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Migraines are not just bad headaches — they are complex neurological events often triggered by spinal and vascular dysfunction that chiropractic care can directly address. Many of our migraine patients achieve significant reductions in frequency and severity.
Migraines are recurrent headache attacks lasting 4–72 hours, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. The trigeminovascular system — involving the trigeminal nerve and its connections to blood vessels in the brain — plays a central role in migraine generation. Upper cervical subluxations, particularly at the atlas (C1) and axis (C2), directly influence trigeminal nerve function, vertebral artery blood flow, and brainstem signaling — all of which are implicated in migraine. Research consistently shows that upper cervical chiropractic care reduces migraine frequency and severity in a significant percentage of patients.
The upper cervical spine — C1 and C2 — is the primary focus of migraine care at Pura Vida. These vertebrae are in direct proximity to the trigeminal nucleus and vertebral arteries, and their misalignment is a well-documented migraine trigger. Dr. Foss uses precise, gentle SOT craniosacral protocols and upper cervical corrections to normalize atlas positioning, restore vertebral artery flow, and reduce trigeminal nerve irritation. Many patients report that migraine attacks decrease in both frequency and intensity within the first few weeks of care, with some achieving complete resolution.
At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.
For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:
Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.
Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.
We are insurance friendly. Bring your insurance card and ID to the office to verify how your insurance can contribute to your care. New patient appointments are available promptly.
Comparing options? See how to choose a chiropractor near me in San Antonio or read our guide on how to choose the best chiropractor in San Antonio.
Migraine attacks are driven by a combination of neurovascular sensitization, dural tension, upper cervical dysfunction, and trigger exposure (hormonal shifts, food triggers, sleep disruption, stress). The trigeminocervical complex — where upper cervical nerves converge with the trigeminal nerve — is a key structural contributor that chiropractic directly addresses.
SOT chiropractic releases dural tension along the entire spine and corrects upper cervical misalignment at C1–C2 — the primary structural driver of trigeminocervical sensitization. Cranial adjusting addresses the temporal and sphenoid bones for migraines with a vascular or visual-aura component. Most migraine patients see attack frequency drop within the first month of care.
Migraine patients usually notice frequency or intensity reduction within the first 4–6 visits. Full pattern stabilization typically takes 12–20 visits across 8–12 weeks, after which most patients move to monthly maintenance to keep the upper cervical and cranial pattern held.
Yes. SOT and cranial chiropractic are among the gentlest evidence-based approaches available for migraine — no rotational adjustments, no high force. Dr. Foss screens for secondary headache red flags before treatment and coordinates with a patient's neurologist when one is involved.
Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.
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