Comprehensive Migraine and Headache Relief in Saint Paul

Discover how Neurofeedback, Functional Medicine, and comprehensive integrative Chiropractic Myofascial and Neuromuscular therapies work together to uncover root causes and restore long-term balance.

Headaches and migraines affect millions of people and can show up as throbbing pain, pressure, or tension that disrupts daily life. These symptoms are often linked to deeper imbalances such as brainwave dysregulation, high beta activity, food allergies, gut–brain connection issues, gastrointestinal dysfunction, inflammation, hormonal shifts, toxicity, trigger points, and cervical misalignments.

At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health in Saint Paul, we take an integrative approach to migraine relief and headache treatment, combining Neurofeedback therapy, Functional Medicine evaluation and testing, and comprehensive integrative Chiropractic care to uncover the root causes and restore lasting balance.

Functional Medicine and Headaches & Migraines

Migraines and chronic headaches are rarely just “in the head.” Functional medicine views them as the body’s way of signaling deeper imbalances that affect the brain, blood vessels, hormones, and nervous system. Instead of masking symptoms with short-term relief, functional medicine asks why these headaches are happening in the first place.

Common Root Causes We Explore

Toxicity and Inflammation: Exposure to heavy metals, mold, or chemical toxins, combined with poor detoxification, can create inflammation that triggers neurological pain pathways.

Food Sensitivities and Allergies: Gluten, dairy, MSG, histamine-rich foods, and other dietary triggers often create immune responses that contribute to migraine attacks.

Gut–Brain Connection: An imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to “leaky gut,” impaired nutrient absorption, and altered neurotransmitter production, all of which are closely linked to migraine frequency.

Hormone Imbalances: Shifts in estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, or cortisol often coincide with migraines, particularly in women during menstrual cycles or menopause.

Nutrient Deficiencies: Low levels of magnesium, B vitamins, or CoQ10 are frequently associated with headaches and can worsen neurological sensitivity.

How Functional Medicine Helps

At O’Keefe Matz Functional Health, we use advanced laboratory testing to look deeper at your unique biochemistry. Comprehensive blood work, hormone panels, food sensitivity testing, and gut microbiome evaluations allow us to uncover the hidden triggers behind migraines. From there, we create a personalized treatment plan that may include nutritional support, detoxification protocols, stress reduction strategies, and targeted supplementation.

Traditional vs. Functional Medicine Approach to Headaches & Migraines

Traditional Approach	Functional Medicine Approach
Focuses on managing symptoms with medications such as pain relievers, triptans, or beta-blockers.	Focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of headaches and migraines.
Short-term relief, but symptoms often return once medication wears off.	Aims for long-term relief by correcting underlying imbalances in the body and brain.
Limited testing, often based on symptom descriptions or imaging.	Advanced lab testing to evaluate gut health, food sensitivities, hormone balance, toxins, and nutrient deficiencies.
Same treatment plan for most patients.	Personalized treatment tailored to each patient’s unique biochemistry and triggers.
Medications may come with side effects and do not address the cause.	Natural, integrative solutions including nutrition, detoxification, neurofeedback, and lifestyle support.
Often overlooks connections between brain, gut, and hormones.	Considers the gut–brain axis, hormonal fluctuations, toxicity, and inflammation as key contributors.
Provides temporary management.	Works toward prevention, resilience, and improved overall health.

Neurofeedback for Migraines and Headaches

Migraines and chronic headaches are often linked to patterns of brainwave dysregulation. For many patients, high beta activity is associated with heightened stress, anxiety, and over-arousal in the brain, while under-activation in other regions may interfere with pain regulation.

Neurofeedback uses advanced brain mapping (QEEG) to identify these irregular patterns and retrains the brain to function in a more balanced way. By calming overactive areas and strengthening underactive ones, patients often experience fewer and less intense headaches.

Why It Works

Unlike medications that mask pain, neurofeedback addresses the underlying neurological imbalances. By teaching the brain new, healthier patterns, it restores resilience in the nervous system and reduces the triggers that make headaches and migraines more frequent.

Our Holistic Approach to Neck Pain and Headaches

Say goodbye to pain

We believe in treating the root cause of pain, not just the symptoms. That is why we offer a variety of proven, non-invasive treatments to help you feel your best:

Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM): A gentle electrical current that targets pain and inflammation right at the source. FSM helps relax tense muscles, reduce inflammation, and break up stubborn trigger points that contribute to headaches.

Chiropractic Care and Lumbar Flexion Distraction: If your spine is misaligned, it can put pressure on nerves, leading to chronic pain and headaches. Gentle chiropractic adjustments restore proper alignment, improve posture, and take the stress off your neck.

Soft Tissue Massage and Heated Stones: Targeted soft tissue therapy releases tension in the neck and shoulders, while heated stones enhance circulation and relaxation.

Acupuncture: A time-tested treatment that helps reduce pain, improve circulation, and restore balance in the body. Many patients find acupuncture incredibly effective for relieving headaches and chronic neck tension.

Ultrasound Therapy: A gentle, soundwave-based therapy that penetrates deep into muscles, reducing inflammation, easing tightness, and accelerating healing.

Cold Laser Therapy: An advanced treatment that reduces inflammation and promotes cellular repair. It is especially useful for chronic pain and stubborn trigger points.

Neurofeedback for Migraines: Neurofeedback helps train the brain to regulate abnormal activity patterns linked to migraines. Research shows that patients not only experience fewer headaches but may also see improvements in memory and cognitive function after neurofeedback sessions (iomcworld.org)

Let’s Get You Feeling Better

Pain does not have to control your life. Whether you are dealing with tension headaches, migraines, or chronic neck pain, we are here to help. Imagine waking up without pain, going through your day without constant discomfort, and finally feeling like yourself again. That is what we want for you.

So, what is your next step? Let’s chat.
Contact O'Keefe Matz Functional Health Clinic today to schedule a consultation and find the right treatment for you.

Your health, your healing, your future—let’s make it pain-free together.

Meet Our Doctors

Dr. Shannon O’Keefe, DC, DCBCN, Clinical Nutritionist

https://improveurhealth.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/2

Dr. O’Keefe is a specialist in Functional Medicine and Board Certified Clinical Nutritionist. With decades of experience in internal medicine and nutrition, she helps patients uncover the hidden drivers of their symptoms using advanced testing and personalized care strategies. Her approach blends science-based functional medicine with compassionate care to support long-term healing.

Dr. Janell Matz, DC, DCBCN, Acu Dipl, CMT

https://improveurhealth.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/1

Dr. Matz is a Chiropractic Physician, nurse, massage therapist, acupuncturist, and clinical nutrition diplomat with extensive training in functional neurology. She specializes in treating concussions, headaches, dizziness, balance issues, and chronic pain. Her work combines Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM), chiropractic care, integrative therapies, and neurofeedback to help patients restore balance and resilience.