Headaches: More Than Just a Pain in the Brain
Headaches are among the most common neurological conditions globally, affecting nearly half of all adults each year. Despite their frequency, headaches are often under-recognised and undertreated, leading to unnecessary suffering and long-term impairment. The World Health Organisation identifies headaches—particularly migraines—as a major public health concern. In fact, the Global Burden of Disease Study ranks migraines as the sixth-highest cause of years lived with disability worldwide, with all headache disorders combined ranking third. Moreover, people who regularly suffer from migraines are more likely to experience co-existing conditions like anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances, which further degrade quality of life.
Understanding the Different Types of Headaches
Headaches are classified into three broad categories by the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3):
Primary Headaches: These include migraines, tension-type headaches, and cluster headaches. They are not caused by another condition but are disorders in their own right.
Migraines are typically characterised by intense, throbbing pain, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Tension-type headaches are the most common and present as a constant, dull pain on both sides of the head, often described as a tight band around the skull.
Cluster headaches are rare but extremely painful, often occurring in cyclical patterns or clusters.
Secondary Headaches: These arise as a symptom of another condition—ranging from neck and spinal dysfunction, infections, sinus problems, to trauma or vascular issues.
Cranial Neuralgias and Central Causes of Facial Pain: This includes nerve-related pains such as trigeminal neuralgia, which involves sharp, electric shock-like pain affecting the face.
Each of these categories contains numerous subtypes, making accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment. Many people suffer for years due to misdiagnosis or inadequate assessment.
Chiropractic Care: A Holistic Approach to Headache Management
Chiropractic care is an evidence-based, non-invasive treatment option that has demonstrated effectiveness in managing certain types of headaches, especially those related to musculoskeletal dysfunction. Common triggers of headaches, such as neck stiffness, postural imbalances, restricted spinal joint movement, and muscle tension, are all areas that chiropractors are specifically trained to address.
At Epoch Health, our chiropractors take a comprehensive and patient-centred approach to care. Here’s how we help manage and treat headache disorders:
Detailed Assessment: We perform a thorough evaluation including spinal and postural assessments, joint mobility testing, muscle tension analysis, and a complete medical history review. This allows us to pinpoint potential biomechanical and neurological contributors to your headaches.
Spinal Adjustments: Targeted manual adjustments help restore movement to restricted joints, particularly in the cervical spine. This can alleviate pressure on nerves and reduce muscle tension that often contributes to tension-type and cervicogenic headaches.
Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and dry needling are used to relieve muscular tightness, particularly in the upper back, shoulders, and neck.
Postural Rehabilitation: Poor posture, particularly in people who spend long hours at desks or on screens, can be a significant factor in recurrent headaches. We guide patients through corrective exercises to improve head and neck alignment.
Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice: Stress, dehydration, diet, and sleep can all influence headache frequency. We provide lifestyle coaching and ergonomic guidance tailored to individual needs.
Multidisciplinary Support: At Epoch Health, chiropractic care is integrated with massage therapy, clinical nutrition, and counselling services to address headaches from multiple angles, offering a truly holistic approach.
When Should You See a Chiropractor for Headaches?
If you experience any of the following, chiropractic care at Epoch Health may be beneficial:
Headaches that begin in the neck or are accompanied by neck stiffness
Frequent tension headaches or migraines
Headaches triggered by poor posture or screen use
Pain that radiates from the base of the skull or upper shoulders
Headaches that have not responded to medication or other conventional treatments
It’s essential to rule out red flags such as sudden-onset, thunderclap headaches or those associated with neurological symptoms (vision loss, numbness, or confusion), which require immediate medical attention.
Start Your Recovery with Epoch Health
At Epoch Health, we believe that no one should have to live with chronic headaches. Our experienced chiropractors are committed to uncovering the root cause of your symptoms and providing you with an individualised care plan that delivers long-term relief.
Whether your headaches stem from spinal dysfunction, muscle tension, or lifestyle habits, we’re here to help you take control of your health and improve your quality of life.
Book an appointment today at Epoch Health and take the first step toward a clearer, pain-free mind.