Headaches & Migraines Treatment in Arlington Heights, IL

Overview

If you reach for pain relievers more often than you would like, your headaches may be coming from your neck. Tension and cervicogenic headaches are some of the most common — and most overlooked — sources of recurring head pain, and they respond remarkably well to chiropractic care.

When headaches start in the neck

The joints and muscles of the upper neck refer pain into the head. When they are restricted or tense, they trigger the band-like tightness of tension headaches. Addressing the underlying neck pain is often the key to fewer headaches.

Treating triggers, not just symptoms

Our corrective care reduces the mechanical triggers behind your pattern — including the forward-head posture that keeps them coming back — so relief lasts longer than the next dose of medication.

Migraine vs. tension headaches

Tension headaches feel like a tight band around the head and often stem from neck and shoulder muscle strain. Migraines tend to be more intense, throbbing, and may come with light sensitivity or nausea. Both can be aggravated by neck dysfunction and posture — which is why addressing the cervical spine helps many sufferers of either type.

When headaches require medical attention

Most headaches are benign and mechanical, but a sudden “worst headache of your life,” headaches after a head injury, or headaches with fever, vision loss, confusion, or weakness warrant immediate medical evaluation. Our exam screens for these red flags before beginning any care.

Recognize It

What it feels like — and why it happens.

Common symptoms

Pain at the base of the skull
Band-like tightness around the head
Headaches that worsen with screen time
Neck stiffness alongside head pain
Light or sound sensitivity
Frequent reliance on pain relievers

Common causes

Upper neck joint restrictions
Forward head posture
Muscle tension and stress
Poor workstation ergonomics
Old neck injuries
Poor sleep and dehydration triggers

Know The Signs

Who’s at risk — and when to get checked.

Risk factors

Forward-head posture and screen time
Neck stiffness and muscle tension
High stress and poor sleep
Dehydration and skipped meals
Clenching, grinding, or jaw tension
Prior neck injury or whiplash

When to seek care

Frequent or worsening headaches
Headaches starting at the base of the skull
Headaches triggered by posture or screen time
Reliance on pain relievers to cope
Sudden, severe headache (seek urgent care)
Headache with fever, vision loss, or weakness (seek urgent care)

Our Approach

From problem to outcome.

A clear, four-part path — so you always understand what’s happening and what comes next.

Step 1 — The Problem

The Problem

The joints and muscles of the upper neck refer pain into the head. When they are restricted or tense — from posture, stress, or old injury — they trigger the band-like tightness of tension headaches or contribute to migraine frequency.

Step 2 — How We Evaluate

How We Evaluate

We examine the upper cervical spine, assess posture, and identify the triggers driving your specific pattern. Understanding whether your headaches are tension-type, cervicogenic, or migraine guides the approach.

Step 3 — How We Treat It

How We Treat It

Precise adjustments to the upper neck, soft-tissue release of the muscles at the base of the skull, and posture correction reduce the mechanical triggers. For many patients, this means fewer headaches and less reliance on medication.

Step 4 — Expected Outcome

Expected Outcome

Patients commonly report a drop in headache frequency and intensity as the neck improves. Addressing the source offers relief that pills, which only mask symptoms, cannot.

The Difference

Treating the source vs. pain relievers

Chiropractic Care Pain Relievers

Approach Addresses neck-related triggers Masks the pain temporarily

Frequency Often reduces how often they occur No effect on frequency

Dependency Drug-free Risk of rebound headaches

Posture Corrects contributing posture Posture unchanged

Outcome Fewer, less intense headaches Repeated dosing

Recovery Timeline

What progress looks like.

Every body is different, but here’s the general arc of care most patients follow.

Relief

2–4 weeks reducing frequency and intensity.

Correction

Posture and neck retraining to limit triggers.

Maintenance

Periodic care to stay ahead of flare-ups.

Questions, Answered

Questions about headaches & migraines

For many people, yes — especially when the neck contributes to the pattern. Care reduces mechanical triggers and muscle tension that can set off or intensify migraines.

Clues include pain starting at the base of the skull, neck stiffness, and headaches that flare with posture or screen time. Our exam confirms the connection.

That is always between you and your physician. Our goal is to reduce the mechanical triggers, so many patients find they reach for medication less often — but we never ask you to change prescriptions on your own.

Many patients notice fewer or milder headaches within the first few weeks as neck motion and posture improve.

Keep Exploring

Connected care, connected answers.

Understanding the full picture helps you make confident decisions about your health.

Free Downloads

Keep learning at home.

Free guides from Dr. Drew related to headaches & migraines — yours to download and keep.

Headaches The neck-headache connection: how structure and posture drive recurring headaches — and what to do about it. Download PDF

Browse all free patient resources

Real Results

Real stories from Forza patients.

Real Arlington Heights patients who came to Forza for relief — and found measurable, lasting results.

“Forza is one of the best chiropractic offices I've ever been to. Dr Drew and the team set you up with the tools both in office and at home to help you function your best. It's starts with going over x-rays and continues with check-ins and updates to your therapies based on where you are. Excited to continue life without migraines!”

Lisa Parrilli
Google review · May 12, 2026

“my headaches have completely disappeared thanks to the chiropractic care i’ve received here. i feel so much better!”

Caroline Barton
Google review · Jul 22, 2025

“I held off as long as I could seeing a chiropractor. I've heard a few stories about adjustments being uncomfortable, and I wasn’t sure if it’d really make a difference. But after seeing Dr. Drew a few times, I’ve gotta say, he really knows his stuff. It was such a relief from the first visit, he listened to all my questions (even the ones that probably sounded ridiculous) and walked me through exactly what to expect and there were no surprises along the way. One thing I immediately noticed is that the Forza team aren’t in the business of pushing sales—they’re in the business of service. There was no pressure to commit to a bunch of sessions or pay for extras I didn’t need. They just focused on what would actually help me, and it felt like my results were the real priority, not my wallet. I originally went in for back pain, but he’s also helped with these random headaches and tension I didn’t even realize were related. The team at Forza completely changed my view on chiropractic care, and I’m genuinely glad I gave it a shot. If you’re on the fence, I can’t recommend Forza and Dr. Drew enough! Thank you”

Paolo Cosentino
Google review · Nov 14, 2024

“I was having headaches & tightening throughout my neck & shoulders. I started seeing Dr Drew & have been feeling like a new person! Dr Drew & the staff are so welcoming & accommodating. I have been to other chiropractors in the past but Forza treats their patients like family! I highly recommend Dr Drew & Forza Chiropractic!!”