Headaches/Migraines
At Chadwick’s Physiotherapy, we regularly treat patients whose headaches are driven by musculoskeletal problems – especially those originating from the neck and upper spine.
What Are Headaches/Migraines?
Headaches and migraines can be more than just a nuisance – they can be completely debilitating. For many people, they cause ongoing disruption to work, sleep, social life and overall wellbeing. At Chadwick’s Physiotherapy, we regularly treat patients whose headaches are driven by musculoskeletal problems – especially those originating from the neck and upper spine.
Often, these types of headaches are misdiagnosed or managed with painkillers alone. But if the source of the pain lies in joint stiffness, muscular tension, or poor posture, medication alone won’t solve the problem. That’s where a targeted physiotherapy approach makes a real difference.
What Are The Symptoms Of Headaches/Migraines?
Headaches linked to the cervical spine (neck) and upper back are common and frequently overlooked. These can be caused by:
- Poor posture, especially from prolonged sitting or screen use
- Tight or restricted joints in the upper cervical spine
- Muscle tension around the base of the skull and shoulders
- Past injuries, such as whiplash or falls, that never fully healed
- Stress-related muscle clenching
These issues can cause pain that starts in the neck and radiates over the top of the head, often reaching the forehead or eyes. This type of headache can feel like intense pressure or aching and may become worse with movement, stress, or time spent in one position.
People often try pain relief, ice packs, or stretching – but when the cause is mechanical, those treatments tend to offer only short-term relief.
What Is Our Approach To Fixing/Treating Headaches/Migraines?
We start with a thorough assessment to understand the exact nature of your symptoms. By asking the right questions and performing specific physical tests, we can determine whether your headaches are musculoskeletal in origin – that is, whether they stem from your joints, muscles, or posture – or if they may need referral for further medical investigation.
If your headaches are linked to the cervical spine, we’ll create a personalised treatment plan focused on long-term relief and prevention. This may include:
- Manual Therapy – Hands-on treatment to release stiff joints and ease muscle tension in the neck and upper back.
- Targeted Exercise Programme – We’ll guide you through gentle but effective movements to restore proper function, increase flexibility, and strengthen key areas – reducing the chance of the headaches returning.
- Acupuncture or Cervical Traction – In some cases, we may use these advanced techniques to ease tension and support recovery.
- Ergonomic Advice – We’ll help you make adjustments to your work or home environment (e.g., desk setup, pillow support) to prevent future flare-ups and reduce the strain that often contributes to recurring headaches.
Our approach is never one-size-fits-all. We take into account your lifestyle, work demands, health history and goals to create a plan that gets to the root of the problem – not just masking the pain.
Download Free Report
If you’ve been living with persistent headaches or migraines and feel like nothing works, it’s time to try a different approach. At Chadwick’s Physiotherapy, we focus on treating the root cause – not just masking the symptoms – to help you find lasting relief. Want to learn more? Download our free Headache & Migraine Pain Report for expert advice, practical tips and a clearer understanding of what might be causing your symptoms and how to start addressing them today.