What Your Headaches Might Really Be Telling You
Headaches are one of the most common health complaints, and many people try to push through them by taking over-the-counter medication, getting some rest, or drinking more water. While these approaches might offer temporary relief, they often fail to address what’s really causing the problem. If you’re dealing with recurring headaches or migraines, your body may be trying to tell you something more. At Nolensville Chiropractic, we often see patients who are surprised to learn that their headaches could be linked to spinal misalignments and tension in the nervous system.
There are several different types of headaches, and not all of them originate in the head. Some headaches actually start in the neck or upper back due to poor posture, spinal stress, or nerve interference. These are known as cervicogenic headaches, and they’re often overlooked because the pain presents in the head—even though the problem starts elsewhere. Chiropractic care can be effective in identifying and addressing these underlying causes, which is why many patients turn to us when traditional treatments aren’t working.
Dr. Winter Cullen provides personalized, non-invasive care for patients experiencing headaches and migraines. The first step is always a comprehensive evaluation. This includes a consultation to understand your symptoms and health history, a physical examination, and digital X-rays when necessary. These tools help us identify whether there is a spinal misalignment or other issue contributing to your headaches. If we find that chiropractic care is appropriate, we’ll design a treatment plan based on your specific needs.
One of the most common patterns we see in patients with chronic headaches is tightness or misalignment in the upper cervical spine. When the vertebrae in this area are not in the correct position, it can lead to muscle tension, restricted movement, and nerve irritation. This can result in pain that radiates upward into the head or causes pressure behind the eyes or temples. In these cases, a gentle spinal adjustment can relieve tension, restore alignment, and reduce the frequency or intensity of headaches over time.
Spinal adjustments are performed with precision and care. At Nolensville Chiropractic, we use techniques designed to correct misalignments without causing additional strain to the body. Many patients report a sense of relief and relaxation immediately following an adjustment, and others notice gradual improvements in the days and weeks that follow. While every patient responds differently, consistent care often leads to longer periods of relief and fewer recurring symptoms.
In addition to adjustments, we offer services like laser therapy and muscle stimulation that may be included in your treatment plan based on your individual condition. Laser therapy helps reduce inflammation and support the body’s natural healing processes, which can be especially helpful for patients with headache symptoms tied to muscle tightness or inflammation. Muscle stimulation may be used to help relax areas that are overly tense or fatigued, which can contribute to ongoing pain.
It’s also important to understand the role of posture and daily habits when it comes to headache triggers. We often work with patients who sit at desks for long hours, look down at their phones frequently, or carry stress in their neck and shoulders. These factors can all impact spinal alignment and muscle tension. While we don’t recommend self-diagnosing or attempting to correct posture-related issues without professional input, these are topics we’ll often address during your in-office evaluation and treatment planning.
One of the key differences in our approach is that we don’t just focus on symptom relief. We look at how the body is functioning as a whole. If the nervous system is under pressure due to spinal misalignment, that can impact more than just your head. Patients with recurring headaches often report related symptoms like neck stiffness, fatigue, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating. All of these symptoms can be connected through the same underlying issue—one that chiropractic care is specifically designed to address.
It’s also worth noting that some patients experience migraines with symptoms that go beyond pain. These may include visual disturbances, nausea, or sensitivity to light and sound. While migraines can have many triggers, spinal alignment and nerve interference are often contributing factors. In these cases, chiropractic care may play a supportive role in reducing the frequency or severity of migraine episodes by addressing stress on the nervous system.
We understand that every patient’s experience with headaches is different. That’s why we take the time to listen, evaluate, and build a plan that fits your body—not just a generic checklist of treatments. If you’ve been living with headaches that keep returning despite trying rest, hydration, or medication, there may be a structural issue at the root of the problem. That’s something we can help identify and address.
Our goal is always to help patients feel better and function better. By restoring proper spinal alignment and improving nervous system communication, we aim to support long-term health and reduce the need for temporary fixes. Many patients who come to us for headaches report improvements not only in how they feel but also in their energy levels, focus, and overall well-being.
If you’re ready to get answers about your headaches, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cullen at Nolensville Chiropractic. During your first visit, we’ll go over your symptoms in detail, conduct any necessary evaluations, and explain what we find. From there, we’ll discuss whether chiropractic care is the right fit for your needs and walk you through the next steps.
Recurring headaches don’t have to be something you just live with. Your body may be trying to tell you that something is out of balance. Chiropractic care offers a safe, personalized path to discovering what’s really going on—and how to fix it at the source.
Contact us today to set up your evaluation and take the first step toward lasting relief.









