Headaches and migraines
Recurring headaches have a way of quietly taking over your day.
Whether it is a tension headache that builds through the afternoon, a migraine that forces you to stop everything, or a dull ache that seems to sit just behind your eyes, most people find themselves managing the symptom rather than understanding the cause.
At Northbridge Chiropractic, we take a whole-body approach to headaches and migraines. We look at what may be contributing, including the spine, posture, muscle tension, lifestyle, and stress. Because for many people, the headache is not really the starting point.
What Can Contribute to Headaches and Migraines
There are many different types of headaches, and the contributing factors vary from person to person. Some of the most common things we see include:- Tension and dysfunction in the upper cervical spine, which can refer pain into the head and behind the eyes.
- Muscle tightness in the neck, shoulders, and base of the skull, often linked to prolonged desk or screen work.
- Postural patterns where the head sits forward of the shoulders, placing extra load through the neck and upper back.
- Stress, which can increase muscle tension and change breathing patterns in ways that contribute to headaches.
- Poor sleep quality or an unsupportive pillow that strains the neck overnight.
- Dehydration, irregular meals, or dietary triggers that are sometimes associated with migraine patterns.
- Eye strain from prolonged screen use.
- Jaw tension, which can refer pain into the temples and sides of the head
Why the Neck Often Plays a Role
Many headaches have a cervicogenic component, meaning they originate from structures in the neck rather than the head itself.
The upper cervical spine sits close to pain-sensitive structures that can refer discomfort upward. When there is restriction, tension, or dysfunction in the cervical joints, ligaments, or surrounding muscles, headaches are a common result.
This is particularly common in people who spend long hours at a computer. The head gradually drifts forward, the neck muscles work harder to compensate, and over time this pattern can contribute to recurring headaches.
We often see this connection in our patients. It does not mean the neck is always the cause, but it is frequently part of the picture and worth assessing properly.
How We Approach Headaches and Migraines at Northbridge
We start by understanding your full picture.
We ask about the nature of your headaches, how often they occur, where you feel them, what seems to trigger them, and what you have already tried. We look at your posture, your daily routine, your stress levels, your sleep, and your work setup.
We then carry out a physical assessment to look at how your cervical spine and surrounding areas are moving and where there may be restriction or tension.
Depending on what we find, your care may include chiropractic adjustments to support movement and function in the cervical and upper thoracic spine, soft tissue therapy and myofascial release for the muscles of the neck, shoulders, and base of the skull, dry needling to address trigger points that may be contributing to headache patterns, postural guidance and workstation advice to reduce the daily load on your neck, and practical suggestions around sleep, stress, hydration, and other lifestyle factors that may be playing a role.
We take a whole-body, personalised approach. What works for one person may not be the right fit for another, which is why the assessment comes first.
Two Things You Can Try Between Appointments
These are general suggestions that many people find helpful for managing headache patterns. They are not a substitute for professional assessment, but they are a good starting point.
What Happens at Your Appointment
If this is your first visit to Northbridge Chiropractic, here is what to expect.
Your first appointment is longer than a standard visit. We take time to understand your headache history in detail. When they started, how often they occur, where you feel them, and what makes them better or worse. We also ask about your lifestyle, your stress levels, your sleep, and your daily routine.
We then carry out a physical assessment of your cervical spine, posture, and surrounding areas.
We will walk you through what we find and explain what may be contributing to your headaches. If we feel chiropractic care may be appropriate for your situation, we will outline what a care plan could look like and give you a realistic picture of what to expect.
There is no pressure. You are welcome to ask as many questions as you like before making any decisions.
Follow-up appointments are more focused. As we get to know how your body responds, we adjust the approach accordingly.
Would you like to understand what may be contributing to your headaches?
If recurring headaches or migraines have been affecting your daily life, we would be happy to help you look at the bigger picture.
Book online to secure your appointment with Dr Mario Vinci or Dr Nicola Colebrook at Northbridge Chiropractic, Perth. Or call us on (08) 9227 9341.
We accept all major health fund cards.
Get in touch
- 6/177 Stirling Street Perth WA 6000
Opening Hours
Dr Mario:
Monday 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Tuesday & Thursday 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Friday 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Dr Nicola:
Monday 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Wednesday – 8:30 am – 7:00 pm
Friday 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
