A Different Approach to Recurring Headaches and Migraines

Watch this short video to learn how our headache-focused evaluation works.

Or call us at (847) 485-0990

No pressure. No rushed appointments. If we can help... great! If not, we'll tell you.

Results should do the talking...

She was taking excedrin daily to now almost NEVER!

Joanna had headaches for 10 years... taking 800mg of ibuprofin.. keeping her in bed for 2-3 days at a time... Now not taking ANY MORE medications

Not a single pill since she started seeing our clinic!

Schedule Your Consultation

Or call us at (847) 485-0990

The Brain-to-Spine Connection Assessment

For over a decade, Dr. Vartan has been using a process to help hundreds to thousands of people correct their headaches/migraines. Here's how...

1. The Consult

Begin your healing with a detailed consultation, with focused Q&A style questions to get to the root cause of your headaches or migraines. Dr. Vartan will likely spend 30 minutes just listening for specific triggers and causes for your headaches and migraines.

Dr Vartan Consulting Patient for headaches and migraines

2. Scans & Motion Study X-Rays

To determine if we can help you or not, specific scans and/or a motion study x-ray will be taken to reveal exactly if and where your migraines are being triggered from. Flexion Extension films are taken and analyzed for movement or restriction between spinal segments, causing neurological stress and a chronic fight-or-flight response.

3. Custom Made Treatment Plan

If your migraines can be helped by Dr. Vartan and his team, a tailor made plan is created for your exact condition. Exact steps and timeframes are laid out in an easy-to-understand way.

Why We Pay Close Attention to the Cervical Spine (Neck) in Headache & Migraine Evaluations

If you’ve dealt with recurring migraines or headaches, you’ve probably noticed something many people don’t talk about: your neck and shoulders often feel involved—tight, stiff, sore, or “loaded”—either before, during, or after an episode.

That’s not a coincidence.

1) Some headaches truly originate from the neck (cervicogenic headache)

There is an official category of headache called cervicogenic headache, defined as head pain caused by a disorder of the cervical spine (neck)—including joints, discs, and soft tissues—often (but not always) accompanied by neck pain.

In a systematic review/meta-analysis that only included studies using established diagnostic criteria, one population-based study reported a cervicogenic headache prevalence of ~3.9%, and in tertiary headache clinics the relative frequency was around ~3%.
(Translation: it’s not “most headaches,” but it’s common enough that it’s worth screening for—especially when neck symptoms are part of the picture.)

2) The upper neck can “refer” pain into the head

From a neuroscience standpoint, the upper cervical spine (especially C1–C3) shares pain-processing pathways with regions that transmit head and face pain. This connection is often described through the trigeminocervical complex, where sensory input from the neck and head can converge—meaning irritation or overload in one region can sometimes be felt in the other.

This is one reason some people experience headache patterns that feel like they start in the neck or base of the skull and “wrap” into the head—even when the final pain is felt behind the eye, temple, or forehead.

3) Neck pain is very common in people with migraine

Even when someone has migraines (a primary neurologic headache disorder), neck pain commonly co-occurs. A systematic review/meta-analysis specifically examined the prevalence of neck pain in migraine and highlights that it is a frequent complaint and may relate to migraine frequency.

What this means for your visit

When we evaluate recurring headaches and migraine-like symptoms, we don’t just ask “where does it hurt?” We assess whether cervical spine function, posture strain, muscle tension, and upper-neck joint irritation may be part of your overall pattern—so we can recommend the most appropriate next step for you.

Still not convinced we can help? Check out our (almost 😅) PERFECT reviews!

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 170 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Kristi Brockie 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Vartan is such a great chiropractor!  He is very compassionate, takes time to answer as many questions as I have and is such a kind nice doctor.  I came mostly because I saw an ad  for soft wave treatments for my knee but then started adjustments too.  I used to take lots of ibuprofen and got cortisone shot every 3 mos in my knee but after starting treatments with Dr Vartan, I stopped ibuprofen completely and haven’t had a shot in 6 mos.  My knee pain has significantly improved and my neck and back feel better also.  Highly recommend !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anna McHugh 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Never expected the results i got. 80% improvement in such a short time. I still have a long way to go.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kelly O'Connell-Guzak 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Results! Knowledgable, consistently on time with schedule, and really nice group of people. My pain significantly reduced.
Highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ashley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr v and his wife are absolutely incredible. Rachel is super nice and helpful. I started my treatments over a month ago and its been a rocky road but slowly starting to show and make some improvements. Dr v and his team have gone above and beyond to do anything possible to help me get some relief. I couldnt be more greatful to find a better place to go for help. They are compassionate, trustworthy and feels like family everytime I go in there. They truly care and go above and beyond to help people. Im truly grateful I found them. 100% recommend this practice. Thank you for everything ❤️
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ruth Ilioni 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a back pain and I have been coming here for less than 3 months and now it’s gone. Not only that but the place is always clean and the worship music made my experience even better.
Dr. Vartan explained very thoroughly why my low back was hurting and how we can fix it. It’s noticeable that he cares about his patients. Rachel is also very helpful and understanding, especially when I have to reschedule last minute.
I would definitely recommend this place to anyone and everyone! If you’d been wanting to go to a chiropractor, this is the place
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Marcos B 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   gerald fleurantin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hands down, the best in the Chicago land area.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gabriel Avram 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been to foundation and well Necessities before in the past with debilitating back pain, which Dr. Vartaan has assisted me in, fast-forward one year, and I had flareups of mid back and upper shoulder tension to which doctor Corina assisted me with acupuncture and cupping treatments, which helped my overall sleep, and lower tension in my upper back and shoulder area in as little as 2 weeks! Love their practice and everything they have to offer. Highly recommend for anyone looking to better there quality of life through medical practices their office has to offer.
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

This Consultation May Be a Good Fit If You…

* experience recurring headaches or migraine-related symptoms
* feel tension in your neck, shoulders, or upper back
* notice headaches after long workdays, screen time, stress, or poor sleep
* feel like your headaches are becoming more frequent or more disruptive
* want a conservative, non-drug approach to explore possible contributing factors
* want a provider who will actually listen and take your symptoms seriously

Schedule Your Migraine & Headache Consultation for only $37... Normally $250!

For a limited time, Foundations Spine & Well-necessities is offering a focused consultation for adults dealing with recurring headaches, neck tension, and migraine-related symptoms for just $37.

During your visit, we’ll review your history, discuss your symptoms, evaluate possible physical contributors, and explain whether our approach may be a good fit.

What's included

* one-on-one consultation
* headache and migraine history review
* neck, posture, and spinal movement evaluation
* Motion X-rays (different than traditional static x-rays)
* personalized findings review
* recommended next steps
* time to ask questions

Schedule here using this calendar

Or call us if you have questions at (847) 485-0990

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if my headaches are coming from my neck?

You may not know until you’re evaluated. That’s why we look at the cervical spine, posture, range of motion, muscle tension, and how the upper neck may be connected to your headache pattern. Ultimately, X-ray findings plus your detailed history will determine this answer.

2. What happens during the headache and migraine consultation?

We’ll review your history, discuss your symptoms and triggers, evaluate your neck and posture, and explain whether the cervical spine may be contributing to your headaches by the use of exams and X-rays.

3. Do I need X-rays?

Not everyone needs X-rays. If we believe they are necessary based on your history and exam findings, we’ll explain why before moving forward.

4. Is this just a regular chiropractic adjustment?

No. The first step is a focused evaluation. We want to understand what may be contributing to your headaches before recommending any care plan.

5. How soon can I get started?

After your consultation and evaluation, we’ll explain your findings and recommended next steps. If care is appropriate, we’ll walk you through the plan clearly.

6. Do you accept insurance?

Yes. However, it depends on your specific plan and the services recommended. Our team can help you understand your options before care begins. You'll never receive a surprise charge so bring your insurance card with you to this first appointment. We do not verify insurance prior to your visit at the office. If this first visit can be billed, we will retroactively bill it and refund you the $37.

About Dr. Vartan

At Foundations Spine & Well-necessities, we understand how frustrating it can be to live with recurring headaches. Our goal is to give you a clear, thoughtful, and conservative path forward — without pressure, scare tactics, or rushed care.

Dr. Vartan has been in practice for over a decade and specializes in the correction of posture related issues and its affect on the nervous system.

His passion is spending quality time with his wife and kids doing fun experiences with them such as fishing, rollerblading, or eating a good pizza.

His favorite sport is Hockey and spent his entire life playing.