Conditions > Migraine & Headache

Few things are more disruptive than a headache that will not quit or a migraine that takes you out for hours or days. Most people reach for medication and wait it out, never realizing the cause may have everything to do with their neck and spine. As a migraine and headache chiropractor in Tucson, AZ, Dr. David Heaton helps patients find and fix the structural root of their headaches.
If headaches have become something you just manage rather than something you have solved, it is time to look at this differently. At Arizona Chiropractic & Spine Rehabilitation, we focus on finding what is actually driving your headaches and correcting it at the source rather than masking the pain every time it comes back.
The greatest majority of primary headaches are associated with muscle tension in the neck. Americans increasingly spend more hours in fixed positions such as sitting in front of a computer, which increases joint irritation and muscle tension in the neck, upper back, and scalp, causing the head to ache.
When the cervical spine is misaligned or joints are restricted, the surrounding muscles tighten to compensate, nerves become irritated, and blood flow to the head can be affected. All of this creates the ideal conditions for recurring headaches and migraines. Chiropractic care addresses that chain of events at the source.
Not all headaches are the same, and identifying which type you are dealing with is an important first step. At Arizona Chiropractic & Spine Rehabilitation, we commonly treat:
● Tension headaches caused by muscle tightness in the neck and upper back
● Cervicogenic headaches originating from joint dysfunction in the cervical spine
● Migraines with or without aura
● Headaches triggered by poor posture and prolonged screen time
● Post-traumatic headaches following auto accidents or whiplash
● Headaches related to stress and chronic muscle tension
Understanding what is triggering your headaches is just as important as treating them. Common contributing factors we explore with Tucson patients include:
● Cervical spine misalignment and joint restriction
● Forward head posture from desk work or phone use
● Muscle tension and trigger points in the neck and shoulders
● Stress and its physical effect on the upper back and neck
● Disrupted sleep patterns
● Dehydration and dietary factors
● Previous neck injuries or whiplash
Dr. Heaton begins with a thorough evaluation of your cervical spine, posture, and muscle function to determine what structural factors may be contributing to your headaches. From there, a personalized care plan is built around your specific findings.
Research shows that spinal manipulation may be an effective treatment option for tension headaches and headaches that originate in the neck. Treatment at our Tucson clinic may also include soft tissue therapy, cold laser therapy, postural correction guidance, and lifestyle recommendations to help reduce your personal triggers.
Relying on pain medication every time a headache strikes does not fix the reason the headache keeps showing up. It also does nothing for the days lost to migraines or the constant low-grade tension that lingers between episodes. Chiropractic care offers a path toward fewer headaches, reduced severity, and a body that is less reactive to the everyday stressors that used to put you down.
Many of our Tucson patients are surprised to discover how much their headache frequency drops after addressing the structural issues in their cervical spine that had been building up for years.

If pain, injury, or limited movement is slowing you down, we'd love to help. At Arizona Chiropractic & Spine Rehabilitation, Dr. Heaton makes it simple to get the care you need and start your path toward real recovery.

Mon - Thu 8:00AM - 6:00PM
Fri 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Saturday & Sunday Closed
601 N Craycroft Rd
Tucson, AZ 85711
Copyright © 2026 Arizona Chiropractic & Spine Rehabilitation.