Headache Chiropractor in Clayton
Headaches can have many different causes and can affect work, concentration, exercise and everyday life. In some people, headache symptoms may be associated with the muscles, joints and movement of the neck.
At Chiropractic Flow, our chiropractors assess people experiencing cervicogenic and neck-related headaches in Clayton. We take the time to understand your symptoms and health history before determining whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for your presentation.
Not All Headaches Are the Same
Headache is a broad term covering many different presentations, and determining what may be contributing to your symptoms is an important first step.
Some headaches may have a musculoskeletal component involving the joints, muscles or movement of the neck. These can present differently from person to person and may occur alongside neck pain, stiffness or muscular tension.
Other types of headaches may have causes unrelated to the musculoskeletal system and require assessment or management by your GP or another healthcare professional.
This is why we begin by understanding your individual symptoms rather than assuming that every headache has the same cause.
Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headache refers to headache symptoms associated with structures within the neck.
Depending on the individual presentation, symptoms may occur alongside:
- Neck pain or discomfort
- Neck stiffness
- Reduced neck movement
- Muscular tension around the neck and shoulders
- Discomfort associated with particular neck movements or positions
- Headache symptoms occurring alongside neck-related concerns
Because headache symptoms can have many causes, an appropriate assessment is important before deciding whether a musculoskeletal management approach may be suitable.
Learn More About Neck Pain →Understanding Your Headache Presentation
Your consultation begins with a detailed discussion about your headaches, including when they began, how frequently they occur, where you experience your symptoms and whether there are any factors that appear to influence them.
We will also discuss your health history and any associated symptoms. This information helps your chiropractor determine whether a musculoskeletal assessment is appropriate or whether another healthcare professional should be involved.
Where appropriate, your physical assessment may include examining neck movement, spinal and joint mobility, muscle function and other musculoskeletal factors relevant to your presentation.
The findings are then discussed with you before any management plan is developed.
When Headaches Occur Alongside Neck Tension
Some people experiencing headaches also report neck stiffness, upper back discomfort or muscular tension around the neck and shoulders.
Work demands, prolonged positions, changes in activity and other physical factors may also be relevant to an individual presentation.
Where these musculoskeletal factors are considered relevant, your management plan may address both the headache presentation and associated neck or movement concerns.
Explore Neck Pain Care →Our Approach to Neck-Related Headaches
Where your assessment indicates that musculoskeletal management is appropriate, your chiropractor will discuss an individualised management plan with you.
Depending on your presentation, this may include chiropractic care, manual therapy, soft tissue therapy, rehabilitation, movement-based strategies, exercise prescription and education.
We may also incorporate Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), Functional Movement Systems (FMS) or Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) where appropriate to your individual needs.
Rather than relying on one technique, the approaches used are selected according to your assessment findings, preferences and goals.
Referral & Co-Management
Headaches have many possible causes, and chiropractic care is not appropriate for every headache presentation.
Part of our role is recognising when symptoms may require further investigation or care outside our clinic.
Where appropriate, we work collaboratively with your GP or other healthcare providers and refer when further investigation, medical assessment or co-management is required.
If you experience a new, severe or unusual headache, or a headache accompanied by concerning symptoms, seeking appropriate medical assessment is important.
Supporting Movement & Everyday Function
Recurring headaches can interfere with work, study, exercise, social activities and everyday routines.
Where musculoskeletal factors are relevant, your management plan can consider the activities and goals that matter to you rather than focusing solely on the location of your symptoms.
Education, exercise and practical self-management strategies may form part of your care to help you better understand your presentation and manage relevant physical factors.
Experiencing Headaches & Neck Discomfort?
If you are experiencing headaches alongside neck pain, stiffness or other musculoskeletal concerns, our team can assess your individual presentation and discuss whether chiropractic management may be appropriate for you.
Learn More About Related Conditions
Headache symptoms can sometimes occur alongside other musculoskeletal concerns. Learn more about neck pain, shoulder pain and back pain, or explore all conditions we commonly see at Chiropractic Flow.
If you are unsure whether your presentation may be appropriate for chiropractic assessment, ask our team a question before booking.