Headaches & Migraines in Miami
Many recurring headaches start in the neck, not the head. We find out whether yours is one of them.
Chiropractic care helps headaches that originate in the neck — called cervicogenic headaches — by restoring movement to restricted upper cervical joints and releasing the muscles that refer pain into the head. It can also reduce the frequency of tension-type headaches and some migraines. Dr. Malavenda examines you first to determine which kind you have.
Reviewed by Dr. Paul Malavenda, DC · Life University, 1987 · 39 years in Miami · Last reviewed October 28, 2026
The four headache types we see most
| Type | Where it hurts | Typical trigger | Responds to chiropractic? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cervicogenic | Base of skull, wrapping to temple or behind one eye, usually one-sided | Neck position, desk work, old whiplash | Often, yes — this is the one we treat most directly |
| Tension-type | Band-like pressure around the head, both sides | Stress, jaw clenching, posture | Frequently helps |
| Migraine | Throbbing, often one-sided, with nausea, light or sound sensitivity | Varies widely | Often reduces how often attacks hit |
| Post-traumatic | Variable, begins after a head or neck injury | Car accident, fall, sports impact | Often, as part of injury care |
Why a neck problem causes head pain
The top three cervical nerves share a pathway with the trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensation to the face and much of the head. When upper neck joints are restricted or inflamed, the nervous system can misattribute that signal as head pain. This is a well-described mechanism called trigeminocervical convergence, and it is why a headache can be genuinely caused by something happening in your neck.
How we work out which one you have
Dr. Malavenda takes a detailed history — where it starts, what brings it on, how long it lasts, what else happens with it — and examines cervical movement, joint restriction, and muscle trigger points. If reproducing pressure on specific neck structures reproduces your headache, that is a strong signal it is cervicogenic. Imaging is taken only when medically necessary.
When a headache needs urgent medical care
Go to an emergency department for a headache that:
- Comes on suddenly and severely — the "worst headache of my life"
- Follows a significant head injury
- Comes with fever and a stiff neck
- Comes with confusion, vision loss, slurred speech, or weakness on one side
- Is new and you are over 50, or you have a history of cancer or immune suppression
These are uncommon but serious. Dr. Malavenda screens for them and refers out when something falls outside chiropractic care.
Common questions
How many visits before I know if this is working?
For cervicogenic headache, most patients have a clear sense within a handful of visits. If there is no meaningful change, Dr. Malavenda will tell you and look at other causes rather than keep adjusting.
Can chiropractic help my migraines?
For many patients, yes. Migraine is a neurological condition, and neck dysfunction is one of the most common triggers feeding it. When that is part of your picture, treating it can reduce how often attacks happen and how hard they hit. Dr. Malavenda will tell you at the examination whether your neck is contributing to yours.
My headaches started after a car accident. Does that change anything?
Yes — it adds a deadline. Florida PIP generally requires your first treatment within 14 days of the crash. See the 14-day rule and whiplash care.
Book an appointment or call or text 305-MY-CHIRO (305-692-4476). Most insurance and Florida PIP accepted. Se habla español.
This page is general information and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan for any individual condition. Individual results vary. See a licensed clinician about your own situation.