Headaches & Migraines

 

Headaches and migraines are not just pain conditions. They are often signs that the nerves and tissues in the head and upper neck are under strain.

 

In many people, headaches, migraines, facial pain, and even vertigo are closely related. The difference is not always what is happening, but which cranial nerves are most affected and how tension or pressure is distributed within the head and upper cervical region.

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When these systems are stressed, pain can become frequent, intense, or unpredictable.

 

Common Headache and Migraine Symptoms

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• Recurrent headaches or pressure in the head

• Migraines with or without visual or sensory changes

• Facial pain, jaw pain, or pain around the eyes

• Sensitivity to light, sound, or movement

• Nausea or dizziness

• Neck stiffness, tension or pain

 

Why Headaches and Migraines Persist

 

Headaches and migraines often involve irritation or dysfunction of cranial nerves, along with tension in the tissues that surround the brain and spinal cord.

 

Restricted movement in the head, neck, and upper cervical spine can increase strain on the meninges and alter fluid pressure within the skull. These changes may sensitize nerves, amplify pain signals, and lower the threshold for headache or migraine triggers.

 

Over time, the nervous system may remain in a heightened state, making symptoms more likely to recur even without a clear external cause.

 

Treatment for Headaches and Migraines

 

At Art & Science Healing in Austin, TX, treatment focuses on improving how the head, neck, and nervous system function together, rather than addressing symptoms in isolation.

 

Each session is customized with an appropriate blend of integrative therapies. Sessions often include:

• Craniosacral therapy to relieve tension or pressure on the meninges and cranial nerves

• Myofascial release to reduce fascial restrictions affecting nerves and circulation

• Chiropractic care, when appropriate, to improve joint mechanics and reduce nerve interference

• Frequency-specific microcurrent (FSM) to reduce inflammation, support tissue repair, calm nervous system activation, and restore more normalized nerve function

 

The goal is to reduce mechanical strain, normalize pressure dynamics, and support healthier nervous system regulation.

 

Related Conditions

 

Headaches and migraines often overlap with other nervous system–related conditions, including:

• Facial pain and jaw dysfunction

• Vertigo and balance disorders

• Chronic pain and fibromyalgia

• Digestive dysfunction

• Stress-related nervous system dysregulation

 

For a broader view of how these conditions connect, visit the Head, Neck & Nervous System Conditions page.

What Patients Often Notice

 

As strain on the nervous system decreases, patients may notice fewer or less intense headaches, reduced migraine frequency, improved neck mobility, and greater tolerance to sensory input and daily stressors.

 

Responses vary, but addressing underlying nervous system and mechanical factors often supports more meaningful change than symptom-focused approaches alone.

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