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A Division of Orris Family Chiropractic

Headaches & Migraines

Why they persist — and how a precise upper cervical approach can help, especially when nothing else has.

If you’ve been chasing headache or migraine relief without lasting results, you’re not alone. Most treatments focus on pain control, but the true cause often lies deeper — in how the upper neck and brainstem communicate. That’s where upper cervical care can make a difference.

Common Types of Headache

Migraine: With or without aura; often accompanied by light/sound sensitivity and nausea.
Tension-type: Feels like a tight band around the head, often worse in the afternoon or evening.
Cervicogenic: One-sided pain that starts in the neck and can radiate into the face or head.
Post-concussion: Headache with dizziness, brain fog, and sensitivity to screens or light.

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Why Headaches Keep Coming Back

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Headaches are rarely just a “pain” problem. They’re usually a systems problem involving the neck, brainstem, and autonomic nervous system. When this system loses balance, symptoms return again and again.

Craniocervical junction strain (C0–C2): Irritation at the top of the spine can amplify pain signals into the head and face.
Brainstem and autonomic imbalance: Drives light/sound sensitivity, nausea, and post-migraine fatigue.
Vestibular and visual overload: Screens, motion sensitivity, or old concussions can trigger or worsen headaches.
Lifestyle factors: Sleep issues, dehydration, blood sugar fluctuations, and medication overuse can perpetuate the cycle.

Why the Upper Cervical Region Matters

The top of the spine — the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) — forms the body’s balance hub. Even a small misalignment here can create a cascade of issues: muscle tension, disrupted fluid flow, nerve irritation, and postural imbalance.
By restoring alignment at this key point, the entire system can calm — reducing frequency, intensity, and duration of headaches.

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Let's take care of these headaches!

What Makes Our Approach Different

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At Gateway Upper Cervical, we use a measurement-driven, Advanced Orthogonal approach designed to be gentle, reproducible, and long-lasting — no twisting, popping, or cracking.
The goal isn’t to move your neck a lot — it’s to move it precisely so it can hold.

Precision X-Rays

Advanced imaging to detect subtle misalignments other scans overlook.
Measurements customized to your exact anatomy.
Clear before-and-after comparisons to verify results.

Precision Correction

Calculated angle, vector, and depth based on your X-rays.
Gentle, sound-wave-based adjustment — no torque or forceful motion.
Designed for stability so your correction holds longer.

Precision Results

Verified improvement in alignment and balance.
Fewer headache days, less intensity, shorter duration.
Real-life outcomes: clearer focus, steadier energy, and more normal days.

Upper cervical care may be right for you if:

You’ve tried medications, injections, physical therapy, massage, or traditional chiropractic without lasting relief.
Your headaches seem tied to neck stiffness, posture, or prior head/neck injuries.
You prefer a data-driven, gentle, and targeted solution.
You’re ready to address the root cause — not just manage the pain

What to Expect At Gateway Upper Cervical Institute

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Consult & Exam – We review your headache patterns, triggers, and health history. Neurological testing identifies whether your upper neck is involved.
Precision Imaging – Specialized X-rays map your unique alignment to the millimeter.
Correction – A gentle, Advanced Orthogonal correction is made to restore balance.
Stability Plan – We track how well the correction holds and layer in supportive strategies like sleep, hydration, and posture.

For out-of-town guests, we offer a one-week Intensive Care Program with on-campus lodging options.

We don’t just go by how you feel — we measure progress.

Headache Days ↓ — Less frequent, less intense, and shorter in duration.

Resilience ↑ — Fewer triggers, faster recovery.

Verified Change ✓ — Post-correction checks and imaging confirm improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is upper cervical care safe if I’m sensitive to neck treatment?

Yes. Our method is extremely gentle and low-force — no twisting, popping, or cracking. In fact, with Advanced Orthogonal Technique, we use a very specific soundwave that is not even felt by the patient.

Will I need a lot of visits?

Not necessarily. The goal is to help your correction hold so you don’t need constant adjustments. Early on, we monitor more closely, then extend visits as you stabilize.

What if I’ve tried everything and nothing helped?

That’s exactly who we help most often... Even if you've seen other chiropractors. When the head-neck balance point is corrected precisely, people who’ve struggled for years often see real progress.