Headache & Migraine Chiropractic Care · Spearfish

Headaches deserve more than a generic explanation.

Mountain Movement evaluates neck-related and tension-type headache patterns, screens for warning signs, and provides conservative care when musculoskeletal factors appear to contribute.

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White woman sitting on a couch with her hand on her forehead during a headache
Cervicogenic headaches Head pain that may be connected to the neck and aggravated by neck movement or position.
Tension-type patterns Headache associated with pressure, neck or shoulder tension, stress, and sustained positions.
Migraine support Conservative care may be used alongside medical management, not as a promised cure.
Start with the headache pattern

Not every headache comes from the neck—and not every headache should be treated the same.

Headaches can have many causes, including migraine, tension-type headache, neck-related headache, medication effects, illness, injury, sleep disruption, and other medical conditions.

The first responsibility is to recognize when a headache needs medical evaluation. When the history and exam suggest a musculoskeletal contributor, chiropractic and movement-focused care may be one part of the plan.

Patterns we evaluate

The details of the headache matter.

Location alone does not diagnose a headache. Timing, triggers, neurological symptoms, neck movement, prior history, and changes from your normal pattern all matter.

01

Neck-related headaches

Head pain associated with neck stiffness, reduced rotation, sustained positions, or symptoms that reproduce with neck movement.

  • Neck stiffness
  • Reduced rotation
  • Position-related
  • One-sided pain
02

Tension-type headaches

Pressure or tightness that may occur with neck and shoulder tension, stress, sleep changes, and long periods at a desk.

  • Pressure
  • Tightness
  • Desk work
  • Muscle tension
03

Migraine history

Migraine can involve throbbing pain, nausea, light or sound sensitivity, and neurological symptoms. Medical diagnosis and management remain important.

  • Nausea
  • Light sensitivity
  • Aura
  • Recurring episodes
Woman holding the back of her neck in discomfort
Conservative headache care

Address the neck and movement when they are actually part of the problem.

Care is not based on the claim that all headaches come from spinal pressure. Treatment is selected only after the history and examination.

Headache history Review frequency, duration, triggers, associated symptoms, medication use, and changes from the usual pattern.
Neck and upper-back exam Check motion, tenderness, joint function, and whether movement reproduces familiar symptoms.
Neurological screening Assess for weakness, sensory changes, coordination problems, or findings requiring medical care.
Adapted manual care Use appropriate mobilization or manipulation when the presentation supports it.
Movement and position guidance Address sustained positions, sleep setup, and practical neck or upper-back exercises.
Medical co-management Encourage primary care or neurological evaluation for migraine diagnosis, medication needs, or concerning patterns.

A sudden or dramatically different headache needs medical attention.

Seek urgent evaluation for a sudden severe headache, headache after significant injury, fever with neck stiffness, fainting, confusion, seizure, new weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, vision loss, or a severe headache during pregnancy or postpartum.

New pattern? Do not self-diagnose. A first severe headache, rapidly changing pattern, or new headache later in life should be discussed with a medical provider.
Common questions

Headache and migraine questions.

Call or text Mountain Movement at (605) 418-5994 when you are unsure which appointment to choose.

Can chiropractic care help headaches?

Spinal manipulation may help some people with cervicogenic headache and may offer limited benefit for some other headache patterns. It does not help every headache, and the correct diagnosis matters.

Can chiropractic cure migraines?

No cure should be promised. Some patients use conservative musculoskeletal care alongside medical migraine management, especially when neck pain or stiffness is also present.

What is a cervicogenic headache?

It is head pain that originates from a problem in the neck. Features may include reduced neck motion, pain triggered by neck movement or sustained position, and pain that begins in the neck or back of the head.

Should I stop migraine medication?

No. Medication changes should be discussed with the prescribing medical provider. Chiropractic care should not be used as a reason to abruptly stop prescribed treatment.

When should I seek emergency care?

Seek urgent help for a sudden severe headache, neurological changes, fainting, seizure, fever with a stiff neck, significant trauma, confusion, or a severe headache that is clearly different from your normal pattern.

How do I book?

Review current appointment types and prices on the Jane booking page .

Right here in Spearfish

Get a clearer answer about the role your neck may—or may not—be playing.

Schedule a headache-focused evaluation with Dr. Zach Hansen at Mountain Movement Chiropractic in Spearfish.

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