Headache & Migraine assessment & treatment in London Ontario

Evidence-Informed Chiropractic Assessment & Conservative Management

Written by: Dr. Arjun Bali, BSc, DC & Dr. Jess Pileggi, BHK, DC

Last updated: February 2026

Headaches and migraines are among the most common neurological complaints and a frequent reason people seek care from regulated healthcare professionals. Symptoms may range from mild, occasional discomfort to more severe, recurring pain that interferes with work, sleep, and daily activities.

At Reset Chiropractic & Rehab, we provide evidence-informed headache and migraine care in London, Ontario, with a focus on conservative, non-surgical management. Our clinic is located in South London, serving Pond Mills, White Oaks, Summerside, Southdale, and Glen Cairn, and is minutes from Victoria Hospital. Care begins with a thorough clinical assessment to determine what type of headache may be present, what factors could be contributing, and whether conservative care is appropriate.

What Are Headaches and Migraines?

Headaches are a broad category of conditions involving pain or discomfort in the head, face, or upper neck. Migraines are a distinct neurological condition and are not simply “bad headaches.”

Headaches

Tension-type headaches and cervicogenic headaches are common examples. They often present as pressure, tightness, or aching. Pain may begin in the neck or upper back and shift toward the head. Symptoms can change with posture, movement, or prolonged positions and may be influenced by stress, workload, or sleep patterns. Many headache presentations are influenced by joint movement, muscle tension, and postural load rather than a serious underlying condition.

Migraines

Migraines involve altered sensory processing within the nervous system. They may include moderate to severe head pain, sensitivity to light or sound, nausea, or visual or sensory disturbances. Episodes can last from several hours to multiple days. Migraines are not caused by the neck alone. However, dysfunction in the neck or upper back may act as a contributing or aggravating factor for some individuals. Differentiating headache types is important in determining appropriate next steps.

What Commonly Contributes to Headaches and Migraines?

Headaches and migraines are typically influenced by multiple interacting factors rather than a single structure or diagnosis. These may include reduced mobility in the neck or upper back, sustained postures such as desk work or driving, muscle tension or protective guarding, reduced tolerance to physical or mental stress, and increased sensitivity within
the nervous system.

Structural findings on imaging are common in people without symptoms. For this reason, scans alone do not reliably explain headache or migraine pain. A detailed clinical assessment is often more helpful than routine imaging when no concerning signs are present.

How Headaches and Migraines Are Assessed

At our London, Ontario clinic, assessment focuses on understanding why symptoms may be occurring, not simply where pain is felt.

An assessment may include:

A detailed history of symptom onset, frequency, and triggers
Evaluation of posture and movement
Neurological screening when appropriate
Assessment of tolerance to daily activities
Screening for red flags that may require medical referral

Clinical guidelines support an assessment-based approach and recommend conservative management when no serious neurological concerns are identified.

Schedule a Headache or Migraine Assessment

How Chiropractic Care May Support Headache Management

Chiropractic care focuses on improving joint mobility and reducing mechanical strain that may contribute to certain headache presentations.

Care may involve improving movement in the neck and upper back, addressing mechanical and postural strain, supporting healthier movement patterns, and gradually improving tolerance to daily activities.

Research supports spinal manipulation for certain headache types, particularly cervicogenic headaches. All care decisions are made following assessment and discussion of appropriate options.

How Acupuncture May Be Included in Care

Acupuncture is sometimes used to help regulate pain sensitivity and muscle tension.

Research suggests it may influence pain modulation within the nervous system.

Some individuals report reduced headache frequency or intensity and improved overall function. Response varies, and suitability is determined during assessment.

Acupuncture is often integrated alongside chiropractic care and rehabilitation as part of a conservative, individualized plan.

How Exercise and Rehabilitation Help

Avoiding movement due to pain can increase sensitivity and prolong symptoms. Gradual, movement-based care plays an important role in longer-term headache and migraine management.

Rehabilitation may focus on improving mobility, restoring strength and motor control, increasing tolerance to posture and activity, and reducing the likelihood of recurrence. Programs are individualized and adjusted based on how symptoms respond over time.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your first visit at Reset Chiropractic & Rehab in London, Ontario includes a one-on-one clinical assessment, a clear explanation of findings, and an open discussion about whether conservative care is appropriate.

If indicated, a personalized plan will be outlined. If another healthcare provider is better suited to manage your condition, we will communicate that clearly and facilitate referral when appropriate.

Our goal is clarity and informed decision-making—not pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can acupuncture help with migraines or headaches?

For some individuals, acupuncture may help reduce frequency or intensity by influencing pain processing within the nervous system. Suitability is determined during assessment.

Is it appropriate to have the neck adjusted for headaches or migraines?

When performed following a proper assessment and screening process, manual therapy may be appropriate for certain headache types, particularly those associated with neck dysfunction. Migraines are neurological in nature; mechanical care addresses contributing factors rather than the migraine itself. All contraindications are screened before care is
provided.

Are there options other than manual adjustments?

Yes. In addition to manual techniques, instrument-assisted adjustments using an Activator® may be offered as a lower-force option when clinically appropriate.

Do I need imaging for ongoing headaches or migraines?

In most cases, no. Evidence-based guidelines indicate that individuals with a typical headache pattern and normal neurological findings usually do not require brain imaging. If red-flag features are present—such as sudden severe headache, new neurological symptoms, or significant changes in pattern—imaging may be considered by a physician.
PET scans are not part of standard headache or migraine assessment.

Can you refer me to a medical specialist?

Referrals to medical specialists are typically made through your family physician. We can communicate assessment findings and progress to your physician to support coordinated care when needed.

Book a Headache or Migraine Assessment in London

If you are experiencing ongoing headaches or migraine symptoms, a comprehensive clinical assessment can help clarify contributing factors and determine whether conservative care is appropriate.

Please call (519) 649-4046 or book online.

Schedule Your Headache or Migraine Assessment

The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional
assessment, diagnosis, or medical advice. Individual conditions vary, and care decisions should always be
made in consultation with a regulated healthcare professional.

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