What Are Headaches?
Headaches are pain or discomfort around the head, face or upper neck. They can differ in location, intensity, duration and associated symptoms.
Common types include tension-type headaches and migraine. Some headaches originate from the neck and are known as cervicogenic headaches.
Neck discomfort can occur with different headache types. Having a headache and a stiff neck does not necessarily mean the neck is causing the headache.
Where You Feel Headaches — and What It May Be Linked To
Base of the Skull
Pain around the base of the skull may occur with upper-neck discomfort or cervicogenic headache. Neck movement and the relationship between neck pain and headache help guide assessment.
Forehead or Both Sides of the Head
A pressing or tightening sensation across the forehead or both sides of the head can occur with tension-type headache. Pain location alone cannot confirm the headache type.
One Side of the Head
One-sided pain can occur with migraine or cervicogenic headache. Symptoms such as nausea, light sensitivity and whether neck movement reproduces the pain help distinguish between them.
Around the Eye or Temple
Pain around the eye or temple has several possible causes and should not automatically be attributed to the neck. Severe eye pain, a red eye or changes in vision require urgent medical assessment.
What Can Contribute to Headaches?
Headaches can have several contributing factors. Assessment helps distinguish a possible neck-related component from factors that need medical management.
Neck-Related Pain
Sustained Positions & Muscle Discomfort
Migraine & Other Headache Disorders
Sleep, Stress & Medication Use
In cervicogenic headache, pain from structures in the neck is referred into the head. Restricted neck movement or reproduction of the familiar headache during examination may be relevant findings.
Long periods at a desk, driving or looking down can aggravate neck and shoulder discomfort. We assess whether these activities also relate to your headache pattern.
Migraine is a neurological condition that may involve nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. It can occur alongside neck pain and requires an appropriate headache management plan.
Changes in sleep, stress, meals and hydration may influence headaches. Frequent use of headache medication can also contribute to recurring headaches and should be discussed with your GP or pharmacist.
HEADACHE & MOVEMENT ASSESSMENT
Understanding Your Headache Pattern
We begin with your headache history and screen for symptoms that require medical attention. When appropriate, we then assess the neck and upper body for relevant movement restrictions.
01
Headache History & Screening
Review when your headaches started, how often they occur, how long they last, associated symptoms, medication use and any recent changes.
02
Cervical Spine
Assess neck movement and whether specific movements or examination findings reproduce your familiar symptoms.
03
Upper Back & Shoulder Region
Assess upper-back and shoulder movement when these areas appear relevant to your neck discomfort or daily activities.
04
Daily Activities & Movement
Review positions and activities that aggravate symptoms, such as desk work, driving or exercise, and identify practical changes where appropriate.
The aim is to determine whether a neck-related component is present, whether care is suitable and whether further medical assessment is needed.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment Based on What We Find
Chiropractic Care
When assessment identifies a relevant neck-related component, care may include joint mobilisation, manipulation where appropriate, or soft-tissue treatment. Treatment is selected according to your symptoms, assessment findings, preferences and safety considerations. It is not suitable for every headache type.
WHEN TO GET ASSESSED
Headache Symptoms Worth Discussing
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Recurring headaches with neck pain or stiffness
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Headaches aggravated by turning the head
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Headaches associated with sustained desk work or driving
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Restricted neck movement alongside headaches
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Headaches affecting work, sleep or everyday activities
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Increasing headache frequency or reliance on pain medication
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Headaches with discomfort around the base of the skull
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Headaches accompanied by recurring neck and shoulder tension
New, changing or persistent headaches should be medically assessed. A headache diary can help record frequency, duration, associated symptoms and medication use.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek emergency medical care for a sudden, extremely severe headache, or a headache accompanied by new weakness, difficulty speaking, confusion, loss of vision, or fever with a stiff neck. Call 000 if you need emergency assistance. Seek prompt medical assessment for a new headache after a head injury, a substantial change in your usual headache pattern, or a headache triggered by coughing, straining or exercise. New or severe headaches during pregnancy or after childbirth also need urgent medical assessment.
These symptoms require medical assessment before routine chiropractic treatment.
