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Jul 15, 2025
If you've ever had a migraine, you know it's no ordinary headache. It's more like a full-blown storm—throbbing pain, usually one-sided, nausea and vomiting, light and sound sensitivity, and sometimes even seeing flashing lights or feeling dizzy and wiped out. For some, they're just bad luck that hits now and then. For others, migraines can take over life, making even daily activities feel impossible.
Ever wish there was a solution that actually targeted the root of the problem and not just the symptoms? That's where upper cervical chiropractic care comes in, offering new hope for migraine sufferers looking for real and lasting change.
Migraines aren't just "headaches turned up to eleven." They're a complex neurological event. The pain can be blinding, focused on one side of the head, sitting deep in the eye or temple. You may not be able to stand light, sound, or smells, and sometimes you feel so sick you just need to hide away from the world. Many patients describe it as an "ice pick" or as if there's a tiny drummer going wild right inside their skull.
Now, let's meet two VIPs in your spine—the atlas (C1) and axis (C2). These top two vertebrae are the gatekeepers of your spinal cord and essential blood vessels, letting signals and nutrients move freely to and from your brain. But when even a slight misalignment happens here? Nerves get irritated, blood flow can be altered, and cerebrospinal fluid may not drain the way it's supposed to—all known triggers for severe headaches and migraines.
Think of atlas and axis as the bouncers of your body's most exclusive club. When they're out of position, the whole party inside your head can get rowdy—and not the fun kind.
Upper cervical chiropractic is like custom tailoring for your neck and head connection. No twisting, no heavy cracking—just detailed, gentle, and precise adjustments designed to realign the atlas and axis. Here’s what the process involves at Ke‘ale Chiropractic:
So, you might ask, what does this mean for your migraines? When the atlas and axis are back where they should be, pressure on the brainstem and nerves is reduced. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid are able to circulate normally. The end result for many patients is:
For most patients, it’s the opportunity to take back control over their days—and finally get some true relief.
Starting upper cervical care isn't a magic overnight fix, but many see progress quickly. First, we’ll get a history and scan to see if upper cervical issues are playing a role. If so, we craft a correction plan, check and adjust your alignment, and give you strategies for self-care at home. With ongoing check-ins, we make sure results last and your life keeps improving.
We always recommend staying patient and consistent. Every migraine journey is unique, but for those who respond, results are often life-changing.
Anne, a tech professional in her 30s, endured migraines about once a week for over four years. Each episode hit hard—like an icepick to her left temple and eye, so intense she needed to take painkillers, hide in the dark, and ride it out until the next day. Nothing had brought long-term relief, even after trying botox injections, acupuncture, and various medications.
Desperate for solutions, Anne found Ke‘ale Chiropractic online. During her intake, we used special angle x-rays and found her atlas (the top bone in the neck) severely rotated to the left. Our neuro exam confirmed that this misalignment was likely the main culprit behind her severe migraines.
With one precisely targeted adjustment to bring the atlas back to center, the change was immediate—Anne’s eyes lit up, the “dullness” was gone, and she exclaimed, “That was it! That was it!” For the first time in years, Anne went an entire week migraine-free, enjoyed sound sleep, and felt the tension in her body melt away. She later told us finding Ke‘ale Chiropractic was the best decision of her life.
Mary, a retired real estate agent in her 60s, had battled chronic migraines since her teens. She had tried another chiropractor, nerve blockers, injections, and migraine medications over the years—but nothing made a dent. When she arrived at our office, our careful exam and x-rays revealed her atlas vertebra was fixated on the right, moving together with axis as if they were a single block.
Dr. Wyland performed a specific adjustment to release her atlas—and for the first time since her youth, Mary felt instant relief. Overcome with emotion, she said, “This is the first time that I haven’t had a headache since I was a teenager.” Her buzzing pain, masked by decades of treatments, finally went quiet. Mary’s quality of life skyrocketed, and she credited Ke‘ale Chiropractic for the transformation she experienced.
Migraines can turn the best days into a struggle, leaving you frustrated and exhausted. But you don’t have to tackle them alone—or settle for endless cycles of medication and temporary fixes. At Ke‘ale Chiropractic, we believe in addressing the root cause, not just silencing the symptoms. Our gentle, specific approach to the atlas and axis vertebrae has changed lives, whether you’re a tech professional burned out by screen time or someone who has quietly endured headaches for decades.
Wondering if upper cervical chiropractic could be your answer? You deserve to find out. We’ll listen to your story, perform a careful assessment, and craft a plan that fits your goals and comfort level. Every body—and every migraine journey—is unique. Together, we’ll focus on measurable results so you can return to the activities, relationships, and peace of mind that matter most.
Let today be your turning point.
Contact Ke‘ale Chiropractic to book your first consultation, ask questions, or just see if this approach feels right for you. Relief is possible—and your next pain-free day might be closer than you think.
Here’s to brighter days and a clearer mind—your journey starts here.
