SNAGs and Chiropractic for Migraine Relief: What 2025 Research Shows

Dr Mark Uren
Aug 8
2 min read

Migraines are one of the most disabling neurological conditions. They affect over 1 in 10 people globally and account for millions of lost workdays each year. While medication helps, many patients still struggle with frequent, intense attacks.

That’s where chiropractic care comes in. A growing body of research, including new data from 2025, shows that combining spinal adjustments with SNAG exercises leads to better migraine outcomes.

SNAGs: Not Just for Cervicogenic Headaches

Originally developed for cervicogenic headache (CGH), Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides (SNAGs) now show promise in migraine care.

Why SNAGs work:

Restore pain-free cervical mobility
Decrease upper cervical joint stiffness
Reduce mechanical triggers linked to migraine onset
Improve self-efficacy through home-based care

A 2025 network meta-analysis confirmed SNAGs improve cervical ROM and reduce disability. They outperformed massage, general exercise, and several alternative therapies in patients with CGH. These same cervical dysfunctions are also present in many migraine sufferers.

Spinal Manipulation and Migraine

Research continues to support spinal adjustments as a frontline therapy for migraines:

Spinal Adjustments reduced migraine days by nearly 2 per month when added to usual care
22% of patients had more than a 90% reduction in migraine frequency after two months of Spinal Adjustments
Outcomes improve in a dose-dependent way—typically 6–8 visits over 6–8 weeks

Best Practice: Combine SMT + SNAGs

SNAGs are simple to teach and easy for patients to perform at home. This improves compliance and extends care benefits between visits.

Two Effective SNAGs for Migraine Patients

1. Headache SNAG

Sit or stand tall
Wrap a towel behind your neck, just under the skull
Pull forward gently
Tuck your chin slightly (make a “double chin”)
Elongate the spine through the crown of the head
Hold 1 second, return to start
Repeat 10 times, 2–3 times per day

2. Rotation SNAG

Sit or stand upright
Place a towel behind your neck
Hold one end with your unaffected side hand at chest level
Rotate your head toward the affected side
At end range, apply gentle overpressure with the towel
Hold 1 second, return to start
Repeat 10 times, 2–3 times per day

Takeaway

Migraines often involve cervical dysfunction
SNAGs help reduce triggers and improve function
Spinal manipulation reduces frequency and intensity
Combining both gives patients better, longer-lasting relief

Click here for a video demonstration of Headache SNAG

Dr Mark has a special interest in helping recreational athletes of all ages perform better and prevent injury. Correct breathing and postural alignment are critical for top performance and injury prevention and is an integral part of “The Over 40 Athlete System” that Mark has developed.

Dr Julie has a special interest in helping mothers and “mothers to be”. Her Post Graduate qualifications in Paediatric Chiropractic and as an ex-midwife give her a unique ability to help pregnant women, new mums and their young children.

Yours in Health,

Dr's Mark & Julie