Headaches can be disabling and may be accompanied by nausea, dizziness, visual disturbance, sensitivity to light or sound, facial symptoms or upper-limb pain. A detailed history helps distinguish common primary headaches, such as migraine and tension-type headache, from headaches referred from the neck and those needing medical investigation.
When a headache needs urgent care
Seek urgent medical advice for a sudden, severe headache that reaches maximum intensity quickly; a new headache after trauma; headache with fever, rash, confusion, fainting or seizure; new weakness, speech problems or facial droop; or a new and unexplained headache later in life. A significant change in a familiar headache pattern should also be assessed medically.
Cervicogenic headache
A cervicogenic headache is associated with structures in the neck. Pain often begins at the upper neck or base of the skull and can spread towards the temple, forehead or behind one eye. Neck movement, sustained posture or pressure around the upper neck may reproduce the symptoms.
Assessment considers neck mobility, muscle sensitivity, posture and neurological function. When the findings fit a mechanical neck-related headache and no warning signs are present, a combination of manual care and exercise may be considered.
Tension-type headache and migraine
Tension-type headache is often described as pressure or tightness on both sides of the head. Migraine tends to be more intense and may include nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. Some people experience features of more than one headache type.
Chiropractic treatment is not a replacement for medical migraine management. However, if neck pain or restricted movement is one of several triggers, addressing that part of the problem may be useful alongside care from a GP or neurologist.
What treatment may involve
For suitable neck-related presentations, care may include gentle mobilisation, manipulation, soft-tissue techniques, movement exercises and advice about work or sleep posture. The plan is based on the examination and adjusted according to response. If the pattern does not fit a musculoskeletal problem, we will recommend medical review rather than continuing treatment.