Headaches & Migraines
Chiropractic assessment of the neck and upper spine for people living with frequent headaches — including tension-type and cervicogenic headaches.
A Neck-First Look at Headaches
Headaches are among the most common health complaints in the world, yet many people simply manage them with pain relief rather than looking into what's driving them. For a significant proportion of people with recurring headaches — particularly tension-type and cervicogenic headaches — the neck is a key part of the picture.
At Mordialloc Chiropractic, Dr Renae takes a careful history and assesses the cervical spine, upper thoracic region, and surrounding muscles to understand whether the neck is contributing to your headaches. It's not always the whole story, but for many patients it's an important part of one that's been overlooked.
Types of headache chiropractic may help with
Chiropractic care is most commonly associated with two headache types:
- Tension-type headaches — a dull, pressing pain often felt on both sides of the head, frequently linked to neck and shoulder muscle tension
- Cervicogenic headaches — headaches that originate from the cervical spine or its surrounding structures, often one-sided and associated with neck stiffness or restricted movement
For migraine sufferers, the relationship is more complex. Neck stiffness and tension are often present alongside migraines, and some people find that addressing cervical dysfunction reduces the frequency or intensity of their episodes. Dr Renae will discuss honestly what chiropractic can and can't offer for your specific pattern, and will refer you to a neurologist or your GP if that's the more appropriate pathway.
Common signs your neck may be involved
- Headaches that start at the base of the skull or back of the head
- Head pain that builds through the day with sustained postures
- Neck stiffness or restriction accompanying your headaches
- Headaches that worsen with prolonged screen use or looking down
- One-sided head pain with associated shoulder tension
- Headaches that respond — at least temporarily — to massage or heat on the neck
How chiropractic care may help
Where the assessment suggests cervical dysfunction is contributing to your headaches, Dr Renae uses gentle techniques to address joint restriction and muscle tension in the neck and upper spine. This is combined with practical advice on posture, screen habits, hydration, and other lifestyle factors that commonly perpetuate headache patterns.
The goal is not just to reduce today's headache, but to understand and address what's driving the pattern — so visits to the clinic become less frequent over time, not more.
Headaches & Chiropractic Care
For many people, yes. Tension-type and cervicogenic headaches often have a strong neck component — restricted joints and tight muscles in the cervical spine can refer pain into the head. Chiropractic assessment and care directed at the neck can reduce headache frequency and intensity for many patients, though results vary depending on the individual and what's driving the headaches.
The evidence for chiropractic care and migraines is less straightforward than for tension or cervicogenic headaches. Some migraine sufferers find that addressing cervical dysfunction — which often co-exists with migraines — reduces their frequency or severity. Dr Renae will give you an honest assessment of what chiropractic is likely to offer for your pattern, and will refer you to your GP or neurologist where that's the better pathway.
Cervicogenic headaches originate from the neck — specifically from irritation or restriction in the cervical joints or the muscles and soft tissues surrounding them. The upper three cervical segments are particularly involved, as their nerve pathways share connections with the nerves that supply the head. Sustained postures, previous neck injury, and poor ergonomics are common contributing factors.
For any new, sudden, or severe headache — or if your headaches have changed in character — it's important to see your GP first to rule out other causes. Dr Renae will also advise referral back to your doctor if she identifies anything during your assessment that warrants further investigation. Chiropractic care works best as part of a well-coordinated approach to your health.
Still have questions? Get in touch — we're happy to chat before you book.