Not every headache has the same source, and treating them all the same way misses that distinction. Some headaches — often described as starting at the base of the skull or wrapping around from the neck — relate to dysfunction in the upper cervical spine, the top few vertebrae just below the skull.
A Gonstead exam evaluates this possibility directly rather than assuming it. Visualization checks head and neck posture. Nervoscope instrumentation scans for temperature differences at the upper cervical levels specifically. Static and motion palpation check whether the upper cervical joints are moving normally or are restricted. When indicated, upper cervical X-rays measure the actual alignment of these segments, which sit in a tight, precise anatomical space.
If the findings point to an upper cervical subluxation complex, a specific adjustment to that segment may be appropriate. If they don't, it isn't assumed that a neck adjustment is the answer just because the headache is present — other causes of headache exist that fall outside what a spinal adjustment addresses, and that distinction matters for setting realistic expectations.
Because the upper cervical spine involves small, precisely positioned joints near the brainstem, this is an area where the specificity of Gonstead's exam and adjusting approach is particularly relevant — general or broad cervical mobilization isn't the same as a targeted, exam-based correction at this level.
Read more: the Gonstead exam process, conditions we evaluate.
Frequently asked questions
Can chiropractic care help all types of headaches?
No. Chiropractic care may help headaches related to upper cervical spine dysfunction, but not all headaches have a spinal origin — a full exam helps clarify whether that's a relevant factor for you.
Is neck manipulation for headaches safe?
Gonstead technique uses specific, exam-based adjustments rather than broad manipulation, and only adjusts when findings support it. Discuss any specific safety questions or concerns directly with the doctor.
How do you know if my headache is related to my neck?
Through the combination of history, visualization, instrumentation, palpation, and X-ray findings at the upper cervical levels — not from the headache description alone.
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