That pounding, pressure, or throbbing up top — it isn’t just a nuisance. It can steal your focus, drain your energy, and keep you from living fully. At Northwest Chiropractic in Olympia, we don’t just mask head pain — we look for what’s really triggering it. For many in the South Sound, that might mean tension after long commutes, ferry rides, or days spent under bright light at local markets. We focus on calming the nervous system and helping you find lasting relief that supports your whole lifestyle.
What Is a Headache / Migraine?
A headache is discomfort in your head or scalp; a migraine is a more intense, recurring type with added symptoms like nausea, light and sound sensitivity, visual auras, or throbbing pain. These often come in patterns that affect your daily life.
Common Types & Contributing Factors
Headaches and migraines can stem from many sources. Some of the common ones are:
-
Cervicogenic headaches: originating from neck misalignment or dysfunction
-
Tension headaches: from muscular tightness, stress, or postural strain
-
Migraines: complex neurovascular events, often affected by triggers and internal systems
-
Neck joint dysfunction or subluxation
-
Disc bulges or cervical nerve irritation
-
TMJ / jaw tension affecting cranial nerves
-
Stress, poor sleep, hormonal changes, diet, dehydration
Because headaches are multifactorial, most cases involve more than one contributing factor.
How We Evaluate Headaches & Migraines
Your care begins with listening — when did symptoms start, how often, possible triggers, and how they impact your life. We then assess neck motion, joint mobility, posture, neurological function, muscle balance, and other systems. If needed, we may refer you for imaging or collaborate with specialists (neurology, ENT) to rule out serious causes.
Our Treatment Approach
Your treatment is not cookie-cutter. Options may include:
-
Precise adjustments (especially upper cervical or neck)
-
Soft tissue work in neck, shoulders, upper back
-
Trigger point release, myofascial techniques
-
Postural correction & movement retraining
-
Lifestyle coaching: sleep, hydration, stress, nutrition
-
Referral / co-management for migraines with other providers, where appropriate
This integrative approach helps reduce frequency, intensity, and duration, not just mask pain.
What You Can Expect
Many patients notice fewer headache days or reduced severity early in care. Migraines often need more time and consistency. We adapt your plan as you progress and aim to restore confidence in movement and daily life.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care
While most headaches are benign, seek immediate care if you experience:
-
Sudden onset “thunderclap” headache
-
Neurological changes (weakness, vision loss, slurred speech)
-
Headache after trauma
-
Meningitis signs (stiff neck, fever, light sensitivity)
-
Severe worsening despite treatment
Who You’ll Work With
You’ll receive care from Dr. Ed McCullough (focused neck / upper cervical work) and Dr. Jake McCullough when functional factors (hormones, diet, triggers) are involved. We often coordinate with Sarah, PT, and the massage therapist Josee when soft tissue or movement support is needed.
Home Strategies Between Visits
Keep a headache diary (tracking triggers, timing, sleep, diet)
Gentle neck stretches and mobility
Improved sleep posture and pillow support
Hydration and nutritional guidance
Stress reduction techniques and eye rest
Avoid overuse of pain meds (rebound headaches)
Reviewed by Dr. Ed McCullough, D.C. — Last updated September 2025