Headaches

Understanding your headaches and finding a way forward

Headaches are extremely common and can range from mild and occasional to persistent and disruptive. They can affect your concentration, work, sleep, exercise and everyday life.

There are many different types and causes of headache. For some people, headaches can occur alongside neck pain or tension around the neck and shoulders. For others, there may be an entirely different underlying cause.

Understanding your symptoms and identifying the type and pattern of your headaches is an important first step in deciding what approach may be appropriate.

At Castle Eden Chiropractic, we take the time to understand your individual symptoms, health history and goals before developing a personalised approach to your care.

What can cause headaches?

Headaches can have many different causes, and sometimes more than one factor may contribute.

Factors that can contribute to some types of headache include:

• Muscle tension around the neck and shoulders

• Stress or periods of increased tension

• Poor sleep or changes in sleep

• Dehydration

• Skipping meals

• Changes in caffeine intake

• Prolonged periods of sitting or working

• Extended screen use

• Changes in activity or exercise levels

• Irritation or sensitivity of structures around the neck

Some headaches can also be associated with conditions such as migraine, medication overuse or other medical conditions. This is why an appropriate assessment is important rather than assuming that every headache is caused by the neck.

What can a headache feel like?

Headaches can feel different depending on the type and individual.

You might experience:

• A dull or pressing ache

• A feeling of pressure around the head

• Pain around the forehead, temples or back of the head

• Pain or tension around the neck and shoulders

• Headaches that develop after prolonged periods of sitting or working

• Headaches that occur alongside neck stiffness

• Headaches that come and go

• Symptoms that affect your concentration or daily activities

Some people experience headaches alongside symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, visual changes or other neurological symptoms. These can be features of migraine or other types of headache and may require a different approach to care.

Can neck problems contribute to headaches?

For some people, headaches can be associated with the neck. These are sometimes referred to as cervicogenic headaches.

Cervicogenic headaches are headaches that originate from structures in the neck and are typically felt on one side of the head. They may be accompanied by neck pain or restricted neck movement.

However, not every headache associated with neck pain is a cervicogenic headache. Headache disorders can be complex, which is why a thorough history and assessment are important.

How can chiropractic care help?

Your first appointment will begin with a detailed discussion about your headaches, health history and what you would like to get back to doing.

We will ask about the frequency, duration, location and characteristics of your headaches, as well as any symptoms that occur alongside them.

Where appropriate, we may assess your neck and upper back, including your movement and other relevant physical findings.

This helps us understand your presentation and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.

Depending on your individual needs, your care may include:

• Hands-on treatment

• Manual techniques may be used to help manage symptoms and improve movement where appropriate.

• Exercise and rehabilitation

• Specific exercises may be recommended to improve movement, strength and tolerance to everyday activities.

• Advice and education

• Understanding potential triggers and learning how to manage your symptoms can be an important part of care.

• A personalised approach

There is no single treatment that is right for everyone. Your care will be tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle and goals.

If your symptoms suggest that your headaches require further medical assessment or a different type of care, we can advise you on the appropriate next step.

Could your lifestyle be contributing to your headaches?

Some headaches can be influenced by everyday factors such as sleep, hydration, nutrition, stress and prolonged periods in one position.

This doesn’t mean that there is one “perfect” posture that will prevent headaches. Instead, regularly changing position, taking movement breaks, staying hydrated, eating regularly and maintaining a consistent sleep routine may be useful for some people.

Keeping a simple headache diary can also help you identify patterns or potential triggers, particularly if your headaches are recurring.

When should I seek medical advice?

Most headaches are not caused by a serious underlying condition. However, some headaches require urgent medical assessment.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

• A sudden, extremely severe headache that reaches maximum intensity very quickly

• A new headache accompanied by weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking or significant changes in vision

• A new headache associated with confusion, loss of consciousness or a seizure

• A severe headache following a significant head injury

• A headache accompanied by a high fever and significant neck stiffness

• A new or significantly changed headache pattern that concerns you

• Other symptoms that make you feel seriously unwell

If you’re experiencing new, persistent or unusual headaches, it’s appropriate to speak with your GP or another healthcare professional.