Headache Relief in Livermore
Available at Livermore, Pleasanton, San Ramon, Brentwood, and Manteca
Headaches are one of the most common reasons people visit our offices, and for good reason—they can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Whether you struggle with tension behind your eyes, pressure at the base of your skull, or headaches that seem to show up like clockwork every week, we understand how frustrating and disruptive they can be.
At Alexander Chiropractic and Wellness, our doctors take a gentle, specific, and results-driven approach to relieving headaches by focusing on the root cause rather than just managing symptoms.
Understanding Headaches and Why They Happen
Not all headaches are the same, and they certainly don’t happen for the same reasons. Many patients are surprised to learn that their pain actually begins in the neck rather than the head itself. Poor posture, long hours at a computer, muscle tension, spinal misalignment, stress, old injuries, and even jaw or sinus issues can all trigger recurring headaches.
When the spine in the neck doesn’t move the way it should, surrounding nerves and muscles can become irritated, leading to the pressure, throbbing, and tightness you may be feeling.
We also see many patients with headaches that mimic or overlap with migraines. Because migraines behave differently—with more intense symptoms and sometimes visual or sensory changes—we offer a dedicated migraine page where you can learn more about those episodes specifically.
Relief for Headaches During Pregnancy
Expecting mothers frequently deal with headaches as their bodies undergo dramatic changes to accommodate their growing baby. Shifts in hormones, blood volume, stress, changes in sleep patterns, and alterations in posture can all trigger head pain during pregnancy.
The good news is that chiropractic care offers a safe, medication-free approach to managing these headaches. Our doctors specialize in gentle, pregnancy-safe techniques designed to provide relief without any risk to you or your baby.
How Chiropractic Care Helps
Chiropractic care is designed to restore proper motion and alignment in the spine, which naturally reduces the tension and nerve irritation that often trigger headaches. When the neck begins to move and function the way it was meant to, the body can relax, circulation improves, and the cycle of tightness and pain can break. As Dr. Matthew Alexander often explains, “When you improve the way the spine moves, you dramatically reduce the stress the nervous system carries—headaches included.”
Our chiropractors use a wide range of techniques to make sure each adjustment is tailored to your comfort and your unique condition. This may include traditional hands-on adjustments, gentle instrument adjusting with the ArthroStim®, or more specialized soft-tissue techniques such as Active Release Technique®, Graston Technique®, or shockwave therapy when chronic muscle tightness keeps fueling the problem.
Massage therapy and functional medicine support can also play a role when lifestyle, inflammation, or hormonal factors contribute to your headaches.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
Your first appointment will focus on finding the exact source of your headaches. You can expect a thorough consultation, movement and posture evaluation, orthopedic and neurological testing, and X-rays if needed. Patients often tell us this is the most complete exam they’ve had, and it helps us design a care plan that fits both your condition and your comfort level.
Some people begin feeling relief within just a few visits, while others with long-standing or severe headaches may need more time—your doctor will walk you through realistic expectations based on your findings.
Gentle Care for All Ages
One of the things patients appreciate most about our practice is the variety of adjusting styles we offer. If you prefer low-force care, or if the patient is a child or older adult, our team can use gentle techniques that avoid any twisting or cracking. The goal is always the same: to help your body function better, feel better, and stay better.
When to Consider Chiropractic for Headaches
If your headaches keep returning, show up after long hours at your desk, come with neck or shoulder pain, started after an accident or old injury, or simply aren’t responding to medication anymore, chiropractic may be the missing piece. Many people wait years before seeking help, only to discover that gentle, targeted care was exactly what they needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can chiropractic care relieve my headaches?
Will my insurance cover chiropractic treatment for headaches?
How is chiropractic care different from just taking pain medication?
Start Your Path to Relief
If headaches are impacting your work, sleep, or quality of life, the team at Alexander Chiropractic and Wellness is here to help you move forward with confidence. With five convenient locations across the Tri-Valley and decades of combined experience, our doctors are committed to providing care that truly makes a difference.

