CSF flow is essential because it delivers nutrients and oxygen, while also helping the brain clear metabolic waste. When this circulation slows down, the brain becomes “congested.” Pressure builds. Waste products linger. And the body does what the body always does whenever it’s being deprived of oxygen, nutrients, or water—it alerts the conscious mind. One of the most common ways the body warns you is through headaches or migraine symptoms.

The vertebral arteries also play a major role. These arteries run up through the neck and actually pass through small holes on each side of the C1 vertebra. If the C1 vertebra rotates out of alignment, even slightly, it can narrow or kink the opening those arteries travel through. This doesn’t always block blood flow completely, but it can restrict it just enough to reduce the delivery of vital oxygen and nutrients to critical areas of the brain. When that happens, headaches, dizziness, eye pressure, and neck tension become far more likely.

This is why proper cervical curvature is so important. When the neck maintains a normal lordotic arc, the CSF moves freely, the vertebral arteries remain unobstructed, and the muscles of the neck don’t have to strain to hold the head upright. A loss of curvature forces the muscles to work harder, compresses the joints, irritates the nerves, and disrupts fluid flow—all of which create the perfect storm for recurring headaches.

When we combine these structural issues with the tight musculature that naturally forms around a stressed or misaligned spine, the problem intensifies. The nerves that exit between the vertebrae, especially those connected to the upper cervical ganglion, can become compressed or irritated. This leads to widespread referral patterns into the head, face, jaw, and behind the eyes. For many patients, this is the true root cause of their chronic headaches.

TMJ dysfunction adds another layer to the puzzle. Tight jaw muscles and misalignments in the TMJ can irritate branches of the trigeminal nerve, which further amplifies headache patterns. Sinus pressure, prior concussions, and postural strains like tech-neck can all worsen these issues, especially when the neck is already tight or misaligned.

This is why the therapies we use—such as laser, shockwave, decompression, and targeted chiropractic adjustments—are so effective. Laser therapy enhances blood flow and cellular energy; shockwave therapy breaks apart scar tissue and improves muscle mobility; and cervical decompression gently rehydrates the discs and reduces pressure on sensitive nerves without twisting or popping. Together, these treatments support the mechanical, neurological, and vascular components of headache relief.

Chiropractic often helps when medication doesn’t because medication only affects the symptoms. Chiropractic care focuses on the underlying cause: restoring curvature, aligning C1 and C2, decompressing restricted nerves, improving CSF flow, increasing oxygen delivery, and calming the muscles that trigger referral pain. When these systems function properly again, the frequency and intensity of headaches often decrease dramatically.

And if you’re still reading, then yes—you’re absolutely one of our “nerds,” and we love that. The more you understand the anatomy behind your headaches, the more empowered you become in your recovery. If headaches or migraines have been limiting your life, we’re here to help address the true root of the problem so you can finally feel better again.