Home / Conditions We Treat in Lake Oswego / Headache and Migraine Chiropractor in Lake Oswego
Frequent headaches can wear down your work, your sleep and your mood. At Form & Function Chiropractic, Dr. Jeff Devine looks for mechanical contributors in the neck, jaw and shoulders that may be driving them. This page explains how headache and migraine care works at our Lake Oswego clinic and what to expect. Results are not guaranteed, but a careful exam can show whether a mechanical cause is in play.
Headaches that may have a mechanical cause
Tension-type headaches are often linked to tight muscles in the shoulders, neck and scalp. Cervicogenic headaches are tied to restricted joints in the upper neck. Some migraines also have a neck or jaw component, which is why we look at how these areas move and how you hold your head during the day.
Jaw tension can play a role as well. If you clench your teeth or wake with jaw soreness, read about TMJ and jaw pain care.
What the exam includes
Dr. Devine starts by asking about the timing, location and triggers of your headaches and what you have already tried. He then checks upper neck mobility, jaw tension, posture and how your neck, jaw and shoulders move together. He explains his findings and recommends a plan. Imaging is used only when it is clinically warranted.
What care can include
Care combines upper cervical adjustments with soft tissue work on the muscles at the base of the skull and the jaw. The goal is to reduce the mechanical driver instead of only easing the pain for a few hours. You may also be asked to keep a headache diary and to adjust desk and sleep habits. Related care includes neck pain treatment, and sleep support when poor sleep is part of the cycle.
Habits worth tracking
- When headaches start and how long they last
- Screen time, posture and desk setup
- Sleep position and quality
- Jaw clenching or teeth grinding
- Foods, stress and other triggers you notice
What your first visit looks like
Your first visit starts with a conversation about your history, when your headaches began, what makes it better or worse, and what you want to get back to doing. Dr. Devine then examines you, explains what he finds in plain language, and recommends a plan before you leave. X-rays are used only when they are clinically warranted. Adjustments can use Diversified, Activator, Drop Table, Torque Release or SOT techniques, so you can choose a gentler approach if you prefer.
When to get medical care first
Sudden, severe headaches, headaches with fever and stiff neck, vision changes, confusion, weakness, trouble speaking or headaches after a head injury need emergency medical care before anything else. Headaches that are new, unusual or rapidly worsening should be evaluated by a medical provider.
Common questions
Can a chiropractor help with migraines?
Some migraines have a neck or jaw component. Dr. Devine can examine for those contributors, but he will refer you for medical care when your symptoms suggest it.
What is a cervicogenic headache?
It is a headache that starts in the upper neck joints and is felt in the head. A neck exam helps show whether this applies to you.
Should I keep a headache diary?
Yes. A simple record of timing, triggers and habits helps us tailor your plan.
Why patients choose Dr. Devine
Dr. Jeff Devine has practiced for more than 25 years and trained at Palmer West Chiropractic College. He uses a range of techniques, including Diversified, Activator, Drop Table, Torque Release and SOT, so care can be gentle or more traditional depending on your comfort. Co-owner Jodi Black offers nutrition coaching for patients who want support beyond the adjustment table. Learn more about Dr. Devine, or see our new patient information.
Related care and nearby areas
Related pages: neck pain, whiplash, shoulder pain and wellness care. Read more on the main clinic site: tech neck and desk posture. Ask about the new patient special, and see the clinic FAQ. We welcome patients from Tigard, West Linn, Tualatin, Hillsdale and Southwest Portland and across Lake Oswego. See all services and conditions.
Form & Function Chiropractic
3 Monroe Pkwy, Suite G, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Phone: (503) 495-3454
Mon and Wed 9 AM to 7 PM, Tue and Thu 7 AM to 3 PM, Fri 8 AM to noon
This page is for general information only and is not medical advice. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Talk with a qualified health professional about your own situation, and seek emergency care for severe or sudden symptoms.