Chronic Migraines/Headaches

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What are chronic migraines/headaches?

Migraines and chronic headaches are mechanical or neurologic conditions that cause recurring head pain and other symptoms, often affecting daily life and overall well-being.

A migraine is a type of headache characterized by moderate to severe throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head, and often accompanied by nausea and disturbed vision. Migraines often worsen with physical activity and may last from 4 to 72 hours.

Chronic headaches are defined as head pain occurring on 15 or more days per month for at least three months.

Common Related Conditions

Tension-Type Headaches

Cluster Headaches

Cervicogenic (Neck-Related) Headaches

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction

Neck and Shoulder Muscle Tension

Medication Overuse Headaches (Rebound Headaches)

Fibromyalgia or Chronic Pain Syndromes

Causes of chronic migraines/headaches

Traditionally, migraines have been considered complex neurological events believed to result from abnormal brain activity that affects nerve signals, blood flow, and chemical balance in the brain. Several factors can trigger or contribute to migraine attacks.

Chronic headaches are defined as head pain occurring on 15 or more days per month for at least three months. Chronic headaches may stem from muscle tension, nerve irritation, poor posture, dehydration, hormonal imbalance, or underlying medical issues.

Symptoms of chronic migraines/headaches

Migraines can be accompanied by other symptoms such as:

Nausea and vomiting
Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
Visual disturbances (known as aura), such as flashing lights or zigzag lines
Dizziness or fatigue

Chronic headache symptoms include:

Chronic migraine
Tension-type headaches (a constant, dull, pressure-like pain)
Cluster headaches (intense, one-sided pain around the eye)

Treatment for chronic migraines/headaches

We take a full-body approach when evaluating chronic headaches. In doing so, we find that headaches often accompany the stooped, forward head posture common to certain professions, such as dentists, hairdressers, doctors/surgeons, and those who work in front of computers.

In its position atop the neck, the head must adapt its position in space according to the position of the much larger structures below it–the spine, back, and pelvis. Thus, we find chronic or recurring headaches are often the result of sustained muscle contraction, compensatory postures, and fascial pulls or joint restrictions further down the body. For this reason, we find cranial imbalances that cause recurring headaches may occur from persistent structural imbalance in the base of skull, neck, torso, or even down into the pelvis, as well as sacrum, lumbosacral junction, or coccyx.

We find a major contributory factor to headaches to be mechanical and soft tissue dysfunction of the mid-back, where thick, tight mid-back muscles create a strong pull at the base of the skull and into the head.

Further down the spine, we find that dysfunctions of the sacral joints (in the pelvis) and surrounding musculature and fascia (connective tissue) may also contribute to chronic headaches. Strong connections from the low and mid-back can pull through the neck to the base of the skull, causing or perpetuating headaches. Unless these tissues are freed from their patterns of spasm and myofascial adhesions, the headaches will continue and eventually worsen.

Strong attachments of the dura to the tailbone (coccyx) can cause a significant pull up through the spinal cord to its attachment at the base of the skull. Thus, when a person endures a life of prolonged sitting, falls onto her/his tailbone or has a physical trauma there (auto accident, physical or sexual abuse), the tailbone can be pushed forward. When that happens, the spinal cord can be pulled down sharply, often creating a strong pull on its next attachment at the base of the skull, causing headaches. We see this condition often in our approach to migraine headache treatment.

Condition Specific Disclaimer:

Clear Passage® Therapy is a specialized, non-surgical manual physical therapy that focuses on reducing adhesions and improving soft tissue mobility. Some patients report relief from headache or migraine symptoms related to muscle tension, restricted fascia, or structural imbalances. However, results vary by individual, and the therapy is not a medical treatment for disease or biological conditions.

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. We do not diagnose medical conditions. Our website information should not replace consultation with your physician.

If you experience sudden, severe, or persistent head pain, vision changes, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

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