Migraine can occur with or without aura
Migraine is a recurring headache disorder that can involve throbbing pain, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. Some people experience aura, such as visual changes, before or during an attack; many do not. Aura is not required for a migraine diagnosis. A health professional considers the pattern of symptoms and your history. Read the NIH MedlinePlus migraine overview.
Tell your provider how often headaches occur, how long they last, what they feel like and whether you have nausea, visual symptoms or neck discomfort. A symptom diary and a list of medicines you use can help that conversation.
Headache and neck discomfort need an assessment
Headaches have different causes. Neck pain alongside a headache does not by itself establish its cause. Our assessment looks at your history and movement as well as the symptoms that brought you in. We can discuss whether care for accompanying muscle or joint discomfort is appropriate, or whether medical evaluation should come first.
We do not diagnose migraine from a neck curve on an X-ray or assume that spinal alignment is restricting blood flow to your head. For recurring migraine, coordinate care with your primary care clinician or headache specialist, including preventive treatment when appropriate.
What chiropractic and massage may offer
At our clinics, the goal is to understand your concerns and discuss suitable options for associated neck or muscle discomfort. Chiropractic or massage is not presented as a cure for migraine. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports inconsistent findings for spinal manipulation and limited evidence for massage for headaches. Read NCCIH’s review of headache approaches.
Ask about likely benefits, risks, alternatives and how progress will be measured. You can also explore neck pain care, massage therapy and our headache research guide.
When a headache needs urgent help
Seek emergency help for a sudden, extremely severe headache, or a headache with new weakness, difficulty speaking, confusion, vision loss, or a high fever and stiff neck. Call 911 for an emergency. New, worsening or changing headaches also deserve medical attention. Headache warning signs from the NHS.
Talk with our team
Choose the Vancouver, WA clinic or Gresham, OR clinic, and read what to expect at your first visit.