Headache & Migraine Treatment

What Type of Headache Do I Have?

Headache is a symptom rather than a single condition, and different types of headache can sometimes produce similar symptoms.

Common types include:

• Migraine
• Tension-type headache
• Cervicogenic headache
• Cluster headache
• Headaches associated with illness, medication or other medical conditions

Understanding the pattern of your symptoms is important because treatment that may help one type of headache may not be appropriate for another.

What Is a Cervicogenic Headache?

A cervicogenic headache is a headache associated with a problem involving structures in the neck.

Pain may begin in the neck or around the base of the skull and spread towards the side or front of the head. Some people also experience neck stiffness, tenderness or reduced movement.

Symptoms may sometimes be aggravated by certain neck movements or by staying in one position for a prolonged period.

Because cervicogenic headache, migraine and tension-type headache can share some features, it is important not to assume that a headache is coming from the neck simply because neck pain is also present.

Find out more about neck pain and chiropractic care →

What Is Migraine?

Migraine is a neurological condition that can cause recurrent attacks of headache together with other symptoms.

Symptoms vary between people and may include:

• Moderate or severe headache
• Throbbing or pulsating pain
• Pain that is more prominent on one side of the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Symptoms made worse by normal physical activity
• Visual, sensory or other neurological symptoms known as aura in some people

Not everyone with migraine experiences all of these symptoms, and some people experience migraine aura without a significant headache.

What Can Trigger a Migraine?

Migraine attacks may occur without an obvious trigger, and triggers vary considerably between individuals.

Some people notice an association with factors such as:

• Changes in sleep
• Stress or relaxation after stress
• Missed meals
• Dehydration
• Alcohol
• Hormonal changes
• Bright lights, strong smells or other sensory stimuli

A trigger is not necessarily the underlying cause of migraine, and trying to avoid every possible trigger can become unnecessarily restrictive.

Keeping a headache diary can sometimes help identify patterns and provide useful information for your healthcare professional.

What Is a Tension-Type Headache?

Tension-type headache commonly causes pressure or tightness around the head and may feel like a band around the forehead or skull.

It is generally less likely than migraine to be associated with nausea or significant worsening with normal physical activity.

Neck and shoulder discomfort can occur alongside tension-type headaches, although this does not necessarily mean that the neck is the main cause.

How Do We Assess Recurring Headaches?

We Listen to the Pattern of Your Headaches

We will ask when your headaches started, how often they occur, how long they last, where you feel the pain and whether you experience symptoms such as nausea, visual disturbance, dizziness, neck pain, numbness or weakness.

We Examine Your Neck and Movement

Where appropriate, we assess the movement and function of your neck and surrounding muscles and joints to determine whether musculoskeletal factors appear to be contributing to your symptoms.

We Check Your Nervous System When Appropriate

Depending on your symptoms, your examination may include neurological tests such as muscle strength, reflexes, sensation, coordination or other appropriate tests.

We Explain What We Find

We will explain whether your symptoms appear consistent with a musculoskeletal or neck-related headache and whether chiropractic treatment may be appropriate.

If your history or examination suggests that your headache requires further medical assessment or investigation, we will explain this and advise you on the appropriate next step.

Can Neck Problems Cause Headaches?

Yes. Problems involving structures in the upper part of the neck can sometimes contribute to headache symptoms.

This is particularly relevant to cervicogenic headache, where pain associated with the neck is perceived in the head.

However, having neck pain and headache at the same time does not automatically mean that one is causing the other. Migraine, for example, can itself be accompanied by neck discomfort.

Assessment therefore helps determine whether the neck appears to be contributing rather than assuming that every headache associated with neck pain has the same cause.

Can Chiropractic Care Help With Headaches?

Chiropractic care may help some people with headaches associated with neck pain or musculoskeletal dysfunction, particularly where examination suggests that the neck is contributing to the symptoms.

Depending on your individual findings, treatment may include spinal manipulation or mobilisation, soft-tissue techniques, exercise and advice about movement, activity and self-management.

Manual treatment is only one part of care. Exercise, rehabilitation and addressing factors that may be contributing to recurring symptoms can also be important.

Migraine is a neurological condition rather than simply a neck problem. Some people with migraine also experience significant neck pain or musculoskeletal problems, but whether chiropractic care is appropriate depends on the individual presentation.

If your symptoms appear more appropriate for medical assessment or another form of treatment, we will explain this and advise you accordingly.

Find out more about chiropractic treatment.

Is Chiropractic Treatment Safe for Headache Patients?

As with any healthcare treatment, the potential benefits and risks need to be considered for the individual patient.

Before recommending treatment, we take a medical history and examine you as appropriate to identify whether chiropractic care is suitable and whether there are any reasons why a particular treatment technique should not be used.

Treatment does not always involve manipulation of the neck. Depending on your symptoms and preferences, care may include mobilisation, soft-tissue treatment, exercise, rehabilitation and advice.

We will discuss the treatment options with you before proceeding so that you can make an informed decision about your care.

Do I Need an X-Ray or MRI for Headaches?

Most people with recurring headaches do not automatically require an X-ray or MRI.

Imaging is considered when there is a clinical reason for it and when the result is likely to influence diagnosis or management.

An X-ray can provide information about the bones and joints of the neck but does not diagnose migraine and is not routinely required simply because someone experiences headaches.

If your symptoms suggest that further medical investigation or imaging is appropriate, we will discuss this with you.

Can Exercise Help With Neck-Related Headaches?

Exercise can form part of the management of some people with neck-related headaches, particularly where neck movement, strength or physical capacity appears relevant.

The most appropriate exercises depend on your individual symptoms and examination findings rather than on the headache label alone.

Advice about movement, activity, sleep and other lifestyle factors may also form part of a broader management plan.

Find out more about exercise, movement and back care.

When Should a Headache Be Assessed Urgently?

Most headaches are not caused by a serious medical condition. However, a new or unusual headache can occasionally require urgent medical assessment.

Seek urgent medical attention for symptoms such as:

• A sudden, extremely severe headache that reaches maximum intensity very quickly
• A new severe headache following significant head or neck trauma
• Headache with new weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion or loss of consciousness
• Headache with new significant problems with vision, balance or coordination
• Headache with fever, severe neck stiffness or feeling seriously unwell
• A new or substantially changed headache during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth
• A new headache associated with a seizure

A new or changing headache may also warrant medical assessment depending on your age, medical history and other symptoms.

If you are concerned that your headache may be an emergency, seek urgent medical care rather than waiting for a chiropractic appointment.

Headaches, Neck Pain and Dizziness

Headache can sometimes occur alongside neck pain or dizziness, but these symptoms have many possible causes.

Migraine, for example, can be associated with dizziness, while some people with neck-related headaches also experience neck stiffness or discomfort.

Because these symptoms overlap, dizziness does not by itself establish that the neck is responsible.

Assessment helps determine whether your symptoms appear suitable for musculoskeletal care or whether further medical evaluation is appropriate.

Other Problems Associated With Headaches

You may also find these pages useful:

• Neck Pain
• Migraines
• Migraine Variants

Headache and Migraine Assessment Near You

Isis Chiropractic Centres provides assessment and treatment for appropriate musculoskeletal and neck-related headache problems at our clinics in Milton Keynes, Northampton and Aylesbury.

Headache Treatment in Milton Keynes

Our Milton Keynes clinic provides chiropractic assessment and treatment, on-site X-ray facilities, rehabilitation facilities and free parking.

Visit our Milton Keynes Chiropractic Clinic →

Headache Treatment in Northampton

Our Northampton clinic provides chiropractic assessment and treatment, on-site X-ray facilities, rehabilitation facilities and free parking.

Visit our Northampton Chiropractic Clinic →

Headache Treatment in Aylesbury

Our Aylesbury clinic provides chiropractic assessment and treatment, on-site X-ray facilities and free patient parking.

Visit our Aylesbury Chiropractic Clinic →

Frequently Asked Questions About Headaches and Migraines

Can neck pain cause headaches?

Yes. Some headaches can be associated with structures in the neck. These are commonly referred to as cervicogenic headaches. However, headaches have many possible causes, so assessment is important.

Can a chiropractor help with headaches?

Chiropractic care may help some people with headaches associated with neck pain or musculoskeletal problems. Whether treatment is suitable depends on the type of headache, your medical history and examination findings.

Is migraine caused by the neck?

Migraine is a neurological condition and is not simply caused by a problem in the neck. Neck discomfort can occur during migraine, while some people may also have a separate neck problem contributing to their overall symptoms.

What is the difference between migraine and a cervicogenic headache?

Migraine is a neurological condition that can include headache, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. A cervicogenic headache is associated with a problem involving structures in the neck. Because symptoms can overlap, diagnosis should take account of your full history and examination.

Do I need a scan for recurring headaches?

Not usually. Most recurring headaches do not automatically require imaging. Further investigation may be recommended when symptoms, examination findings or medical history suggest that it is appropriate.

Does chiropractic treatment always involve manipulation of the neck?

No. Treatment depends on your symptoms, examination findings and preferences and may include mobilisation, soft-tissue techniques, exercise, rehabilitation and advice as well as, where appropriate, manipulation.

Should I see my GP about headaches?

Medical assessment may be appropriate for new, unusual, severe or changing headaches, headaches associated with neurological symptoms, or where the diagnosis is uncertain. We will also recommend medical assessment if anything in your consultation or examination gives us cause for concern.

Start by Understanding Your Headaches

You do not need to know whether your headaches are migraine, tension-type, cervicogenic or associated with your neck before you contact us.

That is what the assessment is for.

Our chiropractors in Milton Keynes, Northampton and Aylesbury will listen to the pattern of your symptoms, assess whether musculoskeletal factors may be involved and explain the treatment, rehabilitation or further investigation options that may be appropriate.

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