Personalised treatment to reduce headache symptoms, identify triggers, and support long-term relief and improved wellbeing.
What You Need to Know About Headaches
Understanding Headaches
There are several types of headaches, each with different causes and characteristics.
One of the most common types we see in practice is cervicogenic headache, where pain originates from the joints, muscles or soft tissues of the neck and refers into the head.
Headaches can also be influenced by:
- Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
- Prolonged sitting or desk-based work
- Stress and fatigue
- Poor sleep
- Reduced movement or activity
Understanding these contributing factors is an important part of managing symptoms effectively.
What is a Cervicogenic Headache?
A cervicogenic headache is caused by dysfunction in the neck.
Pain typically starts at the base of the skull or upper neck and may travel towards the front of the head. It is often felt on one side, although it can vary.
Common features include:
- Head pain linked to neck movement or posture
- Reduced neck mobility
- Tenderness in the neck and upper shoulder muscles
- Pain triggered by prolonged sitting or driving
- Discomfort that may spread from the neck into the head
In some cases, symptoms may also be associated with shoulder or arm discomfort.
How We Treat Headaches
Treatment is tailored to your individual symptoms and focuses on addressing contributing factors rather than just the pain itself.
Your care may include:
- Osteopathy to improve movement in the neck and upper back
- Medical acupuncture to help reduce pain and muscle tension
- Personalised rehabilitation to restore strength and control
- Advice on posture, activity and lifestyle factors
Our aim is to help reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches while improving your overall comfort and function.
When to Seek Further Medical Advice
While most headaches are not linked to serious conditions, it is important to be aware of certain symptoms that may require further medical assessment.
These include:
- Sudden onset of a severe headache
- Headaches associated with fever, stiffness or rash
- Headache following a head injury
- Changes in vision or significant dizziness
If any of these symptoms are present, further medical evaluation is recommended.
Supporting Long-Term Management
For many people, headaches can become recurrent if underlying factors are not addressed.
We focus on helping you:
- Improve neck mobility and posture
- Reduce muscle tension
- Build strength and control
- Manage lifestyle factors such as stress and activity
This helps reduce the likelihood of ongoing or recurring symptoms.
