Headaches Treatment in Los Gatos
Headaches and migraines can wreck your workday, your sleep, and your ability to focus.
At On Purpose Los Gatos Chiropractic, Dr. Adam Kleinberg, DC, offers natural, medication-free headache care that looks for the deeper “why,” not just a quick cover-up. Using a detailed exam and, when needed, full-spine X-rays to study how your neck is aligned and moving, he focuses on correcting the problem at its source.
If you are looking for headache treatment in Los Gatos or migraine treatment in Los Gatos, a thorough evaluation is the best place to start.
The first step is simple: Call (408) 354-8044 to schedule your consultation.
What Headaches and Migraines Really Mean
People often say “I get headaches” and others say “I get migraines,” but in real life the symptoms can overlap. Many patients describe:
- Pressure or tightness that starts in the neck or base of the skull
- Throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Nausea or feeling “wiped out” after an episode
From Dr. Kleinberg’s perspective, the label matters less than what is happening in the upper cervical spine, especially the first two neck bones. When those joints are not lined up well, they can irritate the brainstem and set the stage for both headaches and migraines. The goal in our office is to calm that irritation and help your nervous system work more smoothly again.
Structural & Lifestyle Drivers of Head Pain
In this Los Gatos clinic, Dr. Kleinberg most often traces headaches and migraines back to upper cervical misalignments, especially at C1 and C2. When these bones shift out of position, they can put pressure on the brainstem and interfere with the way the brain sends energy and instructions through the nervous system.
Other patterns he frequently sees include:
- Long-term posture strain from phones and laptops, sometimes called “tech neck”
- Loss of the normal neck curve, which changes the physics of the spine
- Old injuries to the neck that were never fully corrected
- Muscle tension from stress that keeps joints from moving well
- Lifestyle factors like screen time, poor sleep, or dehydration that add extra load
Some triggers can be managed at home, but the structural issues in the neck usually need hands-on help. That is where a chiropractor for headaches can play an important role.
Treatment Structure for Cervical-Related Headaches
For headaches and migraines, Dr. Kleinberg typically recommends a three‑month corrective chiropractic plan rather than a handful of random visits. Care usually starts with full-spine X-rays, postural checks, and motion testing so he can see exactly how your neck and upper spine are behaving.
Treatment focuses on:
- Specific upper cervical adjustments to realign C1 and C2 and reduce pressure on the brainstem
- Full-spine adjustments so the whole system supports your neck, not just one area
- Different setups depending on your body, including laying on the table, seated work, or an upper cervical specific knee-chest style adjustment
- Coaching on posture, work habits, and simple strengthening or stretching to protect the changes between visits
Every plan is tailored to your exam findings, goals, and comfort level. The intention is to help your nervous system function better, which often translates into fewer and less intense headaches over time.
When Patients Usually Notice Changes
Real talk: timelines vary. Dr. Kleinberg sees many patients notice clear changes in their symptoms within about two to four weeks, sometimes sooner, sometimes a bit slower. That might mean fewer migraine days, less intense episodes, or needing less medication to get through the day.
How quickly things shift depends on:
- How long you have had headaches or migraines
- How severe the misalignments are in your neck
- Your age and overall health
- What you do outside the office, like long hours looking down at a screen or ignoring sleep and hydrationDeep, long-lasting stability usually takes more time and consistent care. Chiropractic is not an instant cure, but for many people it becomes a key piece of their long-term strategy.
Tools & Techniques for Headache Treatment
Headache and migraine care in our Los Gatos office is hands-on and precise, not gadget-heavy. For this type of problem, Dr. Kleinberg mainly uses:
- Chiropractic adjusting tables that allow him to position your neck and spine comfortably for specific upper cervical work
- Digital X-rays of the full spine, especially side and front views of the neck, to measure curves, alignment, and structural stress points
- Special upper cervical setups, including seated and knee-chest style positions, that help him adjust C1 and C2 with accuracy
- Very gentle hand contacts, and occasionally a low-force instrument if your body needs something extra soft
All of this is used to answer one big question: how can we safely take pressure off the nervous system so your body has a better chance to calm the headache cycle?
Case Studies
A woman in her 50s came into On Purpose Los Gatos Chiropractic with migraines almost every day. She was exhausted, relying on medication, and trying to power through work and family life. Her exam and X-rays showed misalignments at the very top of her neck and a flattened cervical curve that had likely been building for years.
Dr. Kleinberg recommended a three-month corrective plan focused on upper cervical adjustments and full-spine support. After her first adjustment, her migraine cleared, and during the year she stayed under regular care, she reported that the daily migraines did not return. That kind of result is not guaranteed for everyone, but it shows what can happen when the brainstem pressure is relieved and the nervous system can function better.
At home, she worked on:
- Taking regular breaks from screens instead of always looking down
- Staying hydrated through the day
- Using a neck-friendly sleep position that did not kink her spine
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FAQs - Headache Treatment
Can a chiropractor help with headaches and migraines?
Yes, for many people. In Dr. Kleinberg’s experience, a large number of headaches and migraines are linked to misalignments in the upper neck that irritate the brainstem and surrounding nerves. Gentle, specific adjustments aim to realign those joints and improve how the brain communicates with the body. While results vary, patients often report changes in frequency, intensity, or recovery time as their spine and nervous system start working better.
What are common triggers?
Common triggers include posture strain from phones and laptops, tension from stress, dehydration, skipped meals, poor sleep, and long hours under bright lights or in front of screens. Neck injuries from the past can also set the stage for later headaches if the spine never fully recovered. In the office, Dr. Kleinberg looks at both structure and lifestyle so you are not just chasing symptoms but actually understanding what sets your headaches off.
When should I seek care?
It is smart to seek care if headaches or migraines are:
- Showing up several times a month or more
- Getting more intense over time
- Coming with neck pain, stiffness, or arm symptoms
- Interfering with your ability to work, drive, or sleep
A chiropractic evaluation at On Purpose Los Gatos Chiropractic can help uncover possible structural contributors. If anything looks outside our scope or concerning, Dr. Kleinberg will recommend the appropriate medical follow up.
Are adjustments safe for cervical headaches?
Dr. Kleinberg has been in practice for 25 years and has delivered hundreds of thousands of adjustments. He evaluates each person individually and uses tailored, gentle techniques for neck-related headaches, especially around the upper cervical spine. As with any healthcare, there are risks, but serious complications in his practice have been extremely rare. If your case calls for a different approach or co-management, he will talk that through with you.
Which home strategies can I try now?
Helpful home strategies include:
- Drinking enough water daily
- Taking short movement breaks every 30–45 minutes when using screens
- Keeping your phone and monitor closer to eye level
- Practicing gentle neck mobility exercises recommended by your chiropractor
- Creating a consistent bedtime routine and using a supportive pillow
These are not a replacement for care, but they often make your headache treatment in Los Gatos more effective.
