Chiropractic Care for Headaches and Migraines in Seattle
Welcome to Flourish Chiropractic Spa, your trusted destination for chiropractic treatment and care for headaches and migraines in Seattle, WA. Chiropractic spinal adjustments and massage therapy can reduce frequent headaches, intensity, and pain so you can live a more headache-free life.
Understanding Headaches
A headache is a pain in your head or face, though some people feel it in their neck, shoulders, and jaw. The pain often feels like pressure that can be mild or severe. The pain can also be constant or throbbing. While headaches are common, there are over 150 types that fall into two categories: primary and secondary.
What Are Primary Headaches?
Primary headaches are usually caused by the dysfunction or overuse of the pain-sensitive features in your head. They typically are not a symptom of or caused by other medical conditions. Most primary headaches are:
- Tension headaches. The most common type of headache, tension headaches feels like pressure in the forehead and temples.
- Migraine headaches. Migraine headaches cause severe pain in one side of the head, though sometimes it’s in both, and can cause fatigue, nausea, and vision changes.
- Cluster headaches. Cluster headaches are similar to migraine headaches in that they happen on one side of the head. However, cluster headaches last for at least 30 minutes and occur multiple times a day.
- New daily persistent headaches (NDPH). NDPH is a rare and chronic disorder that causes a headache that doesn’t stop.
What Are Secondary Headaches?
Secondary headaches are caused by an underlying medical condition. Some secondary headaches aren’t life-threatening and resolve once the condition is treated. For example, being dehydrated can cause headaches, but once you hydrate, the headache goes away.
Other secondary headaches, such as spinal or thunderclap headaches, are more serious and require immediate medical attention.
Causes of Headaches
While secondary headaches are caused by underlying conditions, primary headaches are not. In some cases, lifestyle choices and situations can trigger primary headaches. Some examples include:
- Alcohol (like red wine)
- Smoking
- Poor sleeping habits
- Poor posture
- Physical activity
Not all primary headaches have easily identifiable triggers. For example, while temporomandibular jaw disorder (TMJ), neck strain, or anxiety can trigger tension headaches, there’s no medical consensus on the exact or primary cause of tension headaches.
Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment for Headaches and Migraines
Headaches and migraines can be managed, but there is no cure. However, chiropractic treatment and spinal manipulation have been shown to reduce migraine pain. Over 75% of migraine sufferers report that their migraine pain is associated with neck pain, including neck stiffness, muscle tension, and jaw pain — all things chiropractic treatment and adjustment can address.
Other benefits of chiropractic treatment to manage and treat headache pain include:
- Drug-free pain relief. One popular way to manage the pain of tension headaches and other types of headaches is by using over-the-counter and prescription medications. Chiropractic care is a drug-free alternative that helps patients manage their pain without debilitating side effects.
- Fewer headaches. While chiropractic care and adjustments won’t “cure” your headaches, spinal manipulation can reduce the number of migraine attacks you have every month and the pain or intensity of the headache or migraine, should it happen.
- Improved quality of life. Some headaches can be debilitating, sidelining you for several days each month. Chiropractic care and spinal manipulation can reduce the frequency and intensity of your headaches and migraines, giving you more headache-free days per month.
Our Seattle Headache and Migraine Headaches Specialists
Dr. Ally Quintos
Dathan Heartson, LMT
Wes Patterson
Kim Major
Dr. Kelly Perona
Dr. Brenna Gray, DC
Dr. Brenna Gray is a Chiropractor who graduated from Palmer in Davenport. Before moving to Seattle, they ran a family & injury clinic in Champaign, IL. They practice Palmer package style with diversified, extremity adjusting, activator, Thompson, toggle upper cervical as well as SOT and Talsky Tonal for a more gentle experience.
Dr. Brenna has worked with families and all bodies & has a special interest in working with those who have hypermobility and those who have long-lasting concussion symptoms.
When they are not practicing their passion of chiropractic, they are spending time with their wife and cats or diving into a great book.
In network Insurance:
Dr. Ally Quintos
Dr. Ally is one of those rare extraverted Seattleites. She loves to help others move better and feel better while holding a compassionate, motivating space. As with other providers at Flourish, Dr. Ally believes that any progress in health, no matter how small, is a step forward and should be celebrated. Some days that will be earning a PR at the gym. Other days that will be simply showing up for your appointment. Your best will change from day to day, and it is enough.
Dr. Ally uses chiropractic adjusting, muscle scraping (gua sha), pin and stretch, and therapeutic exercises, while also addressing behavioral modifications, nutrition, and lifestyle factors all for optimal wellness. She is primarily a diversified manual adjuster, and also implements Thompson Drops and instrument-assisted adjustments. Some of her patients prefer instrument-only and that is welcomed by her.
She takes a movement and biomechanics based approach to chiropractic to promote function and wellbeing. As an avid runner, Dr. Ally loves helping people with hip, knee and shoulder injuries. She is amazed at how many people who hike or run have neck and shoulders tension! Aside from sports injuries or helping people continue doing what they love, she also has experience in pediatrics and prenatal, and really enjoys working with children, from 1 month to 17 years old. She loves supporting those who are expecting throughout their pregnancy, whether it be back pain, hip pain or overall wellness.
Dr. Ally returned to Seattle in 2020 to practice and joined Flourish in 2022. When Dr. Ally is outside of the office, she enjoys running, spending time with her family, and playing with her pup, Franklin.
In network Insurance:
Dathan Heartson, LMT
Welcome our newest massage therapist, Dathan! He will start seeing patients on Wednesday, August 5th.
With 10 years of experience, Dathan provides Deep Tissue, Trigger Point Therapy, Swedish, Neuromuscular, Sports Massage, and Prenatal Massage. He particularly specializes in injury treatment and has a holistic, flowing approach with the intention of alleviating stress and anxiety, and regulating the nervous system. As a very physically active person himself, he has learned how to care for numerous conditions such as rotator cuff, neck, and hip issues.
Please give Dathan a warm welcome!
License no. MA60491411
Karla U.
Wes Patterson
*Wes now offers Intraoral TMJ massage! If interested, please call to book.
Wes (he/they) is a trauma-informed, compassionate medical massage therapist who ensures a safe, healing environment. They are passionate about listening to and partnering with clients to craft a treatment that will be as effective and comfortable as possible. Whether it’s relaxation, working a few knots out of your neck, or seeking relief from back pain—they will work with you to plan a session to meet your goals.
Wes has practiced massage in both spa and clinic environments. He has a Washington State endorsement for Intraoral massage. His specialty is Relaxation/Swedish massage, but he enjoys integrating other modalities such as Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, deep tissue, Muscle Energy Technique, and CBD or aromatherapy treatments. During a session, Wes does their best to listen to your tissue as well as any feedback you (or your body) provide to ensure your comfort and that the work together is as effective as possible. After a session, Wes will check in about any questions/concerns you may have and will offer simple tips to improve your self-care and make your next session an even more effective experience.
Wes looks forward to the opportunity to join you on your quest towards healing, self-care, and improved quality of life.
In network Insurance:
Kim Major
Kim is a healthcare professional at UW Medical Center and is inspired by the dedication and amount of care her peers in the medical field are giving to the community. While Kim loves her job at the hospital, she is more passionate about massage. She possesses qualities that make up an excellent Massage Therapist such as hard working, intuitive, driven, result oriented, empathetic and a calm demeanor.
Kim focuses on pain management, therapeutic or outcome based or integrated massage. Her skills include Relaxing Massages such as General Swedish, Structure Specific (Deep Tissue), Cupping and Hot stone massage. She also offers Medical/Treatment massage such as Myofascial Release, Lymphatic Facilitation, & Deep Transverse Friction. She works as a team with her patients and offers wellness tips or homework to help them heal faster and improve their lives.
Lastly, Kim advocates self-care, self-awareness, and self-love. Walk with them in their journey towards self-care is something she is passionate about. She provides a safe place for her patients to heal and relax.
In network Insurance:
Dr. Kelly Perona
Dr. Kelly focuses on intentional healing and pain relief using hot stones, adjustments, focused massage, and stretches to encourage movement in the body, as well as preventive/self-care, posture and general wellbeing.
She is Webster-certified and has studied in the most painless, effective treatment methods available which involve traditional hands-on adjustments or instrument.
From Dr. Kelly: I love connecting with people and holding a supportive space for their needs. I started school to become a dentist with the intent to have a career in helping people. Three years into my schooling, I changed my profession to chiropractic after a car accident so I could focus on treating muscle and joint problems naturally. I love witnessing the exponential improvement chiropractic and massage can bring to whiplash or strains from MVAs, bike accidents, or other collisions. And doing so in a compassionate, validating space.
I have helped musicians, people who bind or brave MTF or FTM surgeries, runners, yoga enthusiasts, people in the restaurant industry, hairstylists, and those with the ever-elusive desk jobs. My mission is to help people live life to their fullest potential. Sometimes that is being able to work throughout the day without pain. Sometimes that is getting out of bed and brushing your teeth. There is no judgement and I am humbled and appreciative to have someone trust me to help them in their goals.
I am familiar with a large variety of body movements and mechanics and have plenty of experience with my own injuries. I also understand that healing from an injury can be difficult because you don’t want to take time off from activity. I don’t want people to settle for merely being out of pain for typical daily activities. Healing properly, to me, means being able to get back into your personal level of activity without discomfort. I’d love to help.
In network Insurance:
Seattle Patient Success Stories
Our Customized Approach to Chiropractic Care for Headaches and Migraines
Headaches have numerous causes, which means a one-size-fits-all treatment approach won’t work. Flourish Chiropractic Spa takes an individualized and holistic approach to designing a chiropractic care plan that addresses your pain and helps you thrive.
Our process includes:
- Comprehensive Assessment: Conduct a thorough examination to determine the extent and frequency of your headaches and how they interfere with your overall health and lifestyle.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: Develop a customized chiropractic care plan that addresses the type or types of headaches you have.
- Chiropractic Adjustments: Perform gentle and precise spinal manipulation, cervical adjustments, and other chiropractic care.
- Lifestyle Advice: Offer guidance on improving poor posture, ergonomics, and other lifestyle factors to support you.
- Ongoing Support: Provide continuous care and follow-up to monitor your progress and adjust treatments as needed.
Complementing Therapies
Chiropractic care and spinal manipulation are only one part of addressing your headaches. Flourish Chiropractic Spa also offers a range of complementary therapies to relieve pain and reduce the frequency of headaches.
- TMJ care. TMJ can contribute to or even cause headaches. Our specialized chiropractic care and massage for TMJ pain can improve how you feel.
- Massage therapy. Stress and muscle tension can trigger headaches and increase how frequently they happen. Massage therapy can release muscle tension, helping you feel more relaxed.
- Cupping. Cupping creates suction in the back to improve blood flow throughout the body, reducing tension, inflammation, and pain.
Get The Care You Need
Flourish Chiropractic Spa makes the first step toward reducing headache pain easy. We encourage you to schedule a consultation to discuss your needs and learn more about how our specialized chiropractic and massage services can support you. Our friendly team is here to guide you through the process, ensuring you receive the personalized care you deserve.
To book your appointment, call us or use our convenient online scheduling system. We look forward to helping you.
Most Common Disorders We Treat
Pain Management
Chiropractic Care and Adjustments
Relieve pain and improve mobility with personalized chiropractic adjustments.
TMJ Chiropractic Care/Adjustments
Relieve jaw tension and improve comfort with targeted TMJ adjustments and massage therapy.
Sciatica
Ease sciatic nerve pain with targeted adjustments and therapy to relieve pressure and restore comfort.
Back Pain
Reduce back pain and enhance mobility with focused chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic care.
Chiropractic Webster Technique
This protocol helps maintain pelvic alignment and balance throughout pregnancy.
Injury Treatment & Rehabilitation
Accident Recovery
Reclaim your mobility and comfort after accidents with personalized rehabilitation plans.
Car Accident Injury
Specialized treatment plans focused on recovery and rehabilitation from auto accident injuries.
Post-Cesarean Chiropractic Rehabilitation
Personalized treatment plans to support postpartum c-section recovery.
Sports Injury
Restore strength and agility with tailored sports rehabilitation and chiropractic care.
Stress & Tension Relief
Massage Therapy
Relieve stress and tension with therapeutic massage techniques designed to relax the body and mind.
Cupping Therapy
Soothe your spine with targeted therapies designed to alleviate back and neck discomfort.
TMJ Massage
Relieve TMJ discomfort with specialized massage techniques to reduce jaw tension and pain.
Pregnancy Massage
Specialized massage therapy designed to provide comfort and relief during pregnancy.