diff --git a/backend/Dockerfile b/backend/Dockerfile
index 708d6c3f..0bccd57a 100644
--- a/backend/Dockerfile
+++ b/backend/Dockerfile
@@ -18,5 +18,5 @@ COPY . .
 # Expose port (Railway uses PORT env variable)
 EXPOSE 8000
 
-# Run the application - use shell form to expand $PORT
-CMD uvicorn app.main:app --host 0.0.0.0 --port ${PORT:-8000}
+# Run migrations then start the application
+CMD alembic upgrade head && uvicorn app.main:app --host 0.0.0.0 --port ${PORT:-8000}