You know that feeling when a headache starts creeping in and you just know it’s going to ruin your entire day? We get it. Headaches are incredibly common here in Southaven and throughout the Mid-South, affecting millions of people every year. And while popping a couple of pain relievers might help for a few hours, you’re probably here because you’re looking for something more lasting.
At Desoto Upper Cervical, we take a different approach. Dr. David Hall and Dr. Troy Reistroffer specialize in upper cervical chiropractic care—a precise, gentle technique that focuses on the connection between your upper neck and your overall health. And here’s something interesting: many headaches actually start in your neck, not your head.
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Why Do Headaches Keep Coming Back?
Let’s talk about the different types of headaches for a minute, because understanding what you’re dealing with is really the first step to getting rid of them for good.
Tension headaches are what most people experience. They feel like someone’s wrapped a tight rubber band around your head, right? These usually come from muscle tension in your neck and shoulders—often from stress, sitting at a desk too long, or that familiar forward head posture we all develop from looking at our phones.
Then there are migraines, which are a whole different beast. If you’ve ever had one, you know they’re not just “bad headaches.” We’re talking intense, throbbing pain (usually on one side), sensitivity to light and sound, maybe even nausea. Migraines are complex and involve neurological changes, but here’s what many people don’t realize: the upper neck can play a significant role in triggering them.
Cervicogenic headaches are particularly interesting to us at Desoto Upper Cervical because these headaches literally start in your neck. The pain begins in the cervical spine and radiates up to your head. These respond incredibly well to upper cervical care because we’re addressing the actual source of the problem.
The Upper Cervical Connection to Headache Relief
Here’s where things get really interesting. Your upper cervical spine—specifically the top two bones in your neck called the atlas (C1) and axis (C2)—sits right at the base of your skull. These bones are unique. Unlike the rest of your spine, they allow for incredible mobility so you can turn your head in all directions. But that same mobility makes them vulnerable to misalignment.
When your atlas or axis gets misaligned (we call this a subluxation), it can irritate the nerves that go directly to your head and face. It can also create tension in the muscles surrounding your upper neck, reduce blood flow to your brain, and even affect the brainstem. All of these factors can contribute to headaches.
Think about it this way: your head weighs about 10-12 pounds. But for every inch your head moves forward from its ideal position, the weight your neck has to support doubles. If you’re constantly looking down at your phone or hunched over a computer (sound familiar?), that’s putting tremendous strain on your upper cervical spine. Over time, this can lead to misalignments that trigger chronic headaches.
How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Works for Headache Relief
At Desoto Upper Cervical in Southaven, Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer use two specialized techniques: Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology. These aren’t your typical chiropractic adjustments with twisting and “cracking” sounds. Instead, they’re incredibly precise, gentle corrections focused specifically on your upper neck.
Here’s what makes upper cervical care different: we use detailed imaging and measurements to determine the exact angle and direction of your misalignment. Then we use a specialized instrument that delivers a precise, controlled correction. Most patients don’t even realize the adjustment has happened because it’s so gentle. There’s no forceful manipulation, no twisting of your neck.
The goal is to restore proper alignment to your atlas and axis, which removes nerve interference, reduces muscle tension, and allows your body to function the way it’s supposed to. For many of our patients, this means their headaches start decreasing in frequency and intensity—sometimes dramatically.
What the Research Says About Upper Cervical Care and Headache Relief
You might be wondering if this actually works or if we’re just making claims. That’s fair. The good news is that research backs this up. Multiple studies have shown that spinal manipulation, particularly in the upper cervical region, can significantly reduce headache frequency, duration, and intensity.
For cervicogenic headaches—the ones that originate in the neck—upper cervical care shows particularly strong results. Many patients experience substantial relief or even complete resolution of their symptoms. And unlike medication that might lose effectiveness over time or cause side effects, upper cervical adjustments help your body heal naturally.
There’s also growing evidence that upper cervical care can help with migraines. While migraines are complex and involve multiple factors, addressing upper cervical misalignments can reduce how often migraines occur and how severe they are when they do happen.
Lifestyle Factors That Matter for Headache Relief
Look, we’d love to tell you that adjustments alone will solve everything, but we’re going to be honest with you. While upper cervical care is incredibly effective, addressing lifestyle factors makes a huge difference in your long-term results.
Let’s start with your workspace. If you work at a computer, take a minute right now and notice your posture. Is your screen at eye level? Are you slouching? Is your head forward? Making some simple ergonomic adjustments can reduce the daily stress on your upper cervical spine. Your monitor should be at eye level, your chair should support your lower back, and you should be taking breaks every hour to move around.
Hydration is another big one that people overlook. Even mild dehydration can trigger headaches. Aim for half your body weight in ounces of water each day. So if you weigh 150 pounds, that’s 75 ounces of water daily.
And let’s talk about sleep for a second. How you sleep matters just as much as how long you sleep. Sleeping on your stomach twists your neck all night long. Side sleeping or back sleeping is much better for maintaining proper alignment. Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer can recommend specific pillow types that support your upper cervical spine while you sleep.
When Should You Consider Upper Cervical Care for Headache Relief?
If you’re experiencing headaches more than twice a week, or if your headaches are getting worse or more frequent, it’s definitely time to get evaluated. You should also consider upper cervical care if over-the-counter medications aren’t cutting it anymore, if your headaches come with neck pain or stiffness, or if certain postures or activities seem to trigger them.
Upper cervical care is especially helpful for headaches that have a mechanical component—meaning they’re related to issues with your musculoskeletal system rather than purely chemical or neurological causes. That said, even for people dealing with migraines or other primary headache disorders, addressing upper cervical health can complement other treatments and reduce your overall headache burden.
One important note: there are certain headache symptoms that require immediate medical attention. If you have a sudden, severe headache unlike anything you’ve experienced before, or if your headache comes with fever, confusion, vision changes, difficulty speaking, or weakness, those are red flags. Get emergency medical help right away. These symptoms could indicate something serious that needs immediate attention.
What to Expect at Desoto Upper Cervical
When you come to our office at 1134 Church Rd W in Southaven, your first visit will be thorough. Dr. Hall or Dr. Reistroffer will want to understand your complete headache history. When do they happen? What do they feel like? How long do they last? What makes them better or worse?
Then comes the examination. We’ll assess your upper cervical spine, check your posture, evaluate your range of motion, and take specialized imaging to see exactly what’s going on with your atlas and axis. This precision is what makes upper cervical care so effective—we’re not guessing, we’re measuring.
Based on what we find, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan for you. Initially, treatment usually focuses on reducing your acute pain and restoring proper alignment. As you progress, we shift toward stabilizing those corrections and helping your body maintain proper alignment on its own.
How many visits will you need? That’s different for everyone. Some patients notice significant improvement after just a few corrections, especially if their headaches are relatively recent. Others who’ve been dealing with chronic headaches for years might need more extensive care to achieve lasting results. We’ll be upfront with you about realistic expectations for your specific situation.
Common Questions About Upper Cervical Care for Headaches
Can upper cervical care really help with migraines?
Yes, absolutely. While tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches often respond most dramatically to upper cervical care, we regularly see patients whose migraines improve significantly. Research shows that correcting upper cervical misalignments can reduce both the frequency and intensity of migraines. Many of our migraine patients find they have fewer migraines overall, and when they do get them, they’re less severe.
Is upper cervical chiropractic safe?
Upper cervical chiropractic is extremely safe when performed by trained specialists like Dr. Hall and Dr. Reistroffer. The Atlas Orthogonal and Orthospinology techniques we use are gentle and precise—there’s no forceful twisting or cracking. Some patients experience mild soreness after their first adjustment, similar to what you might feel after starting a new exercise routine, but this typically resolves quickly. Serious complications are extremely rare.
How is this different from regular chiropractic care?
Great question. While general chiropractors might adjust your entire spine, upper cervical specialists focus specifically on the atlas and axis—the top two bones in your neck. We use specialized imaging and analysis to determine the exact nature of your misalignment, and our adjustments are incredibly precise and gentle. The techniques we use at Desoto Upper Cervical are advanced methods that require specialized training beyond general chiropractic school.
Will I have to keep coming forever?
Not necessarily. Our goal is to correct your misalignment, resolve your headaches, and help your body maintain proper alignment. Many patients complete an initial series of corrections and then only need occasional maintenance visits. Some patients find they don’t need any further care once their body stabilizes. It really depends on your individual situation, your lifestyle, and your health goals. We’ll discuss this openly with you.
Can I still take my headache medication?
Absolutely. Upper cervical care can work alongside your current treatments. In fact, many of our patients find that as their headaches improve, they’re able to reduce their medication use naturally. But never stop taking prescribed medications without talking to your prescribing doctor first. Always let us know what medications you’re taking so we can coordinate the best approach for you.
What’s the difference between treating symptoms and treating the cause?
This is really at the heart of what we do. Pain medication works by blocking pain signals—it helps you feel better temporarily, but it doesn’t fix what’s causing the headaches in the first place. Upper cervical care focuses on correcting the underlying misalignment that’s contributing to your headaches. By addressing the cause rather than just masking the symptoms, many patients experience long-term relief instead of needing to take medication every time a headache starts.
Ready to Take Control of Your Headaches?
If you’re tired of living with constant headaches, if you’re frustrated with medications that only work temporarily, or if you’re just looking for a natural approach that addresses the root cause of your pain, we’d love to help you at Desoto Upper Cervical.
Dr. David Hall and Dr. Troy Reistroffer have helped countless patients in Southaven and the surrounding Mid-South area find relief from chronic headaches. We take the time to understand your unique situation, identify the specific upper cervical issues contributing to your headaches, and create a personalized treatment plan designed for your needs.
We’re not going to promise overnight miracles, but we will promise you this: we’ll be honest with you about what we can do, we’ll explain everything in terms you can understand, and we’ll work with you every step of the way toward getting you back to living your life without constantly worrying about when the next headache will hit.
Desoto Upper Cervical is conveniently located at 1134 Church Rd W in Southaven, MS. Give us a call at (662) 393-4848 to schedule your comprehensive headache evaluation. Let’s figure out what’s really causing your headaches and get you on the path to natural, lasting relief.
Your headache-free life is waiting. All it takes is one phone call to get started.
