Headaches & Migraines — Chiropractor in Memphis, TN
If you're tired of living on painkillers just to get through the day, you're not alone — and there's a better way. Most headaches and migraines aren't caused by a medication deficiency. They're caused by something structural that no pill can fix. Dr. Matt Hayden finds the source and corrects it — so your headaches stop coming back.
What's Really Behind Your Headaches
The vast majority of headaches we see are driven by misalignment in the upper cervical spine, nerve irritation, muscular tension in the neck and shoulders, or a combination of all three. When the vertebrae at the top of your spine are out of position, they create nerve interference that triggers pain patterns in the head — often chronically.
This is why medication only provides temporary relief. It quiets the pain signal without addressing what's generating it.
Types of Headaches We Treat
Tension headaches
pressure and tightness across the forehead or back of the head, often tied to neck tension and stress
Cervicogenic headaches
originating from cervical misalignment or nerve irritation in the upper neck
Migraines
intense, often one-sided headaches with nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances
Cluster headaches
severe, recurring episodes concentrated around one eye or temple
How Chiropractic Addresses the Source
Dr. Hayden evaluates your cervical alignment, posture, and neurological function to identify exactly what's driving your headaches. Treatment focuses on precise upper cervical corrections that restore alignment, relieve nerve pressure, and reduce the muscular tension feeding the cycle.
Many patients see a dramatic reduction in headache frequency and intensity within weeks. Related neck pain is often resolved simultaneously.
When to Consider Advanced Therapies
For chronic or severe headache patterns that haven't responded to adjustments alone, Dr. Hayden may recommend SoftWave Therapy to reduce inflammation in the cervical tissues and accelerate healing at the cellular level.
Why Choose Us
Dr. Hayden has been treating headache patients in downtown Memphis since 2006. His approach addresses the structural and neurological root cause — not just the symptom. When cervicogenic or tension headaches are the driver, corrective chiropractic care produces lasting results that no medication can match. Combined with postural corrections and ergonomic guidance, most patients experience a dramatic reduction in headache frequency and severity — and many stop needing daily pain medication altogether.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor help with migraines?
Yes. Many migraines have a cervical component — meaning spinal misalignment and nerve irritation are contributing to the episodes. Chiropractic correction can significantly reduce migraine frequency and severity.
How does chiropractic treat headaches?
By correcting misalignments in the upper cervical spine that are creating nerve interference and muscular tension — the two most common structural drivers of chronic headaches.
How long until chiropractic relieves headaches?
Many patients notice improvement within the first few visits. Chronic headache patterns may require several weeks of corrective care for lasting resolution.
What type of headache responds best to chiropractic?
Cervicogenic and tension headaches respond especially well. Migraines with a cervical or postural component also show strong improvement with corrective care.