Pregnancy, Prenatal & Postpartum
Prenatal Headaches
Headaches during pregnancy, which always warrant obstetric input.
Headache in pregnancy has several possible causes, some of which require prompt obstetric assessment, particularly later in pregnancy. Neck-related findings can be evaluated once that assessment is clear.
Not every headache in pregnancy is neck-related, so it is important not to assume a musculoskeletal cause without appropriate medical input first.
Why this matters
Posture, sleep, and neck load all change through pregnancy and can contribute to headache in some people, alongside other more general factors like hydration and rest.
Once serious causes have been appropriately ruled out, gentle, pregnancy-appropriate evaluation of the neck may be a reasonable part of a wider approach.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Neck input and headache patterns are closely related, since the same brainstem pathways process sensory information from both the upper neck and the head.
Evaluation focuses on neck movement and tension as a possible contributor, always alongside appropriate obstetric oversight.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Headache in pregnancy — particularly with visual changes, swelling or high blood pressure — requires immediate obstetric assessment.
- Headache with visual changes or spots in vision
- Headache with swelling of the face, hands, or feet
- Severe or sudden headache unlike previous headaches
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Family Wellness — Care for children and adults is individualized in technique and force.
- Chiari Malformation — A medical condition requiring specialist care — support only, within scope.
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome — A medically diagnosed connective tissue condition that changes how care is delivered.
- Growing-Related Musculoskeletal Pain — Aching in growing children, which should first be medically evaluated.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.