Headache Relief in Greater Kansas City

Accurate Diagnosis and Non‒Surgical Relief for Headaches
At Core Medical Center, we provide patients with effective, personalized treatment for chronic headaches. Whether your symptoms stem from nerve compression, soft tissue tension, post‒injury trauma, or lifestyle factors, our multi‒disciplinary approach is designed to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches—without relying solely on medication.
With convenient clinics, we’re trusted to identify the underlying causes of headaches and build customized, non-invasive care plans that deliver lasting results.
Doctor performing neck exam on female patient
Woman holding head, appearing to have headache

What are Headaches?

Headaches can develop for many different reasons, and they don’t look the same for everyone. The location, duration, intensity, and triggers of the pain often vary depending on the type of condition involved.
At Core Medical Center, we take the time to understand the specific condition you’re experiencing so we can treat it effectively. The most common types we see are:
Tesnsion Headaches
These are often described as a dull, steady pressure that feels like a tight band around the head. They can last from half an hour to several days and are usually moderate in intensity.
Migraines
Migraines tend to cause more severe, pulsating discomfort, often focused on one side. They may be accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and temporary visual changes.
Cluster headaches
This type is known for intense, sharp pain that tends to occur in recurring patterns or bursts. The discomfort typically centers around one eye and may include tearing or nasal symptoms.
Since these types of discomfort affect people differently, getting the right diagnosis is key to effective treatment.
Schedule a personalized evaluation to better understand what’s behind your symptoms—and get care designed for long-term relief.

Common Causes of Chronic Headaches We Treat

Headaches are often caused by a combination of structural, neurological, and lifestyle-related factors. At Core Medical Center, we evaluate and treat:
Allergies and sinus-related inflammation
Inflammatory responses to environmental triggers can create sinus pressure and head pain.
High blood pressure (hypertension)
High blood pressure may lead to vascular headaches, often described as a pulsing sensation.
Muscle tension and postural strain
Overuse or tightness in the neck and upper back muscles can contribute to the condition.
Cervical nerve compression (pinched nerves)
Pinched nerves, especially in the cervical spine, can cause referred pain into the head and face.
Occipital neuralgia (nerve pain at the base of the skull)
Irritation or inflammation of the occipital nerves at the base of the skull can cause sharp, shooting pain in the back of the head.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Chronic stress and trauma can manifest physically, often triggering tension-related or stress-induced headaches.
Postural abnormalities
Poor posture from prolonged sitting or screen time can increase muscle tension and joint stress.
Repetitive stress and overuse injuries
Ongoing physical strain may cause muscle tightness and recurring symptoms over time.
Sinus infections and pressure buildup
Inflammation or blockage in the sinuses can lead to pressure and pain around the eyes, forehead, and cheeks.
TMJ disorder and jaw alignment issues
Inflammation or dysfunction in the jaw joint can cause localized or radiating pain.
Tendonitis and soft tissue inflammation
Repeated strain on tendons in the neck and upper back can result in ongoing muscle tightness.
Whiplash injuries and post-concussion symptoms
Neck injuries from sudden movement, such as car accidents, frequently result in delayed-onset headaches.
Cervicogenic headaches (originating in the neck)

Spinal misalignment or joint dysfunction

We also consider dietary triggers, dehydration, hormonal imbalances, and sleep patterns during your evaluation.

Common Symptoms of Chronic Headaches

Chronic headache pain can appear in different forms depending on its origin and severity. We treat symptoms including:
Older man holding head, showing headache pain
One-sided or bilateral head pain
Pressure behind the eyes or temples
Sensitivity to light, smell, or sound
Nausea or dizziness
Blurred vision or eye strain
Neck tightness or cervical discomfort
Numbness or tingling in the arms or face
Fatigue or mental fog
Congestion, watery eyes, or facial pressure
Patients with migraine symptoms often experience a combination of nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and pressure behind the eyes—all of which we evaluate carefully to guide treatment.
Recognizing your specific symptoms helps us identify the underlying mechanism—so we can target the treatment accordingly.
Doctor adjusting woman's neck in clinic

Treatments Options We Offer for Headache Relief

At Core Medical Center, we believe that effective headache care starts with identifying and treating the root cause. We provide an integrated range of services all in one location, reducing the need for outside referrals or long wait times.
Physical Medicine
Manual therapy to reduce muscle tension and joint compression
Guided postural correction and ergonomic adjustments
Stretching and strengthening exercises to reduce structural strain
Chiropractic Adjustments
Gentle spinal manipulation to relieve cervical joint stress
Realignment of the neck and upper back to reduce nerve irritation
Targeted mobilization to improve blood flow and mobility
Pain Management & Interventional Therapies
When needed, we may incorporate:
Trigger point injections
Occipital nerve blocks
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for chronic neck-originating headaches
Botox injections (when medically appropriate for chronic migraine)
Regenerative medicine for inflammation or soft tissue damage
Non-opioid prescription and natural anti-inflammatory options
Occupational Therapy & Lifestyle Guidance
Sleep, stress, and work habit coaching
Breathing and relaxation strategies for tension headaches
Nutritional and hydration guidance for migraine reduction
Mind-body therapies to reduce frequency and improve quality of life
Post-Accident and Concussion Management
We specialize in treating post-whiplash headaches, post-concussion syndrome, and TBI-related pain. Our team can assess brain function, cervical alignment, and neural response to build a comprehensive plan—especially important after motor vehicle accidents.

Headache and Migraine FAQs

What is the fastest way to treat a headache?
Quick relief depends on the cause. Reducing screen time, adjusting posture, or using a cold compress may ease headache pain in tension-related cases.
How do I stop getting headaches?
Avoiding common headache triggers like irregular sleep, dehydration, or skipped meals can reduce frequency. A headache diary may help spot patterns.
How to get rid of a headache without medication?
Some people find relief through movement, massage, or mindfulness techniques. These methods may reduce pain without relying on medications.
What is the most successful treatment for migraines?
Treating migraines often requires a combination of medical and lifestyle strategies. When migraine symptoms are frequent, Botox or preventive prescriptions may help.
Is this covered under insurance?
If your insurance is medicare and commercial, we are in-network. They will cover it at whatever rate they are contracted and if its MVA is typically on lien or med pay or pip or both, work comp is covered by the carrier.

Book an appointment and experience our highly‒rated care

You don’t have to figure it out alone. Let our team of experts coordinate your care and build a plan that works.

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This form should only be used for general information (ie don't send any detailed/personal health information via this form). All patient‒specific care questions should be addressed during your appointment.
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