Migraine Treatment in Culver City
Don’t let pounding temples or nausea wreck your day. Dr. James Hogan, DC—offers medication‑free chiropractic care that targets the root cause of headaches and migraines. Through gentle adjustments and soft‑tissue therapy, we treat nerve irritation, relax tight neck muscles and calm overstimulated pathways. Most patients notice fewer and less intense episodes after only a few visits.
- Conditions: tension headaches, migraines, cervicogenic headaches
- Services: chiropractic adjustments, soft‑tissue therapy, posture correction
- Approach: holistic, drug‑free, personalized
Call (310) 800‑1320 to schedule your headache assessment.
Understanding Headaches and Migraines
Not every head pain is the same. Below is a quick guide to the most common types we see and how they feel:
| Type | Hallmark Sensations | Common Triggers |
| Tension | Band‑like pressure across forehead or base of skull | Stress, long screen sessions, jaw clenching |
| Migraine | Pulsing, one‑sided pain; may include aura, nausea, light sensitivity | Hormonal swings, certain foods, sleep disruption |
| Cervicogenic | Deep ache starting in neck and moving to one eye or temple | Poor posture, cervical joint restriction |
| Cluster | Piercing pain around one eye, occurring in cycles | Seasonal or circadian rhythm changes |
Correctly naming the pain guides the right care plan.
Common Symptoms of Headaches and Migraines
- Throbbing or Pulsating Pain: Often felt on one side of the head, this pain can last hours or days and disrupt daily activities.
- Sensitivity to Light and Sound: Bright lights or loud noises can intensify discomfort, leading many to seek dark, quiet environments.
- Nausea or Vomiting: Digestive upset often accompanies migraines and may signal a more severe episode.
- Visual Disturbances: Flashes, blind spots, or zigzags (auras) may appear before or during a migraine.
- Neck Stiffness or Pain: Tension in the neck can either trigger or worsen headache episodes.
- Mood Changes: Irritability or low mood may occur before or during migraines.
Potential Causes of Headaches and Migraines
- Stress & tension – tight upper‑back and jaw muscles limit blood flow and irritate nerves.
- Forward‑head posture – slouching puts the weight of a bowling ball on cervical joints.
- Spinal misalignments – crooked vertebrae pinch nerve roots that supply the scalp and face.
- Hormonal shifts – menstrual cycles or menopause alter vessel tone, setting migraines off.
- Dietary triggers – aged cheese, red wine, and chocolate can dilate blood vessels.
- Environmental changes – bright lights, perfume, or sudden barometric drops spark attacks.
During your first visit, Dr. Hogan screens posture, spinal motion, and lifestyle habits to locate YOUR unique trigger cocktail and build a targeted plan.
Risks of Ignoring Headaches
Ignoring recurring headaches can lead to more than just pain. Chronic headaches may:
- Become more frequent or intense over time
- Lead to missed workdays, social withdrawal, and reduced quality of life
- Mask underlying neurological or vascular conditions
- Disrupt sleep patterns, increasing fatigue and mental fog
- Cause over-reliance on medications, potentially leading to rebound headaches
Temporary Relief Strategies
- Rest in a Dark, Quiet Room: Helps calm nerves and reduce symptoms.
- Cold or Warm Compresses: Cold packs ease migraine pain; warm compresses relax tense neck muscles.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: May offer temporary relief, but shouldn’t replace long-term care.
- Stay Hydrated: Prevents dehydration-induced headaches.
- Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretches can reduce stress and tension.
Chiropractic Treatment Options
Chiropractic care focuses on addressing the root causes of headaches and migraines through:
- Spinal Adjustments: Correcting misalignments to alleviate nerve pressure.
- Postural Education: Improving posture to reduce muscle tension.
- Lifestyle Counseling: Identifying and managing triggers.
- Therapeutic Exercises: Strengthening muscles to support spinal health.
Insurance Coverage
Many insurance plans cover chiropractic treatments for headaches and migraines. It’s advisable to consult with your provider to understand your specific benefits.
How Active Body Chiropractic Culver City Can Assist
At Active Body Chiropractic Culver City, our experienced chiropractors in Culver City and Hawthorne specialize in diagnosing and treating various types of headaches and migraines. We offer personalized care plans aimed at reducing pain and improving overall well-being.
Ready for clearer days?
You can book your appointment using the scheduling tool below or by calling us at (310) 800-1320.
Frequently asked questions
Are chiropractors effective for treating headaches?
Yes, chiropractic care has been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of certain types of headaches, particularly tension and cervicogenic headaches.
Can headaches develop into migraines?
While not all headaches progress into migraines, certain triggers and underlying conditions can cause a simple headache to escalate into a migraine episode.
How long should a typical headache last?
The duration varies: tension headaches may last from 30 minutes to several hours, while migraines can persist for up to 72 hours without treatment.
When should I seek medical attention for a headache?
If you experience sudden, severe headaches, changes in vision, confusion, or headaches following a head injury, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical care.