There are many types of headaches cited in medical literature. I would like to focus on the most common that can be helped in chiropractic practice. Tension, Jaw (TMJ) and cervicogenic headaches (originating in the neck, shoulders and spine) would be the most common; followed by migraine headaches. Serious life threatening causes of headache that include aneurism, vertebral/carotid artery dissection, brain tumors and head injuries can present to the chiropractor’s office and it is our role if suspected to refer out for medical opinion immediately. Thankfully they are relatively rare.
Chiropractic for Headaches & Migraines
What Type of Headache do I have?
Tension Headache:
Usually present as a generalized headache characterized as a dull tightness around the scalp. Tension headaches can affect concentration, mood and can cause nausea. The Jaw (TMJ) can also be involved which can be caused by clenching or grinding because of stress, jaw injury or misalignment.
Cervicogenic Headache (originating in the neck, shoulders and spine):
Typically one-sided intense non-throbbing headache that can cause nausea and vomiting if severe enough. It can feel like the pain is behind one eye ball. No visual disturbance or neurological signs. Usually involves pain and discomfort in the upper neck.
Migraine Headache:
Usually an intense headache on one side that can involve nausea, vomiting and visual disturbance. Some migraines begin with visual disturbance like partial blind spots or squiggly lines in the visual field with the headache beginning after about 20 minutes. It has a throbbing pulsating nature. Due to its severity and the other symptoms the migraine patient cannot function and is usually bedridden.
Diagnosis of your Headache Type & Treatment
Depending on the type of headache your chiropractor will determine the course and method of treatment. Providing that the headache has not arisen due to a serious medical reason treatment usually begins. Usually the chiropractor will be able to reproduce the headache in the patient by pressure especially in the neck, head and sometimes the shoulder region. If the headache is not of spinal origin appropriate referral to another specialist will be organized. All spinal related headaches will involve treatment via spinal adjustments and acupressure techniques. The region usually involved is the upper cervical region. In tension related headaches the TMJ (Jaw Joint) is often involved due to stress. Stress management techniques will also be discussed. With migraines there can also be dietary factors as well as hormone factors that will be addressed sometimes involving co-management with other health professionals.
What Research Shows
“Cervical spine manipulation was associated with significant improvement in headache outcomes in trials involving patients with neck pain and/or neck dysfunction and headache.”
McCrory, Penzlen, Hasselblad, Gray (2001), Duke Evidence Report
“The results of this study show that spinal manipulative therapy is an effective treatment for tension headaches. . . Four weeks after cessation of treatment . . . the patients who received spinal manipulative therapy experienced a sustained therapeutic benefit in all major outcomes in contrast to the patients that received therapy, who reverted to baseline values.” ‘
Boline et al. (1995), Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
(Bsc Anatomy (NSW) M. Chiro)
Dr Steven Massey
Owner and principle chiropractor at the Massey Family Chiropractic Centre in Dee Why
(BChiroSc, MChiro)AHPRA # CHI0002154722
Yuki Hio
Began her journey as a chiropractic patient, and now a qualified and passionate chiropractor
Massey Family Chiropractic operate from our clinic in Dee Why in Sydney's Northern Beaches. We provide chiropractic services for adults, children and infants. To book an appointment with one of our chiropractors, please contact our helpful receptionist today on (Sydney) (02) 9971 9597. Alternatively, make an enquiry on our website.
Headaches & Migraine FAQs
Can I seek chiropractor care for headaches and migraines?
Chiropractic care may help some people whose headaches are associated with neck pain, restricted neck movement, joint irritation, muscle tension or posture-related strain.
A chiropractor can assess whether musculoskeletal factors may be contributing to your symptoms and discuss whether chiropractic care is appropriate.
Similarly, chiropractic care for migraines focuses on the possible musculoskeletal factors that can contribute to or aggravate symptoms, such as neck stiffness, muscle tension and posture-related strain.
Rather than curing migraines, chiropractic treatment aims at reducing physical triggers and improving movement. through techniques such as spinal mobilisation or manipulation, soft-tissue therapy, exercise and postural advice. For migraines, chiropractic care should complement, not replace medical diagnosis and migraine management where required.
What types of headaches may be associated with the neck?
Cervicogenic headaches originate from structures in the neck and may be associated with neck stiffness, restricted movement or discomfort that spreads from the neck towards the head.
Tension-type headaches may also occur alongside tight or sensitive muscles around the neck, shoulders, scalp or jaw. These are often the types of headaches that chiropractic can assist with, however, headaches can have many different causes, so it is important not to assume that every headache is caused by the neck or spine.
What is the difference between a tension headache, a cervicogenic headache and a migraine?
A tension-type headache is often described as pressure, tightness or a band-like sensation around the head. It may occur alongside muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, scalp or jaw.
A cervicogenic headache is associated with structures in the neck. The pain may begin around the neck or base of the skull and spread towards the forehead, temple or area around the eye.
Migraine is a neurological condition. It can cause moderate to severe head pain, nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light, sound or smell. Some people also experience an aura involving changes in vision, sensation or speech. Chiropractic for migraines focusses on addressing associated symptoms to reduce the severity rather than the root cause.
Symptoms can overlap, and some people experience more than one headache type. A health professional can help assess your symptoms and determine the most appropriate management approach.
Can poor posture contribute to headaches?
Poor posture and headaches are often closely associated. Sustained postures may contribute to neck and shoulder discomfort, muscular fatigue and restricted movement in some people. This may be particularly noticeable after long periods spent working at a computer, looking down at a mobile phone or performing repetitive tasks.
Posture is rarely the only factor involved. Workstation setup, movement habits, stress, sleep, physical activity and individual health factors may also be relevant.
A chiropractic assessment may include reviewing your posture, neck movement and daily habits. Practical recommendations could include workstation changes, regular movement breaks, exercises or strategies for varying your position throughout the day.
Are chiropractic treatments painful?
Chiropractic treatment should be tailored to the individual. Depending on your condition and preferences, care may involve controlled spinal adjustments, gentle mobilisation, soft-tissue techniques, stretches or prescribed exercises.
Chiropractic adjustments are generally not painful, although some people with an acute injury, significant muscle spasm or severe existing pain may experience brief discomfort during treatment.
Your chiropractor will explain the recommended approach beforehand and can modify the technique to suit your comfort, age, health needs and personal preferences.
What happens at my first chiro appointment for headaches?
Massey Family Chiropractors will begin by asking about your symptoms and health history. This may include:
- where the headache is located
- how often it occurs
- how long it lasts
- possible triggers
- associated neck, jaw or shoulder symptoms
- nausea, light sensitivity or visual symptoms
- medication use
- previous injuries
- any recent change in your headache pattern
A physical examination may assess your neck movement, joints, muscles, posture and relevant neurological signs.
Your chiropractor will explain the findings and discuss whether chiropractic care may be suitable. Where symptoms do not appear musculoskeletal or require further investigation, you may be referred to your GP or another healthcare provider.
Where is Massey Family Chiropractic located?
Massey Family Chiropractic is located at 5/21 Oaks Avenue, Dee Why. We provide chiropractic assessment and care for patients from Dee Why and across the Northern Beaches, including Brookvale, Collaroy, Cromer, Narraweena and surrounding suburbs.
Where headaches are associated with neck discomfort, stiffness or other musculoskeletal factors, our chiropractors can assess your symptoms and discuss whether chiropractic care may be suitable.
To arrange an appointment with a Dee Why chiropractor for headaches or migraines, call (02) 9971 9597 or contact the clinic online.