Migraine Relief in Calgary
Migraines are more than just severe headaches—they’re a neurological condition that can bring throbbing head pain, nausea, vision changes, and extreme sensitivity to light or sound. For many Calgarians, an attack can last hours or even days, interfering with work, family life, and everyday activities.
At Memorial Drive Chiropractic and Massage, we take a different approach. By calming the nervous system, improving spinal alignment, and reducing stress on the body, our goal is to not only lessen the intensity of migraines but also reduce how often they occur.
How Migraines Differ from Headaches
Migraines are often misunderstood as “bad headaches,” but they’re very different. While a tension headache might feel like dull pressure, a migraine often comes with more severe symptoms such as:
- Pulsating or one-sided head pain
- Nausea, sometimes with vomiting
- Sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
- Visual disturbances or aura (flashing lights, blind spots)
- Fatigue and brain fog
Because migraines involve the nervous system, chiropractic care that improves spinal and nerve function may help reduce both the frequency and severity of episodes.
Types and Triggers of Migraines
Migraines don’t look the same for everyone. Some people experience migraines with aura, while others deal with chronic migraines that show up several times a month. Hormonal changes, certain foods, stress, lack of sleep, and even weather shifts can act as triggers.
At our clinic, we help patients identify these triggers and create care plans that support both immediate relief and long-term prevention.
A Chiropractor with a Neuroscience Background
Dr. Ryan Wagemakers brings a unique perspective to migraine care. Before earning his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 2008, he studied neuroscience at the University of Alberta and worked as a biologist. His background gives him a deeper understanding of the nervous system and its role in conditions like migraines.
His personal health journey also drives his passion: after struggling with health challenges that conventional medicine only managed with medication, he found lasting relief through chiropractic care.
“Migraines can take a serious toll on someone’s quality of life,” explains Dr. Wagemakers. “By improving spinal alignment and supporting nervous system function, many patients find they don’t have to rely as heavily on medications and can enjoy more days without pain.”
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first appointment is focused on understanding the full picture of your migraines. We’ll start by reviewing your health history and possible triggers, followed by a posture and movement analysis. A spinal evaluation will help us identify areas of tension or misalignment. In many cases, we’ll use Insight Scanning Technology—safe, non-invasive scans that measure nervous system stress and pinpoint imbalances that could be contributing to your migraines. If needed, X-rays may also be recommended.
By combining these findings, we can build a care plan that is precise, personalized, and aligned with your goals.
Gentle, Customized Care
No two patients are the same, which is why migraine care is always individualized. Care may involve gentle spinal adjustments to restore alignment, soft tissue work to release tension, posture and ergonomic advice, and strategies for reducing everyday triggers. Many patients begin with more frequent visits to get relief quickly, then shift to periodic visits aimed at maintaining results.
Most people notice changes such as better sleep, improved energy, and fewer migraine days within the first few weeks of care. While migraines often develop over years and may take time to fully improve, our focus is always on long-term relief—not quick fixes.
Safety and Realistic Expectations
Chiropractic care for migraines is safe, non-invasive, and designed to complement other healthcare approaches. Some patients report improvement after just a few sessions, while others progress more gradually. Our goal is to help you build a stronger, more resilient nervous system so you can rely less on medication and enjoy more pain-free days each month.
That said, it’s important to know when urgent medical care is needed. If you ever experience sudden severe headaches, vision loss, confusion, weakness, or new neurological symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Why Choose Us?
A chiropractor with a neuroscience background and over 15 years of clinical experience
- Advanced Insight Scanning Technology for precise assessment
- Personalized, gentle care plans tailored to migraine sufferers
- Convenient location in Calgary with flexible scheduling options
- Support for insurance billing and payment plans
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Migraines don’t have to control your life. At Memorial Drive Chiropractic and Massage, we’re here to help you uncover the root causes of your pain and create a care plan designed for lasting relief.
Contact us today to schedule your first appointment and start your path to fewer migraines and more pain-free days.
