If you’ve ever had a migraine, you know how painful and frustrating it can be. The pounding head, nausea, and light sensitivity can ruin your day—or your whole week. For some people, migraines come now and then. But for others, they show up often and make life difficult.
While many people try painkillers or other medications, those treatments don’t always work well. Even if they help a little, they often don’t stop the migraines from coming back. That’s why some people are looking for a different kind of care. One gentle and promising approach is called NUCCA chiropractic.
What Is a Migraine?
A migraine is more than just a headache. It’s a neurological condition that can cause many symptoms, such as:
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Throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
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Nausea or vomiting
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Sensitivity to light, sounds, or smells
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Blurred vision or seeing spots
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Dizziness or trouble focusing
Some people have warning signs before a migraine starts. This might include feeling tired, moody, or sensitive to light. Others experience an “aura,” which could be flashing lights or blind spots in their vision. The pain can last for hours or even days.
Migraines can stop people from going to work, spending time with family, or doing things they enjoy. Over time, migraines can also affect mental health, causing stress, anxiety, and even depression.
What Triggers Migraines?
Migraine triggers can be different for everyone. Some common ones include:
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Bright lights or loud noises
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Stress or anxiety
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Hormone changes
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Certain foods or drinks (like chocolate, red wine, or cheese)
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Weather changes
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Poor sleep
But there’s another important trigger that many people don’t know about: misalignment in the upper neck.
The Role of the Neck in Migraines
At the top of your spine is a small bone called the atlas. It supports your skull and protects important nerves and blood vessels that go to the brain. When this bone is slightly out of place—a condition called a misalignment—it can create pressure or tension in your nervous system. That tension can cause a number of problems, including migraines.
Even a small shift in this area can affect how your brain communicates with your body. Blood flow to the brain may change, and nerve signals may be interrupted. This is why the position of your upper neck can have a big impact on migraine symptoms.
What Is NUCCA Chiropractic?
NUCCA stands for the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association. NUCCA care is a special form of chiropractic that focuses only on the upper part of your neck—especially the atlas bone.
Unlike traditional chiropractic adjustments, NUCCA does not involve twisting, popping, or cracking the neck. Instead, the chiropractor uses very gentle pressure to realign the atlas bone. The correction is soft, but very precise. It’s based on detailed X-rays and measurements that show exactly how your spine is misaligned.
At Atlas Chiropractic, NUCCA adjustments are tailored to your body. Once the spine is realigned, the goal is to help it stay that way so your nervous system can function better.
How NUCCA Helps with Migraines
When the atlas bone is in the correct position, the body is better able to heal and regulate itself. Many patients report fewer migraines, shorter episodes, and less severe pain after beginning NUCCA care.
This happens because the alignment helps:
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Reduce pressure on nerves
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Improve blood flow to the brain
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Decrease muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
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Support better posture and spinal balance
While NUCCA does not claim to “cure” migraines, it works with your body to fix a key issue that could be making your symptoms worse. Over time, this gentle care may help reduce how often migraines happen—and how bad they feel when they do.
What to Expect at Atlas Chiropractic
Your first visit starts with a free consultation to discuss your symptoms and see if NUCCA care is a good fit. If you decide to move forward, the next step is a detailed exam and specialized X-rays.
These X-rays help the chiropractor see exactly how your atlas bone is positioned. Then, on your second visit, you’ll receive your first NUCCA adjustment. After the adjustment, another X-ray is taken to confirm the correction was successful.
Most follow-up visits are quick—usually 15 minutes or less. The number of visits needed depends on how well your body holds the alignment.
A Safe, Natural Option for Migraine Relief
One of the best things about NUCCA care is that it’s safe, gentle, and drug-free. Many people choose this type of care because they don’t want to rely on pain medication or harsh treatments. Instead, they want to get to the root cause of the problem.
At Atlas Chiropractic, patients receive care from a trusted chiropractor Fort Wayne families count on. Dr. Emily Staples and her team focus on helping each person feel better using natural, effective care. Their goal is not just to stop your symptoms—but to help your body function at its best.
Final Thoughts
Migraines are hard to live with. But you don’t have to suffer in silence or settle for short-term fixes. NUCCA chiropractic care offers a gentle, long-lasting option that targets one of the hidden causes of migraine pain: misalignment in the upper neck.
By restoring balance to your spine, NUCCA helps your nervous system do its job—and helps you get back to living your life.
If you’ve been searching for answers, consider working with a chiropractor Fort Wayne residents trust. Relief might be closer than you think.