Headaches · Crows Nest · Lower North Shore
Headache chiropractor in Crows Nest.
Headaches that start at the base of the skull, sit behind one eye, or turn up after a long day at the desk are often coming from the neck. That kind responds well to treatment.
Headaches that come from the neck
Cervicogenic headache is pain that originates in the upper cervical spine and is felt in the head. The joints, muscles and nerves of the top three neck segments share pathways with the nerves supplying the head, so irritation there is genuinely experienced as headache.
The typical pattern is a dull, pressing ache that starts at the base of the skull and spreads over one side, sometimes to behind the eye or the temple. It's usually one-sided and consistently the same side, provoked by neck movement or sustained positions, and often accompanied by neck stiffness and tender points at the base of the skull.
Tension-type headache overlaps heavily with this. Both are commonly driven by sustained load on the neck and shoulder girdle, low tissue capacity, poor sleep and stress.
What we assess
- Headache history: pattern, side, triggers, duration, frequency and what you've already tried
- Red flag screening for headaches that need medical assessment
- Segmental testing of the upper cervical joints to see whether it reproduces your familiar headache
- Suboccipital, upper trapezius and levator scapulae tone and trigger points
- Deep neck flexor endurance and thoracic mobility
- Workstation, screen hours, sleep and stress load
How we treat headaches
Treatment targets the upper neck. Manipulation or graded mobilisation of the upper cervical and thoracic segments restores movement, soft tissue work and dry needling reduce the suboccipital and upper trapezius tone that refers into the head, and we often see a measurable change in headache frequency early on.
The durable part is capacity. Deep neck flexor training, scapular and thoracic strength work and simple changes to how long you hold one position give the neck the tolerance it needs. Most people who get lasting relief do so because that program stuck, not because of any one adjustment.
We also look at the obvious contributors: caffeine, hydration, sleep, jaw clenching and stress. If your picture looks more like migraine, or anything doesn't fit, we'll say so and refer.
Who we see
Desk workers, students and shift workers across Crows Nest, St Leonards and North Sydney who've been managing three headaches a week with painkillers and assumed that was normal. It usually isn't, and it usually changes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know my headache is coming from my neck?
Cervicogenic headaches usually start at the base of the skull, stay on one side, and are provoked by neck movement or sustained postures. Reproducing your familiar headache by examining the upper neck joints is a strong clue.
Can chiropractic help migraines?
Migraine is a distinct neurological condition and needs medical management, but many people with migraine also have neck-driven pain that adds to their overall load. Treating that component can help, and we work alongside your GP rather than replacing their care.
How quickly do headaches improve?
When the neck is the driver, people often notice a change within the first few visits. Lasting change usually needs the strength and habit work running for six to eight weeks.
When should I see a doctor instead?
Sudden severe headache unlike anything you've had before, headache with fever, neurological changes, or headache after a head injury need medical assessment first. We screen for these and refer without hesitation.
Will I need my neck adjusted?
Not necessarily. Mobilisation, soft tissue therapy and dry needling of the suboccipital muscles are effective alternatives if manipulation isn't suitable or preferred.
Related conditions
Book a chiropractor in Crows Nest
455 Pacific Hwy, Crows Nest NSW 2065, serving the Lower North Shore. Book an initial consultation and we'll build a plan around your pain, movement and goals.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not replace individual medical advice. Treatment recommendations are made following an individual assessment, and referral for further investigation may be recommended where clinically appropriate.