Headaches & Migraine Treatment in Shelby, NC
If you’re living with chronic headaches or migraines, you know they can be more than just a minor inconvenience. They can derail your plans, make it hard to focus at work, and leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Whether you experience tension headaches that creep in by the end of the day or debilitating migraines that keep you in a dark room for hours, the impact on your daily life is real.
At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, we understand how disruptive chronic headaches can be. Dr. Luis Lopez offers safe, natural care that doesn’t just mask the pain—it addresses the root cause. With personalized treatment plans and in-house digital X-rays to guide care, we help patients get real relief that lasts.
You don’t have to settle for temporary fixes or live at the mercy of your next episode. There’s a better way—and we’re here to help.
Understanding Headaches & Migraines
Headaches and migraines are both forms of head pain, but they have different causes, triggers, and symptoms. A headache typically involves dull, aching pain that may be felt across the forehead, temples, or back of the head. A migraine, on the other hand, is a more intense neurological condition that often comes with throbbing pain, sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, and even visual disturbances known as auras.
These conditions can stem from issues in the muscles, joints, or nerves around the neck and spine. For many people, spinal misalignment—especially in the cervical (neck) region—can contribute to tension and nerve irritation that leads to frequent headaches or migraine attacks.
Whether your pain feels like a tight band around your head, a stabbing pressure behind your eyes, or a pounding pulse on one side, it’s important to understand that these symptoms are signals from your body—and chiropractic care may be able to help.
Symptoms of Headaches & Migraines
Headaches and migraines can feel different for everyone. Some people experience mild, nagging discomfort that comes and goes, while others face intense, disabling pain that lasts for hours or even days.
Common symptoms include:
• Dull, aching pain in the forehead or back of the head
• Pressure that feels like a band around the skull
• Throbbing or pulsing pain on both sides of the head
• Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
• Visual disturbances (flashing lights, blind spots, auras)
• Neck stiffness or tension leading up to the headache
• Fatigue or irritability following an episode
Symptoms may vary from person to person and can change over time. If left untreated, headaches and migraines often become more frequent or severe—making early intervention especially important.
What Causes Headaches & Migraines?
There isn’t just one cause of headaches or migraines—often, it’s a combination of factors that trigger or worsen the pain. For many people, the source lies in the neck and spine, where tension, joint dysfunction, or nerve irritation can lead to referred pain in the head.
Common causes include:
Poor posture, especially from prolonged screen time
Stress or muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
Misalignment in the cervical spine
Previous injuries such as whiplash or concussions
Jaw tension or TMJ dysfunction
Hormonal changes
Environmental triggers (bright lights, strong smells, weather shifts)
Certain foods or lack of sleep
At Lopez Chiropractic, Dr. Lopez focuses on identifying and correcting the underlying structural issues that may be contributing to your headaches. By restoring alignment and reducing pressure on sensitive nerves, we help patients find lasting relief—without relying on medication.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Headaches and Migraines
Chiropractic care offers a natural, drug-free way to relieve headaches and migraines by addressing the structural imbalances that may be causing or aggravating your pain. Rather than masking symptoms with medication, chiropractic focuses on correcting misalignments in the spine—especially in the neck—that can contribute to nerve irritation, muscle tension, and restricted blood flow.
At Lopez Chiropractic, we take a gentle, targeted approach to:
Restore proper alignment to the cervical spine
Relieve pressure on irritated nerves
Reduce muscle tension and inflammation
Improve posture and mobility
Support nervous system function for long-term wellness
Dr. Lopez uses in-house digital X-rays to guide each treatment plan, ensuring that care is personalized to your body and your needs. Whether your headaches are occasional or daily, chiropractic may help reduce their frequency, intensity, and impact on your life.
Our Approach at Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC
At Lopez Chiropractic, we know that no two patients—and no two headaches—are exactly alike. That’s why your care begins with a comprehensive evaluation designed to get to the root of your pain.
Dr. Lopez discusses your symptoms, habits, and history to identify root causes of your recurring headaches.
Detailed Health History
A detailed spinal and postural assessment helps us detect misalignments, tension, and imbalances contributing to your headaches.
Full-Spine Assessment
Our advanced imaging system provides clear, low-radiation images that help guide diagnosis and treatment with precision.
In-House Digital X-Rays
Dr. Lopez explains your results and treatment options in simple language, so you feel confident and supported throughout care.
Bilingual Support
We believe in treating the whole person—not just the symptoms. Dr. Lopez offers bilingual care (en inglés y español) and is proud to serve the Shelby community with warmth, respect, and individualized attention.
You’ll never feel rushed or overlooked—our goal is to make you feel heard, cared for, and on the path to lasting relief.
Therapies We May Recommend
Your treatment plan for headaches or migraines may include a combination of therapies designed to relieve pain, improve spinal function, and support long-term healing. Dr. Lopez will tailor your care based on your specific symptoms, spinal alignment, and lifestyle needs.
Therapies we may incorporate include:
Chiropractic adjustments – to correct spinal misalignments and reduce nerve irritation
Graston Technique – a specialized soft tissue therapy to release muscle tension
Mechanical traction – gentle stretching of the spine to relieve pressure and improve alignment
Heat or ice therapy – to calm inflammation and relax tight muscles
Electric stimulation – to reduce muscle spasms and support nerve function
Therapeutic exercises – simple, targeted movements to strengthen posture and prevent flare-ups
Each therapy supports your body’s ability to heal and is carefully chosen to complement your chiropractic care. Our goal is to help you feel better—and stay better—with a plan built just for you.
Treatment at Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC
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Chiropractic Adjustments
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Cryotherapy
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Digital Xrays
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Electric Stimulation Therapy
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Gonstead Technique
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Graston Technique
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Heat Therapy
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Intersegmental Traction Table
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Myofascial Release
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Ultrasound Therapy
Who Gets Headaches & Migraines in Shelby, NC
Headaches and migraines can affect anyone—but certain groups are more prone to recurring pain due to stress, posture, hormone changes, or injury. If you’re living with frequent headaches, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to just “live with it.”
Office workers spending long hours at desks or screens
Parents under physical and mental strain
Athletes with neck tension or previous injuries
Teens and students managing academic stress and screen exposure
Seniors with postural shifts or spinal degeneration
Women who are pregnant, as hormonal changes and posture shifts can lead to increased headaches
Women in perimenopause or menopause, when hormone fluctuations may trigger migraines
Car accident survivors, especially those with whiplash or neck trauma
Groups commonly affected include:
At Lopez Chiropractic in Shelby, NC, we take the time to understand your unique triggers and provide safe, effective care for all life stages—including pregnancy and menopause.
Long-Term Benefits of Chiropractic for Headaches & Migraines in Shelby, NC
Chiropractic care doesn’t just offer short-term relief—it supports your body’s ability to function better over time. When spinal alignment is restored and nerve interference is reduced, many patients experience fewer headache episodes and a better quality of life overall.
Long-term benefits may include:
Fewer and less intense headaches or migraines
Improved posture and spinal health
Less reliance on over-the-counter or prescription medications
Reduced neck and shoulder tension
Better sleep and reduced stress levels
Increased energy and focus
A more active, pain-free lifestyle
At Lopez Chiropractic, we focus on treating the root cause—not just chasing symptoms. With consistent care and a plan tailored to your needs, you may find yourself enjoying more good days and fewer setbacks.
Headache & Migraine FAQs
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Occasional headaches may resolve without treatment, but recurring headaches or migraines often signal an underlying issue. If you're in Shelby, NC and struggling with frequent episodes, chiropractic care may help address the root cause—not just the symptoms.
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Many of our Shelby patients report improvements within the first few visits, such as reduced tension and fewer episodes. Long-term relief may take several weeks of consistent care, depending on your condition and how long you’ve been dealing with it.
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What happens if I delay treatment for headaches or migraines in Shelby, NC?
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Delaying care can allow underlying issues to worsen, making headaches more frequent or harder to manage. Seeking early treatment at Lopez Chiropractic gives you the best chance for fast and lasting relief.
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Yes. At Lopez Chiropractic, all new patients receive a full evaluation that includes in-house digital X-rays. This helps Dr. Lopez create a safe, customized plan based on your spinal structure and needs.
Schedule Headache & Migraine Treatment in Shelby, NC
You don’t have to live with the constant disruption of headaches or migraines. Relief starts with a thorough evaluation at Lopez Chiropractic—right here in Shelby, NC.
Dr. Luis Lopez will take the time to understand your symptoms, assess your spinal health using in-house digital X-rays, and create a personalized plan designed to treat the root cause of your pain—not just cover it up.
Whether your headaches are new, chronic, or worsening over time, we’re here to help you feel better, move better, and live better—naturally.
Call our Shelby office at (704) 419-3553 to schedule your consultation.