Headaches: when the neck is the cause
Not every headache starts in the head. Cervicogenic and tension-type headaches often come from the neck, and respond well to hands-on care.
B.Chiro.Sc, M.Chiro (Macquarie University), AHPRA registered chiropractor
Alicia became a chiropractor because of her own teenage migraines, so headaches are something she takes seriously. The first job is working out which type you have, because they are treated differently.
The three we see most
- Cervicogenic headache: starts in the neck and spreads to one side of the head, often with neck stiffness. Worse with neck movement or sustained postures. These respond particularly well to manual therapy.
- Tension-type headache: a dull, band-like pressure on both sides, often linked to stress, jaw clenching and tight neck and shoulder muscles.
- Migraine: moderate to severe, usually one-sided and throbbing, often with nausea or light sensitivity. Migraines need a medical diagnosis. Chiropractic care may help reduce the neck-related triggers for some people, but it is not a migraine treatment on its own.
How we help
After ruling out anything that needs a doctor, treatment focuses on the upper neck joints, the muscles at the base of the skull and your posture. Most patients also get a short daily routine of chin tucks and stretches. We track headache frequency over the first few weeks so you can see whether it is working.
See a doctor, not a chiropractor, if you have
- The worst headache of your life, or one that comes on in seconds. Call 000.
- Headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, or a rash.
- Headache after a head injury.
- A new headache if you are over 50, pregnant, or have a history of cancer.
- Headache with weakness, vision loss or difficulty speaking.
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. It does not replace an assessment by a registered health practitioner.