Headaches and Migraines

Help for Headaches and Migraines in Rhode Island

Headaches affect millions of people worldwide, ranging from a mild nuisance to a debilitating condition. Whether it’s a dull ache, a sudden sharp pain after eating ice cream, or persistent throbbing discomfort, headaches can significantly disrupt daily life. Frequent headaches can also impact your mental health, contributing to anxiety and depression, and may cause missed days at work or school.

Identifying the Source of Your Pain

There are over 150 different types of headaches, generally classified into two main groups:

• Primary headaches: These are not caused by another medical condition and include tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches.
• Secondary headaches: These result from underlying issues such as head injuries, infections, sinus problems, or high blood pressure.

Understanding the type of headache you have is key to receiving the right treatment.

Migraines: More Than Just Headaches

Migraines are often mistaken for severe headaches, but they are much more intense and complex. They can cause severe pain along with symptoms like:

• – Visual disturbances
  
• – Vertigo
  
• – Muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders
  
• – Nausea
  
• – Extreme sensitivity to light and sound

In severe cases, migraine sufferers may need to retreat to a dark, quiet room for relief.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Upper cervical chiropractic care, especially precise adjustments targeting the Atlas vertebra (the top bone in the neck), has proven effective in treating both tension headaches and migraines. Misalignment in this upper cervical region can place pressure on the brainstem, disrupt blood flow, and interfere with cerebral spinal fluid dynamics—all contributing to headache pain.

Dr. Douglas DeCubellis uses gentle, exact adjustments to restore proper alignment, which can relieve tension and pressure. Remarkably, about 90% of patients report improvement within 24 hours after their adjustment.

What to Expect – The Process

Dr. DeCubellis begins with a comprehensive examination, including advanced CBCT imaging that captures your unique spinal structure in detail. Using this state-of-the-art technology, he identifies any misalignment and corrects it with precise adjustments to re-center your head and spine.

Many patients notice significant relief shortly after treatment, often within 24 to 48 hours.