Migraines

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.

What Is Migraines?

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.

Common Symptoms

Throbbing or pulsating head pain, usually on one side
Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
Extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia)
Visual disturbances (aura) — zigzag lines, blind spots, or flashing lights
Pain lasting 4–72 hours
Postdrome ('migraine hangover') — fatigue, brain fog after the attack

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

Upper cervical vertebral subluxation affecting trigeminal nerve function
Vertebral artery compression or reduced blood flow
Hormonal fluctuations (especially estrogen-driven migraines)
Dietary triggers (tyramine, alcohol, nitrates, MSG)
Sleep disruption and circadian rhythm changes
Emotional stress and its neurological effects

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for Migraines

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.

Advanced Therapies We Combine With Chiropractic

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:

Class IV Laser Therapy

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.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

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 with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from Migraines?

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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