Can a chiropractor help with headaches?
For headaches that start in the neck, cervicogenic and some tension types, often yes. We assess the upper cervical spine segment by segment before any adjustment. Migraines and headaches with warning signs need medical assessment first, and we are upfront about that.
Headache Chiropractor in Sydney | Rose Bay Clinic
Of all the conditions I see in practice, headaches are among the most rewarding to treat, and among the most undertreated. Many patients come to me after years of managing headaches with paracetamol or ibuprofen, often not realising that their pain is coming from their neck. Cervicogenic headache, headache originating from joints and muscles in the cervical spine, is remarkably common and consistently underdiagnosed. The pattern is usually distinctive if you know what to look for: pain that often starts at the base of the skull or upper neck, is typically one-sided, worsens with sustained postures like sitting at a screen, and may refer into the eye, forehead, or temple. It doesn’t always feel like it’s coming from the neck, but the physical examination tells a different story.
Headaches affect a large proportion of the Australian population, and while there are many types and causes, a significant number of recurrent headaches have a musculoskeletal component that responds well to targeted chiropractic care.
Types of Headaches We Treat
At Gordon Chiropractic & Exercise Physiology in Rose Bay, we commonly work with patients experiencing cervicogenic headaches (originating from the cervical spine), tension-type headaches with a postural or muscular component, headaches related to jaw tension or temporomandibular dysfunction, and headaches associated with poor posture and prolonged screen use. We do not treat migraines with a purely vascular origin, though some patients with mixed-type headaches, where cervical factors contribute, do find improvement.
The Gonstead Approach to Headache Treatment
The Gonstead System‘s approach to cervicogenic headache begins with a detailed assessment of the upper cervical spine, specifically the C1, C2, and C3 levels, which are the most frequent contributors to referred head pain. Using the Nervoscope, postural analysis, motion palpation, and X-ray where appropriate, I identify which specific joints are not moving correctly and contributing to the pain pattern. The adjustment is then delivered to exactly those levels, without rotating or twisting the neck. Many patients experience significant relief after just a few targeted adjustments, often more than they’ve had from months of medication.
The Role of Posture and Exercise Physiology
For many patients with recurrent headaches, the underlying driver is sustained poor posture, particularly the forward head posture that develops from prolonged desk work and screen use. Chiropractic care addresses the joint restriction component, but improving muscle strength and postural habits is what prevents the headaches from returning. As an ESSA-accredited exercise physiologist, I can develop a specific program to strengthen the deep neck flexors and postural muscles of the upper back, helping to unload the joints and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Why Choose Gordon Chiropractic for Headache Treatment?
That thoroughness is why so much of the practice comes from word of mouth. We listen carefully, explain thoroughly, and only recommend care we genuinely believe will help.
Book Online: If you’re experiencing recurrent headaches, call (02) 9371 7774 or visit gordonchiropractic.com.au to book a comprehensive assessment at our Rose Bay clinic.