Condition
Headaches
Headaches are extremely common and come in many forms. While most are benign and manageable, they can be significantly disruptive to daily life, affecting concentration, mood, sleep, and the ability to work or exercise. Understanding the type and origin of a headache is the starting point for effective care.
Chiropractors and osteopaths are concerned with headaches that have a musculoskeletal origin, that is, headaches driven by dysfunction in the neck, upper back, or surrounding soft tissues. These are more common than many people realise and often go unrecognised as such.
Types of headache within the scope of chiropractic and osteopathic care:
- Cervicogenic headaches : originating from the cervical spine, typically felt at the base of the skull and radiating forward toward the eyes or temples. Often associated with neck stiffness or restricted movement
- Tension-type headaches : the most common headache type, often linked to muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and suboccipital region
- Headaches associated with postural dysfunction : particularly common in those spending long hours at a desk or screen
These headache types frequently overlap. A person may experience elements of all three, and the neck is often a contributing factor even when it is not the sole cause.
Common contributing factors include:
- Joint restriction or dysfunction in the cervical and upper thoracic spine
- Muscle tension and trigger points in the neck, shoulders, and base of the skull
- Poor posture sustained over long periods
- Stress and fatigue
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Screen use and forward head posture
Condition
How We Can Help
At Angel Spine Clinic, assessment begins with a thorough case history and physical examination of the cervical spine, upper back, and surrounding musculature. Where headaches appear to have a musculoskeletal component, both chiropractic and osteopathic care offer effective approaches to treatment.
Care may include:
- Mobilisation or manipulation of the cervical and upper thoracic spine to address joint restriction
- Soft tissue techniques targeting muscle tension and trigger points in the neck, shoulders, and suboccipital muscles
- Postural assessment and correction
- Advice on workstation setup, screen positioning, and movement habits
- Relaxation and breathing strategies where tension and stress are contributing factors
- Exercise and stretching programmes to support long-term improvement
Condition
When a Referral is Needed
Chiropractic and osteopathic care is appropriate for many headache presentations, but it is not appropriate for all of them. At Angel Spine Clinic, part of our responsibility is to recognise when a headache requires investigation or management beyond our scope and to refer promptly when that is the case.
We will always refer or advise you to seek urgent medical attention if you present with any of the following:
- A sudden, severe headache that comes on extremely rapidly and feels unlike any headache you have had before — sometimes described as a “thunderclap” headache. This requires immediate emergency assessment
- Headache accompanied by fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, or a rash
- Headache following a head injury or trauma
- Headache associated with neurological symptoms such as confusion, slurred speech, vision changes, weakness, or loss of coordination
- Headache accompanied by unintentional weight loss, night sweats, or a history of cancer
These are recognised red flags in headache assessment and require prompt medical evaluation to rule out serious underlying causes. If you are ever in doubt about your headache, do not hesitate to contact your GP or, if symptoms are severe and sudden, attend A&E.
Your Questions, Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my headaches are coming from my neck?
Cervicogenic headaches typically start at the base of the skull and are often associated with neck stiffness or pain. They may be triggered or worsened by certain neck positions or sustained postures. A clinical assessment can help determine how much the neck is contributing to your symptoms.
I have been told I have migraines. Can chiropractic or osteopathic care help?
Migraine is a neurological condition and falls outside the primary scope of chiropractic and osteopathic care. However, many migraine sufferers also have musculoskeletal dysfunction in the neck that can act as a trigger. Addressing this through manual therapy may help reduce the frequency of episodes for some people, though it is not a treatment for migraine itself. We would always encourage anyone with diagnosed migraine to remain under the care of their GP or neurologist.
How many sessions will it take to see improvement?
This varies depending on the nature and duration of your headaches. Some patients notice a reduction in frequency or intensity within a handful of sessions. Others with longstanding or complex presentations may require a longer course of care. Your practitioner will discuss realistic expectations with you following your initial assessment.
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What We Treat
Common Conditions
We treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions — from everyday discomfort to complex, long-standing pain.
