Headaches are one of the conditions Dr. David Carter sees consistently strong results with at Move Chiropractic. Whether you are dealing with daily tension headaches, recurring migraines, or head pain that starts in the neck and radiates upward, the cause matters more than the symptom — and finding it is the first step toward actually fixing it.
Dr. Carter takes a specific, evaluation-based approach to headache treatment. Before any treatment begins, he identifies what type of headache you are dealing with and what structures are driving it. That distinction changes everything about how care is delivered.
Types of Headaches Dr. Carter Treats
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches typically present as a dull, pressure-like pain that wraps around the head — often described as a tight band or vice grip. The most common driver is a combination of restricted joints in the cervical spine and chronic trigger points in the muscles of the neck, upper back, and base of the skull. Sustained postures, screen time, and poor workstation setup are frequent contributors. Tension headaches respond well to chiropractic adjustments and dry needling.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches originate from structures in the cervical spine and are referred up into the head. They typically present on one side, starting at the base of the skull and radiating toward the forehead or behind the eye. Neck stiffness and restricted range of motion are common alongside the headache. This is one of the conditions chiropractic care is most directly effective for — restoring motion to restricted cervical joints addresses the source of the referred pain rather than just the symptom.
Migraines
Migraines involve neurological changes and require honest expectations. Chiropractic care is not a cure for migraines, but reducing cervical joint restriction and suboccipital muscle tension — two well-documented migraine triggers — can meaningfully reduce attack frequency and intensity for many patients. Dr. Carter coordinates with other providers when appropriate and is clear about what chiropractic can and cannot do for migraine management.
Common Causes of Headaches Dr. Carter Looks For
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Cervical joint restriction in the upper neck
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Trigger points in the suboccipital muscles, upper trapezius, and sternocleidomastoid
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Forward head posture and poor workstation ergonomics
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Muscle guarding following whiplash or past neck injuries
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TMJ dysfunction
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Stress-related muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
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Disc or nerve involvement in the upper cervical spine
How Dr. Carter Treats Headaches at Move Chiropractic
Dr. Carter uses a combination of approaches based on what the evaluation finds — not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Cervical and upper thoracic adjustments restore motion to restricted joints that are generating referred pain or creating muscle overload. For cervicogenic headaches especially, this is often where the most significant relief comes from.
Dry needling into the suboccipital muscles and upper trapezius addresses the deep trigger points that drive tension headaches and are difficult to reach through stretching or surface massage alone. Many headache patients notice meaningful relief within 24 to 48 hours of their first dry needling session.
Soft tissue therapy and IASTM reduce muscle guarding and improve tissue quality in the cervical and upper thoracic region.
Corrective exercises — including deep cervical flexor strengthening and suboccipital stretching — are built into every headache care plan so patients can manage symptoms at home between visits.
Postural and ergonomic guidance addresses the daily habits and workstation setup that may be perpetuating the problem between appointments.
About Dr. David Carter
Dr. David Carter is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic (NC License #5334) who graduated Cum Laude from Northwestern Health Sciences University in 2019. He is certified in dry needling, IASTM, and blood flow restriction therapy through RockTape. Headaches are among the conditions he most consistently gets strong results with — and one of the reasons patients from Fuquay-Varina and Lillington make the drive to Angier specifically to see him. Learn more about Dr. David Carter.
Find Relief From Headaches and Migraines in Angier, NC
If headaches have been limiting your work, your family time, or your daily routine, the first step is finding out what is actually causing them. Dr. Carter will evaluate your movement, identify the structural and muscular drivers behind your headaches, and build a care plan around what he finds.
No referral needed. Same-day appointments often available. Move Chiropractic serves patients from Angier, Fuquay-Varina, Lillington, Willow Springs, Coats, Benson, and surrounding Harnett and Wake County communities.
Call or text (984) 355-3587 or schedule your first appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Headache and Migraine Relief
Can chiropractic care help with tension headaches?
Yes. Tension headaches are one of the most common conditions treated at Move Chiropractic and one of the most consistently responsive to care. Chiropractic adjustments restore motion to restricted cervical joints, and dry needling addresses the trigger points in the neck and skull base that drive the pain. Many patients notice a significant reduction in frequency and intensity within the first few visits.
Can a chiropractor help with cervicogenic headaches?
Yes. Cervicogenic headaches originate from structures in the cervical spine and are referred into the head. Chiropractic care is among the most effective treatments for this headache type because it addresses the source directly. Dr. Carter regularly treats patients whose headaches were previously diagnosed as migraines but were actually cervicogenic in origin.
Can chiropractic care help with migraines?
For many migraine patients, yes — with realistic expectations. Cervical joint restriction and suboccipital muscle tension are documented migraine triggers. Addressing those consistently can reduce both the frequency and intensity of attacks. Chiropractic care is not a cure for the neurological component of migraines, and Dr. Carter is clear about that distinction from the start.
What is dry needling and how does it help with headaches?
Dry needling uses thin, sterile needles inserted into active trigger points in the muscles of the neck and skull base. For tension and cervicogenic headaches it reaches the trigger points driving the pain at a depth that stretching and massage cannot consistently access. Dr. Carter is certified in dry needling and uses it regularly as part of headache treatment at Move Chiropractic in Angier.
How soon will I notice improvement from chiropractic care for headaches?
Most tension headache and cervicogenic headache patients notice a change within the first three to five visits. Migraine patients typically see more gradual improvement over a longer course of care. Dr. Carter will give you an honest timeline at your first visit based on what the evaluation finds.
Do I need to stop taking my headache medication before starting care?
No. Chiropractic care works alongside medication, not against it. Many patients find they can reduce their reliance on pain medication as their headaches improve, but that is a decision made over time based on results — not a requirement to get started.
What if my headaches have been going on for years?
Chronic headache patients are common at Move Chiropractic. Longstanding headaches often involve layers of joint restriction, muscle tension, and postural habits that have built up over time. Progress is still achievable, but the timeline is more gradual and the care plan reflects that. Dr. Carter will be direct about what is realistic for your specific situation.
Do I need a referral to be seen for headaches at Move Chiropractic?
No. Chiropractors in North Carolina are direct-access providers. You can schedule directly with Move Chiropractic in Angier without a referral from your primary care physician or neurologist. Same-day appointments are often available.