Headaches are one of the most common health complaints—and while over-the-counter pain relievers might offer quick relief, they don’t address the real question:
Why are you getting headaches in the first place?
At our functional medicine practice, we look beyond the surface to uncover the root causes behind your headaches—so you can experience real, lasting relief.
What Are Headaches?
A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. There are several different types, each with its own pattern and potential triggers:
- Tension Headaches – often feel like a tight band across the forehead or pressure at the temples
- Migraines – typically intense, throbbing pain, often with nausea, light sensitivity, or visual disturbances
- Cluster Headaches – severe pain around one eye, often recurring in cycles
- Sinus Headaches – pressure and pain around the cheeks, eyes, and forehead, often related to congestion or inflammation
What Causes Headaches?
(Hint: It’s rarely just “bad luck”)
In functional medicine, we recognize that headaches are symptoms, not standalone problems. They’re your body’s way of saying:
Something is out of balance.
Here are some of the most common root causes we investigate:
- Hormonal Imbalances
Fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, or cortisol—especially around menstruation or perimenopause—can trigger headaches or migraines.
- Food Sensitivities
Certain foods (like gluten, dairy, processed sugar, or additives) may create inflammation or vascular changes that lead to headaches.
- Blood Sugar Swings
Skipping meals or eating high-sugar foods can lead to low blood sugar or insulin spikes, both of which can contribute to headache pain.
- Sleep Disruptions
Poor sleep quality, sleep apnea, or irregular sleep patterns can increase headache frequency and severity.
- Stress and Nervous System Dysregulation
Chronic stress, anxiety, or poor coping mechanisms can create muscle tension, increase inflammation, and disrupt brain chemistry.
- Environmental + Chemical Triggers
Mold exposure, chemical sensitivities, perfumes, or even indoor air quality can play a role.
- Gut and Liver Dysfunction
A congested detox system or an imbalanced gut microbiome can contribute to systemic inflammation and trigger headaches.
How Functional Medicine Helps
We don’t just cover up the symptoms—we dig deeper.
Here’s what the journey typically looks like:
- In-Depth History + Advanced Lab Testing
We explore hormonal health, nutrient status, inflammation levels, gut health, and more. - Personalized Nutrition Plans
Identify and eliminate headache-triggering foods, support stable blood sugar, and reduce inflammatory load. - Targeted Supplementation
Using nutrients like magnesium, riboflavin, CoQ10, B-complex, and herbal support where needed. - Nervous System + Stress Support
Breathwork, adaptogens, and lifestyle shifts to rebalance your stress response. - Detox and Gut Healing Protocols
If needed, we support the liver and gut to reduce toxin buildup and calm inflammation.
