Headaches: Do Yours Start in Your Neck? | Cardiff Chiropractor
Updated: Oct 25
Headaches are one of the most common problems we see as chiropractors at ADT Chiropractic in Cardiff. According to the World Health Organisation, around 1 in 2 adults have had at least one headache in the last year, and headache disorders are among the leading causes of disability worldwide.
Different types of headache
Headaches are usually grouped by their signs and symptoms. The most common types are:
Tension-type headaches – a tight, band-like pressure across the forehead or around the head, often linked to stress and tired muscles.
Cervicogenic headaches – headaches that start in the neck (more on these below).
Migraines – often throbbing, sometimes with nausea, sensitivity to light or visual disturbances.
Cluster headaches – rare, very severe attacks around one eye.
These types often overlap, which is why a proper assessment matters.
What is a cervicogenic headache?
Cervicogenic headaches are one of the most common types we see. The nerves from the joints and muscles at the top of the neck feed into the same area of the brainstem (the trigeminal nucleus) as the nerves from the head and face. So when the upper neck isn't moving well, the brain can feel that problem as pain in the head.
Where you might feel it
At the base of the skull and upper neck
At the temple
Around or behind the eye
Often on one side, sometimes spreading to the shoulder or arm
Common signs
Headaches that get worse with certain neck movements or postures
A stiff, restricted neck
Episodes that come and go and vary in how long they last
Common causes
Posture and long hours at a desk or screen
Stress
Tight neck and shoulder muscles
Whiplash or other neck injuries
How our Cardiff chiropractors can help
Tension and cervicogenic headaches respond well to treatment of the neck and upper back. At ADT Chiropractic we follow three steps:
Assess – a full history and examination of your neck, upper back and posture.
Diagnose – we work out what's really driving your headaches. If chiropractic isn't right for you, we'll tell you and point you in the right direction.
Treat – we restore movement in the neck and upper back, relax tight muscles, and give you simple exercises and advice on your workstation, sleep and stress.
The aim is to raise your threshold for a headache, so everyday stress and posture are less likely to set one off. Many of our patients find their headaches become less frequent and less intense.
To find out more about how an adjustment works, read our blog: What is a chiropractic adjustment?
What you can do in the meantime
Take a break from your screen every 30–45 minutes and move your neck and shoulders.
Keep your screen at eye level.
Stay hydrated and don't skip meals.
Use heat on tight neck and shoulder muscles.
Keep a headache diary – it helps us spot patterns.
When to seek urgent medical help
See a doctor straight away, or call 999, if you have:
A sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache
A headache after a head injury
A headache with fever, a stiff neck or a rash
Confusion, weakness, slurred speech or a drooping face
Sudden changes in your vision or loss of balance
What our patients say
"Rob has helped enormously with reducing my headaches and also improving my posture. I'm amazed how treatment can have such huge results." – Claire
"From knee injuries to headaches I have found Rob to be knowledgeable and professional." – Rachel
"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." – Briony
Book an appointment
If your headaches keep coming back, our chiropractors in Cardiff can help find the cause. We're at the Maindy Centre with free parking and appointments from 07:30. Find out more about our headache treatment in Cardiff, or book online below.
Comments