Headaches and migraines are incredibly common—and often incredibly misunderstood. In the United States alone, millions of people suffer from recurring head pain, and many are left searching for lasting answers.
Migraines affect an estimated 38 million Americans, while tension and other headache types impact even more. What’s often surprising is that this isn’t just an adult issue—many children experience significant headaches as well.
Despite how common they are, most people are never told why their headaches keep happening.
Understanding Different Types of Headaches
There are over 150 different types of headaches, each with its own characteristics. While they may feel similar, their underlying causes can vary significantly.
Migraines
Migraines are not just headaches—they are a complex neurological condition. While head pain is a defining symptom, migraines often include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Visual disturbances (such as aura)
- Throbbing or pulsing pain
Tension Headaches
This is the most common type of headache and is often associated with:
- Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
- Stress and prolonged poor posture
- A dull, aching sensation or tightness around the head
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are less common but significantly more intense. They typically present with:
- Severe, one-sided pain
- Pain centered behind or around one eye
- Tearing or redness in the eye
- Multiple episodes in a single day
- Cycles that can last for weeks
Why Do Headaches Keep Coming Back?
For many people, the default approach to headaches is medication—either over-the-counter or prescription. While this may provide temporary relief, it often doesn’t address the underlying cause.
That’s why headaches and migraines tend to return.
To find a more lasting solution, it’s important to look deeper—especially at how the brain and body are communicating.
The Overlooked Connection: The Upper Neck
One of the most commonly missed contributors to chronic headaches is the upper cervical spine—the top two bones in the neck (C1 and C2).
This area plays a critical role in protecting the brainstem and supporting proper neurological function. Even a slight misalignment—sometimes as small as a fraction of a millimeter—can interfere with:
- Blood flow to and from the brain
- Nervous system communication
- Muscle tension and balance
These disruptions can contribute to migraine patterns, tension headaches, and even cluster headaches.
A Different Approach at Advanced Spinal Care
At Advanced Spinal Care, Dr. Lapenski focuses on identifying and correcting misalignments in the upper cervical spine using the NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) technique.
This approach is:
- Highly precise – Based on detailed measurements and imaging
- Gentle – No cracking, twisting, or forceful adjustments
- Focused on long-term results – Not temporary symptom relief
Once alignment is restored, the body often begins to function more efficiently—reducing the stress and interference that can contribute to headaches.
Patients commonly report:
- Fewer headaches and migraines
- Reduced intensity of symptoms
- Improved overall quality of life
Each case is unique, and care is tailored to support long-term stability and healing.
Take the Next Step
If you’ve been dealing with recurring headaches or migraines, it may be time to look beyond symptom-based treatment and explore the underlying cause.
At Advanced Spinal Care, we specialize in helping patients understand what’s driving their condition and whether the upper cervical spine is part of the problem.
You don’t have to keep managing headaches without answers—there may be a better path forward.
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Dr. Craig Lapenski at Advanced Spinal Care, in Graham, Washington is one of 27 Board Certified NUCCA Doctors worldwide. His clinic serves the highest quality upper cervical care in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Lapenski also serves a number of patients who are out of state including Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, New York, and more! He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines, headaches, fibromyalgia, vertigo, neck pain, back pain, and more. More information can be found on our website at https://www.nuccawashington.com/