Headache And Migraine Treatment In West Des Moines, IA
Content Reviewed by: Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, DC, BCN on November 10, 2026
Iowa Chiropractic License #085940 (NPI: 1568993574)
Headache And Migraine Treatment At A Glance
Headaches and migraines affect a large number of the patients we see in West Des Moines, and the majority of them come to us after years of relying on over-the-counter or prescription medication to manage symptoms without addressing the underlying cause. Medication can reduce how headaches feel. It rarely changes how often they occur.
Cervicogenic headaches, tension headaches, and migraines with a postural or muscular component often respond well to chiropractic care that addresses the cervical spine and surrounding musculature. Our evaluation identifies whether your headaches have a structural contributor and what type of care is most appropriate.
What Are Headaches And Migraines?
Headaches are pain or discomfort occurring in any region of the head. They are classified by the International Headache Society into primary headaches (tension, migraine, cluster) that are the condition themselves, and secondary headaches that are symptoms of another underlying condition. Most patients in a chiropractic setting present with primary headache types or cervicogenic headaches originating from the cervical spine.
Migraines are a specific neurological condition characterized by moderate to severe head pain, typically unilateral, often accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity (photophobia), and sound sensitivity (phonophobia). Many patients experience an aura of visual or sensory symptoms before the headache phase begins. Migraines involve cortical spreading depression and trigeminal nerve activation that produce their characteristic symptoms.
Cervicogenic headaches originate from the joints, muscles, and nerve structures of the upper cervical spine. They are referred pain that the brain interprets as head pain. These headaches often follow a characteristic pattern, beginning at the base of the skull and radiating forward over the head. They are commonly associated with neck dysfunction, forward head posture, and restricted upper cervical joint motion.
Common Symptoms Of Headaches And Migraines
Headache symptoms vary by type. Understanding the pattern of your headaches is an important part of identifying the most appropriate treatment.
Tension headaches produce a dull, pressing, or tightening sensation that is often described as a band around the head. They are typically bilateral and not aggravated by physical activity. Neck muscle tightness is a frequent companion symptom.
Migraines produce moderate to severe, often throbbing, unilateral head pain that can last 4 to 72 hours. Nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, and smell are common. Physical activity typically worsens migraine pain. Some patients experience visual aura including zigzag lines, blind spots, or flickering lights in the 20 to 60 minutes before the headache begins.
Cervicogenic headaches are felt primarily at the back of the skull, the temples, and behind the eyes. They are typically unilateral or strongly one-sided and are often reproduced by sustained neck postures or by palpation of the upper cervical joints. Neck pain or stiffness accompanies the headache in most cases.
What Causes Headaches And Migraines?
Headache causes differ by type. Many patients have more than one headache type occurring simultaneously, which is why evaluation of the full pattern is important.
Forward head posture and cervical joint dysfunction are primary drivers of cervicogenic and tension headaches. For every inch the head moves forward of neutral, the effective load on the cervical spine increases. This postural pattern creates chronic tension in the suboccipital and upper trapezius muscles that refers pain into the head.
Migraine triggers include hormonal fluctuations, dietary factors, sleep disruption, stress, barometric pressure changes, and sensory stimuli. The underlying migraine threshold is influenced by neurological factors that are not fully understood, though cervical dysfunction may contribute to migraine frequency in some patients.
Jaw dysfunction, also known as TMJ dysfunction, produces referred pain into the head and can contribute to headache frequency and intensity.
Conditions That Can Mimic Headaches And Migraines
Sinus headaches are frequently self-diagnosed but rarely confirmed on clinical evaluation. Most sinus headaches are actually migraines or tension headaches. True sinus headaches typically coincide with active sinus infection and are accompanied by fever, purulent nasal discharge, and sinus tenderness. Occipital neuralgia is a stabbing or electric pain in the back of the head and upper neck caused by irritation of the occipital nerves. It is often mistaken for cervicogenic headache but has distinct clinical features and responds to different treatments.
When To Seek Urgent Care For A Headache
Most headaches are benign. Seek urgent medical attention if a headache is described as the worst headache of your life, develops suddenly and severely, follows a head injury, is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, vision changes, slurred speech, facial drooping, or weakness in a limb. These can be signs of meningitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or stroke and require immediate medical evaluation.
What Our Patients Are Saying
How We Diagnose Headaches At Vero Health Center
Headache evaluation at Vero Health Center begins with a detailed history of your headache pattern, frequency, duration, triggers, accompanying symptoms, and prior treatments. We perform postural analysis and cervical motion testing to assess whether there is a structural cervical contributor to your headaches. Neurological scanning identifies areas of nerve interference in the cervical spine. Palpation of the suboccipital muscles, upper trapezius, and cervical joints identifies areas of restriction and referred tenderness that may be driving cervicogenic headache symptoms.
How Vero Health Center Treats Headaches And Migraines
Headache treatment at Vero Health Center targets the cervical and musculoskeletal contributors to headache frequency and severity. The goal is to reduce how often headaches occur and how severe they are by addressing the structural drivers, not only the symptom.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Adjustments
Adjustments to the upper cervical spine help restore normal joint motion and reduce mechanical stress that can contribute to cervicogenic and tension-type headaches. For many patients with cervicogenic headaches, improving upper cervical mechanics may help reduce headache frequency and improve neck-related function.
Cervical Decompression For Disc Or Nerve Involvement
When evaluation shows that cervical disc involvement, nerve irritation, or compression-related neck pain is contributing to the headache pattern, spinal decompression therapy may be included as part of the care plan. This is especially relevant for patients whose headaches occur alongside neck pain, radiating arm symptoms, numbness, tingling, or signs of cervical nerve involvement.
Postural Correction And Forward Head Posture Support
Addressing forward head posture through corrective exercises and postural guidance reduces the chronic tension in the suboccipital and upper cervical muscles that drives many of the headaches we treat. This is often a central component of the care plan.
Home Exercise Support For Cervical Stability
Persistent muscle guarding, poor neck endurance, and movement compensation can contribute to cervicogenic and tension-type headache patterns. When appropriate, Vero Health Center may recommend targeted home exercises to support cervical stability, improve postural control, and help patients maintain progress outside the office.
Why Early Treatment Matters For Recurring Headaches
Recurring headaches that are not addressed tend to increase in frequency. Chronic daily headache often develops from an episodic pattern that was managed only with medication. The underlying structural contributors become more entrenched over time, and medication overuse can itself trigger a rebound headache pattern. Addressing the cervical and postural contributors early, while the episodic pattern is still modifiable, produces better long-term outcomes than waiting until headaches become daily.
Meet The Experts Behind Your Care
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons, D.C.
Dr. Josiah Fitzsimmons is originally from Ames, IA. He played college football at South Dakota State and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a master’s degree in Nutrition, Exercise and Food Sciences in a five-year span. He then attended the fountainhead, Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Dr. Logan Dabney, D.C.
Dr. Logan Dabney is originally from Centerville, IA. He attended Centerville High School, where he discovered his passion for health and science as a frequent visitor to his hometown chiropractor. He then attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he majored in Pre-Med/Chiropractic Biology, before completing his graduate studies at Palmer College of Chiropractic. During his time at Palmer, Dr. Logan was heavily involved in Torque Release Technique and earned Advanced Proficiency Certification in it.
Dr. Scott Coyle, D.C.
Dr. E. Scott Coyle is originally from Waterloo, IA. He graduated from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic-West. After practicing in California for several years, he returned to Knoxville, IA, in 1997, where he practiced until 2016. Dr. Coyle then worked in robotic spine and brain surgery for two years with Mazor Robotics, and practiced in Lawrence, KS, for two years before returning home to join the Vero Health Center team. He works with patients dealing with chronic neck, mid-back, and low-back pain, headaches, and arthritis-related discomfort.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger, D.C.
Dr. Austin Seitsinger is originally from Sumner, Iowa. He studied Biology at the University of Northern Iowa, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic. He chose to pursue chiropractic at a young age as he has always had a passion for helping others.
Dr. Nate Halverson, D.C.
Dr. Nate Halverson is originally from Fort Dodge, IA, where he was a multi-sport athlete at Fort Dodge Senior High and placed 5th at the Iowa High School wrestling tournament. He found his passion for holistic health care through his background in athletics. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa, he graduated with honors from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, in 2015. He then worked as the lead chiropractor for a chiropractic and sports injury practice in Chicago before moving back to the Des Moines area with his wife, Leah, to be closer to family. They welcomed their daughter, Hayes, in April 2022 and their son, Steele, in June 2024.
Dr. Colby Nelson, D.C.
Dr. Colby Nelson is originally from Audubon, Iowa. He attended Iowa State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, where he received his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. During his time at Palmer, he was a leader of the Sports Injury Club and participated in a clinic abroad program in Brazil. Before joining the team at Vero, Dr. Colby operated his own chiropractic clinic for 12 years.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom, D.C.
Dr. Taylor Vanden Wynboom is originally from Britt, IA. He received his BS degree from Central College and his Doctorate degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic. Before joining the team at Vero Health Center, he owned his own practice in both Ames and Ankeny. In his free time, he enjoys coaching football, exercising, and spending time with his wife Amanda and their four kids, Tate, Harper, Holland, and Harlow.
Dr. Darrius Poe, D.C.
Dr. Darrius Poe is originally from Fort Dodge, Iowa. He attended the University of Northern Iowa where he earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. While in undergrad, he discovered his passion for chiropractic after being treated for a sports injury in a chiropractic clinic. Not only did the chiropractic treatments help with his shoulder injury, he was also educated on the intricacies of the central nervous system and how chiropractic care can help the body heal and function better as a whole. Dr. Darrius’ experience as a chiropractic patient motivated him to pursue a career in chiropractic. He attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA, where he received his doctorate in 2018. Prior to joining the Vero team, Dr. Darrius served as an associate and clinic director for six years in the Des Moines metro area.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone, D.C.
Dr. Toby Thepsoumphone is originally from Smyrna, Delaware. He graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise Physiology. He then pursued a doctorate degree in chiropractic and graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport. Dr. Toby also attended Harris School of Business in Dover, Delaware, where he earned a degree in Massage Therapy. He has worked as a Licensed Massage Therapist since 2016. He specializes in sports massage, deep tissue, and gua sha. His passion is to help others to achieve optimal health and wellness. He has certifications in the Webster’s Technique and acupuncture.
Dr. Scott Jacobson, D.C.
Dr. Scott Jacobson grew up in Cherokee, Iowa, and has spent more than 17 years in practice across Iowa, Minnesota, Texas, California, and South America. While living in South America, he helped grow a clinic into one of the largest on the continent and became bilingual in Spanish along the way. He is Board Certified in Neuropathy (BCN) through the American College of Physical Medicine (ACoPM) and previously served in the United States Air Force and worked with the Department of Defense. Dr. Scott Jacobson has also been a black belt in Taekwondo for 40 years. He and his wife have two sons—so apparently he enjoys a challenge both professionally and at home.
Serving West Des Moines And Nearby Iowa Communities
Vero Health Center is located at 630 S 50th St in West Des Moines, Iowa, and serves patients from West Des Moines, Clive, Windsor Heights, Urbandale, Des Moines, Johnston, Norwalk, Waukee, Grimes, Saylorville, Van Meter, Pleasant Hill, Ankeny, Dallas Center, Granger, Polk City, De Soto, Carlisle, Adel, Altoona, Bondurant, Indianola, Cumming, and the surrounding area.
Sources And Clinical References
Frequently Asked Questions
Can chiropractic care help with migraines?
Chiropractic care has been shown in some research to reduce migraine frequency and severity in patients where cervical dysfunction is a contributing factor. It does not alter the underlying neurological mechanisms of migraine but may reduce the frequency of triggers related to cervical and muscular contributors.
How do I know if my headaches are coming from my neck?
Cervicogenic headaches are typically one-sided or strongly one-sided, begin at the back of the skull, are reproduced by sustained neck postures, and are accompanied by neck stiffness or restricted cervical motion. The evaluation at Vero Health Center can help determine whether your headaches have a cervical component.
How many sessions will it take before my headaches improve?
It depends on the type of headaches, how long you have had them, and how your cervical spine responds to care. Many patients notice a reduction in headache frequency within the first few weeks. We will give you a specific timeline after your evaluation.
Should I stop my headache medication while receiving chiropractic care?
Medication decisions should be made in discussion with your prescribing physician. We do not make medication recommendations. Many patients continue their medication through the early phase of chiropractic care and reduce usage as headache frequency decreases.
What if my headaches are hormonal?
Hormonal headaches and migraines can still have a cervical component that chiropractic care addresses. Reducing the cervical contributor often reduces overall headache frequency even when hormonal triggers are present. We will give you an honest assessment of what chiropractic care is likely to accomplish for your specific headache pattern.
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Read This ArticleBook Headache And Migraine Treatment in West Des Moines
If recurring headaches or migraines have been managed with medication without improving how often they occur, a structural evaluation may reveal a contributor that has not been addressed. Vero Health Center identifies cervical and musculoskeletal drivers of headache and builds care around those findings. Contact us to schedule your evaluation.