Can a Chiro Help With Migraines or Headaches?
Can a Chiro Help With Migraines or Headaches?
Migraines or Headaches are so common in Australia that many people may be mistaken that it is a normal part of life. Paracetamol and pain relief medication can provide temporary relief. However, many may continue to experience headaches frequently as the main cause of the headache has not been addressed. According to the Migraine in Australia Whitepaper Report, 4.9 million Australians experience a migraine. Headaches and migraines can last a few hours to up to a week this can be a major problem as it can affect work capacity and social activities. So can a chiro really help with migraines and headaches, read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
What is the difference between a headache and a migraine?
A headache may feel like mild dull pressure usually around the forehead or scalp whereas a migraine headache may feel like an intense pulsing or throbbing on one side of the head and can often be accompanied by nausea, dizziness, or sensitivity to light, smell, and sounds.
Another headache that is very close to a migraine is a. Cervicogenic headaches are caused by problems in the neck where the pain is perceived in the head or the face. Factors that may cause a cervicogenic headache can include whiplash, a prolapsed disc, or osteoarthritis. It can also be caused by incorrect posture at work, people who work at a desk may experience a cervical protraction this is when your head is pushed forward in front of your body. Thus, causing a cervicogenic headache.
What Are Cervicogenic Headaches?
Another type of headache commonly managed by chiropractors is a cervicogenic headache. Unlike migraines, this type of headache originates in the neck, even though the pain is felt in the head or face.
Problems affecting the joints, muscles, discs, or nerves of the cervical spine can refer pain to the head. Whiplash injuries, poor posture, prolonged desk work, osteoarthritis, cervical disc injuries, and muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders are all common contributors.
Modern lifestyles have made cervicogenic headaches increasingly common. Spending hours looking down at mobile phones or working on computers often leads to a forward head posture, placing additional strain on the muscles and joints of the neck. Over time, this extra stress may contribute to recurring headaches, neck stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Contact Oceanside Chiropractic today
Schedule an appointment with one of our Perth Chiropractors. We’re here to help you feel better.
Call 08 6369 1277 | Email info@oceansidechiropractic.com.au
Can a Chiropractor Help With Migraines or Headaches?
If you experience frequent headaches or migraines, it is important to seek a professional assessment rather than relying solely on pain relief medication. While medications may ease symptoms temporarily, they do not always address the underlying cause.
Research suggests that chiropractic care may help reduce the frequency and intensity of certain headaches, particularly tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches associated with neck dysfunction. Some people with migraines also experience improvement when muscle tension, restricted joint movement, or poor posture contributes to their symptoms.
During your consultation, your chiropractor will carry out a comprehensive assessment of your neck mobility, spinal movement, posture, muscle tension, joint function, previous injuries, lifestyle, and neurological health. This thorough examination helps determine whether your headaches are related to musculoskeletal dysfunction and whether chiropractic care may be an appropriate treatment option.
How Does a Chiropractor Treat Headaches?
Treatment is always tailored to the individual and depends on the findings of your assessment.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments involve gentle, precise movements designed to improve motion in joints that have become restricted, particularly in the neck and upper back. Improving joint mobility may reduce stiffness, decrease muscle tension, and improve overall spinal function. Many patients report feeling more comfortable and moving more freely following treatment.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Tight muscles often play a significant role in recurring headaches. Soft tissue therapy focuses on relieving tension in the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and upper back using techniques such as trigger point therapy, muscle release, stretching, and massage. Reducing muscular tightness can improve flexibility while decreasing stress on nearby joints.
Postural Assessment and Correction
Poor posture is one of the leading contributors to neck pain and headaches. Your chiropractor will assess your posture while sitting, standing, and moving to identify habits that may be placing unnecessary strain on your spine. Small changes to your workstation setup, chair position, monitor height, or everyday activities can often make a noticeable difference in reducing recurring headaches.
Exercise and Rehabilitation
Specific exercises may be prescribed to strengthen the muscles that support your neck, shoulders, and upper back. Improving strength, flexibility, and stability helps the spine function more efficiently while reducing the likelihood of future headaches. Your rehabilitation program will be tailored to your individual needs and recovery goals.
Lifestyle and Nutritional Advice
Lifestyle habits can also influence headache frequency. Your chiropractor may recommend practical changes such as improving your workstation ergonomics, staying physically active, taking regular breaks from prolonged sitting, maintaining good hydration, managing stress, and improving sleep habits. Nutritional advice may also be provided if dietary factors, caffeine intake, or dehydration appear to be contributing to your symptoms.
Why Early Assessment Matters
Many people continue living with headaches for months or even years without identifying their underlying cause. Seeking professional advice early allows your chiropractor to determine whether your symptoms may be related to neck dysfunction, muscle tension, posture, or another musculoskeletal condition.
Early assessment and appropriate treatment may help reduce ongoing pain, improve mobility, and minimise the risk of long-term stiffness or recurring headaches. If your symptoms indicate a condition requiring further medical investigation, your chiropractor will recommend referral to the appropriate healthcare provider.
Chiropractic Care for Headaches
Residents of Alkimos and surrounding areas often balance busy work schedules, long commutes, family responsibilities, and active lifestyles. These daily demands can contribute to poor posture, muscle tension, and neck stiffness, all of which may increase the likelihood of recurring headaches.
At Oceanside Chiropractic, we provide personalised assessments for patients experiencing headaches, migraines, neck pain, posture-related discomfort, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s symptoms, health history, and recovery goals.
Our focus is on identifying the underlying cause of your symptoms and providing evidence-informed care to improve movement, reduce discomfort, and support your long-term spinal health. Through a combination of chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, rehabilitation exercises, and practical lifestyle advice, we aim to help you return to your daily activities with greater comfort and confidence.
Contact Oceanside Chiropractic Today
Recurring headaches and migraines do not have to become part of your normal routine. If you’re experiencing frequent headaches, neck pain, or posture-related discomfort, a professional assessment may help identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Book your appointment with Oceanside Chiropractic today to discuss your symptoms and explore whether chiropractic care may help reduce headaches, improve mobility, and support your overall wellbeing.
Please call us and book your next appointment on (08) 6369 1277.
Book Appointment Today!
Oceanside Chiropractic
Unit 3 / 15 Graceful Boulevard
Alkimos WA 6038
Call 08 6369 1277 | Email info@oceansidechiropractic.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor help with migraines?
Chiropractic care may help some people whose migraines are associated with neck dysfunction, muscular tension, or poor posture. A thorough assessment is needed to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your individual condition.
Can chiropractic care help tension headaches?
Yes. Chiropractic care is commonly used to manage tension headaches by improving spinal movement, reducing muscle tightness, and addressing postural issues that may be contributing to recurring symptoms.
What causes cervicogenic headaches?
Cervicogenic headaches originate from problems within the neck, including restricted joints, muscle tension, whiplash injuries, cervical disc issues, osteoarthritis, or poor posture.
How many chiropractic sessions will I need?
The number of treatments varies depending on your condition, symptom severity, overall health, and recovery goals. Following your assessment, your chiropractor will recommend a personalised treatment plan.
When should I see a chiropractor for headaches?
If your headaches occur regularly, are accompanied by neck pain or stiffness, or begin interfering with your daily life, it may be beneficial to seek a professional assessment. However, severe or sudden headaches, especially those accompanied by neurological symptoms, should always be assessed immediately by a medical practitioner.
