Headaches
Headaches that start in the neck can be treated there.
Tension headaches and migraines often start in the upper neck. We assess the joints and muscles at the base of the skull and teach you to manage the pain.
Do you suffer from tension headaches and debilitating migraines that interrupt your life? The World Health Organisation reports that at least 1 in 20 people suffer from some form of headache every day. There are many different types of headaches; tension headaches and migraines are the most common.
Common causes: it's often in your neck
Headaches present in many forms, including tension headaches and migraines often caused by neck dysfunction. These can affect various parts of the head and eyes as pain, or as visual and balance disturbances and nausea. Headaches caused by problems in the neck are referred to as cervicogenic headache, usually due to:
- Impaired movement of the upper three vertebrae of the neck
- Increased sensitivity of the nervous system at the base of the skull
How we can help
Your session begins with a comprehensive examination to gather your history and evaluate your neck, including the joints, muscles and other relevant structures, to pinpoint the likely origins of your headache. We then tailor the most suitable approach for you, which may include:
- Mobilisation of the neck joints
- Soft tissue massage
- Stretching and range of motion techniques
- Postural guidance and customised exercises
Dry needling, taping and electrotherapy may also help. The technique chosen is individualised to your type of headache.
Number of treatments
Most patients experience a reduction in symptoms after five treatments, during which time we teach you self-management techniques. Managing the pain on your own is an essential part of reducing recurrences, so we teach specific exercises for headache relief that improve the mobility of the upper vertebrae of the neck.