dysfunction. The top two or three cervical joints get stiff, and their referral pattern sends pain right into the head or behind the eyes.
- Overactive neck muscles. The small muscles at the base of the skull work overtime to “hold your head up,” especially with phones, breastfeeding, or laptop posture.
- Jaw tension. Past jaw injuries, clenching at night, or chewing mostly on one side can feed pain into the same side of the head.
- Posture and screen-time strain. Long, static hours at a desk or looking down at devices load the neck and upper back until they finally complain.
- Lifestyle factors. Stress, poor sleep, not enough movement, and sometimes hydration or food choices can ramp up irritation in already-sensitive tissues.
Your chiropractor evaluates which of these are in play for you and what might need co-management, like nutrition or dental support for jaw issues.
How does treatment plan look like
Your headache treatment in Bellevue, WA starts with a conversation. Dr. Jordan Kalil will ask how your headaches behave. Are they tied to certain motions. Do they show up with neck pain or jaw pain. Do they hit daily or in waves.
From there, your plan is built around what your exam shows. Common pieces include:
- Gentle neck adjustments or mobilizations to restore motion in the upper cervical joints that often refer pain into the head.
- Soft tissue work to release tight suboccipital muscles and other overworked areas around the neck and shoulders.
- Targeted exercises for neck and upper back strength so your head is supported by muscle, not just tension.
- Breathing and posture drills to reduce stress on the neck throughout the day.
- Jaw self-mobilization and relaxation strategies if TMJ involvement is part of your picture.
Everything is paced to your comfort level and goals. The focus is on natural, medication-free headache care that fits into real life.
How long does it take to give results
Timelines are different for everyone, but there are some patterns. If your headaches are mainly coming from neck mechanics or muscle tension, many patients notice shifts in intensity or frequency within the first few weeks of care, especially when visits are consistent at the start.
If you have long-standing migraines, past injuries, or a lot of stress and sleep issues on top of neck tension, it can take longer. Think in terms of phases. First, we work on getting you out of the worst of the pain. Then we stabilize the neck, jaw, and upper back so things do not bounce back the moment life gets busy again.
Your chiropractor for headaches will be upfront about realistic expectations based on your exam, how long you have had the problem, and how well home strategies can be worked into your routine.
What equipment do you use for it
For migraine treatment in Bellevue, WA at True Chiropractic Bellevue, we use simple, hands-on tools that focus on comfort and precision. Typical equipment includes:
- Chiropractic adjusting tables. These allow you to lie comfortably while we position your neck and back in safe, supported ways for adjustments or gentle mobilizations.
- Manual and low-force adjusting methods. Depending on your comfort and sensitivity, Dr. Kalil may use traditional hands-on adjustments or lighter mobilization techniques to improve joint motion.
- Soft tissue tools. Hands-on muscle work, and when appropriate, instrument-assisted techniques, help calm tight muscles around the neck, shoulders, and jaw.
- X-rays when indicated. If your history or exam suggests structural issues or red flags, basic X-rays can give a clearer picture of alignment and joint health in your neck.
Everything chosen is there to make care more precise, gentle, and effective for your specific situation.
Patient Recovery Story
One memorable patient was a young mom in the early months after having her baby. She had never really dealt with headaches before. Suddenly she was getting frequent, nagging headaches that flared while breastfeeding or rocking her child, usually with her head tilted down and slightly to one side.
Exam showed limited motion in the upper neck and very tight muscles at the base of her skull. Adjustments, soft tissue work, and rehab exercises improved things, but the headaches never fully disappeared. A re-check revealed a second piece of the puzzle. An old jaw injury from a car accident had never been addressed, and she was clenching at night and chewing mostly on one side.
By adding gentle jaw self-mobilization, jaw and neck exercises, and posture tweaks during feeding, her headaches calmed down and stopped dominating her days. Home tips that helped her included short posture breaks, simple neck mobility drills, and a consistent sleep routine whenever baby allowed.
Book An Appointment
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FAQs - Headache Treatment
Can a chiropractor help with headaches and migraines?
Yes, a chiropractor for headaches can often help when your pain is tied to neck mechanics, muscle tension, or jaw issues. Many headaches have a strong cervical component. When the upper neck joints are stiff and the muscles around them overwork, the referral pattern can feel like pain in the head or behind the eyes.
Chiropractic care looks at how your neck, jaw, shoulders, and posture all interact. We use gentle adjustments, soft tissue work, and rehab exercises to address the physical drivers of your headaches. Migraine treatment in Bellevue, WA may also include identifying triggers and building a plan to manage them alongside your medical team if needed.
What are common triggers?
Common headache and migraine triggers we see in the clinic include:
- Long hours at a computer or phone with your head forward or down.
- Stress and poor sleep that keep muscles “on guard” 24/7.
- Previous neck or jaw injuries that changed how those areas move.
- Repetitive positions, like breastfeeding or looking down at a laptop all day.
- Dehydration or certain food and drink choices.
During your visit, we will talk through your routine, work setup, and habits so we can spot patterns and decide which triggers we can directly address and which might need co-management.
When should I seek care?
You do not have to “earn” care by being miserable 24/7. If headaches are:
- Coming more often
- Getting more intense
- Starting to affect sleep, focus, or mood
- Showing up with neck or jaw pain
…then it is reasonable to get checked.
Chiropractic evaluation is especially helpful if you notice your headaches are tied to posture, neck motion, or stress. If your history or symptoms suggest anything more serious, we will talk with you about appropriate referrals or imaging so you are not left guessing.
Are adjustments safe for cervical headaches?
For most people, cervical adjustments are safe when performed by a trained chiropractor who takes a proper history and exam. Dr. Kalil screens for red flags, assesses your range of motion, and chooses techniques that match your comfort and health status.
If high-velocity adjustments are not a good fit for you, we have options. Low-force mobilizations, guided movement, and soft tissue techniques can also restore motion and reduce tension in the neck. Safety and clear communication come first, and your care plan is always tailored, not one-size-fits-all.
Which home strategies can I try now?
Some simple, low-risk things you can start today:
- Change positions often. Avoid sitting or looking down in the same posture for hours. Short movement breaks matter.
- Stay hydrated. Even mild dehydration can amplify headache symptoms.
- Gentle neck and upper back mobility drills. Slow, comfortable motions, not aggressive stretches.
- Jaw awareness. Notice if you clench while working or driving and remind yourself to relax your teeth and tongue.
- Prioritize sleep where you can. A calmer nervous system usually means fewer flare ups.
If these basics are not enough or your headaches are intense or frequent, it is time to get a proper exam.
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