Headache Treatment in Cardiff
Headaches can quietly take over your day. They make it harder to concentrate at work, enjoy time with family or switch off at night. For many people they become so routine that reaching for painkillers feels normal.
Many headaches are linked to tension and stiffness in the neck, shoulders and upper back. At ADT Chiropractic, our Cardiff chiropractors look at what is driving your headaches rather than just the pain itself. We then build a clear, hands-on plan to ease the tension, improve how your neck moves and help reduce how often headaches return.
Book a new patient consultation or call 02920 501880.
"If your headaches have become part of your routine, it's worth finding out why."
What causes headaches?
There are many types of headache. The ones we see most often are linked to the muscles and joints of the neck and upper back, and they usually respond well to the right care.
Common types include:
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Tension-type headaches – a dull, tight or pressing ache, often like a band around the head, usually linked to stress and muscle tension
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Cervicogenic headaches – headaches that start in the neck, often at the base of the skull, and spread towards the forehead or behind the eye
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Posture and desk-related headaches – headaches that build through the working day, often with stiff shoulders and a tight neck
Things that commonly contribute:
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Long hours at a desk, laptop or phone
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Stress, poor sleep and holding tension in your shoulders
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Stiffness in the joints of the neck and upper back
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Old neck injuries, including whiplash
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An unsupportive pillow or awkward sleeping position
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Not drinking enough water or skipping meals
"Your neck carries the weight of your head all day – it's no surprise it can complain."
If your headaches come with neck pain or stiffness, see our neck pain page.
How we can help
We look at how your neck, upper back and shoulders are moving as a whole, and what is putting them under strain. Your plan usually combines:
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Spinal adjustments and mobilisation to free up stiff, restricted joints in the neck and upper back
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Soft tissue therapy and massage to ease tight muscles around the neck, shoulders and base of the skull
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Rehabilitation exercises to improve posture, strength and movement
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Practical advice on desk setup, screen time, sleep position and managing tension
If we think your headaches are not coming from your neck, or need checking by your GP, we will tell you.
Your first visit
Your new patient consultation lasts up to 60 minutes and costs £60. It includes:
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A full case history: your headaches, health, work and lifestyle
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A physical, orthopaedic and neurological examination
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A clear explanation of what we think is going on
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Your first treatment where appropriate, and a plan for what comes next
Follow-up appointments are 30 minutes and cost £42.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone is different. Some people notice their headaches easing within the first few sessions, while headaches that have been around for months or years can take longer. Our aim is to get you managing well on your own, not to keep you coming back. We review your progress regularly and will always be upfront about what to expect.
What you can do in the meantime
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Take regular screen breaks. Look away and move your neck and shoulders every 30–45 minutes.
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Check your setup. Have your screen at eye level so you're not looking down for long periods.
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Keep hydrated and don't skip meals.
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Use heat on tight neck and shoulder muscles if it feels comfortable.
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Keep a headache diary. Noting when headaches happen can help us spot patterns.
When to get urgent help
Most headaches are not serious, but go to A&E or call 999 if you have a headache with any of these:
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A sudden, severe headache that feels like the worst you've ever had
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A headache after a head injury
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Fever, a stiff neck or a rash that doesn't fade when pressed with a glass
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Confusion, slurred speech, weakness, numbness or drooping on one side of the face or body
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Sudden changes in your vision or loss of balance
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with us. We will let you know if we think you need to see your GP as well.
Can a chiropractor help with migraines?
Our care focuses on headaches linked to the neck and muscle tension. Some people with migraines also have neck tension that contributes to their symptoms. We'll assess you and be honest about whether we think we can help.
Does an adjustment hurt?
Most people find it comfortable. We explain everything first and adapt our approach to you, using gentler techniques where needed.
How do I stop headaches coming back?
Improving how your neck moves, building strength in your upper back and making small changes to your posture and daily routine are key. That's why exercises and advice are a core part of every plan.
What our patients say
"I would highly recommend Rob! I had wanted to see a chiropractor for quite some time as I have almost always suffered with back pain but was apprehensive as to how it would help. I felt relief almost instantly, and left my first session feeling so relaxed, pain free and i had much more range of movement, I also noticed having less headaches. I now visit every 4-8 weeks when i feel I need treatment." – Briony
"When I first started going I was getting headaches almost every day but after the first session I noticed a reduction in the frequency of them... I am very thankful for it." – Owen
Book your appointment
We are at Maindy Centre, Crown Way, Cardiff CF14 3AJ, with free parking. We're open Monday to Thursday 07:30–20:30 and Friday 07:30–17:00.
Book online or call 02920 501880.
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