Natural Headache Relief: What Actually Works and When to See a Chiropractor
If you get headaches regularly, you already know that reaching for pain relief every time is not a long-term solution. It manages the symptom without addressing the cause and for many people, the cause is something that can actually be treated.
This post covers the main types of headaches, what actually drives them, and which approaches genuinely work for lasting relief. If you have been managing headaches for months or years without getting to the bottom of them, keep reading.
Not all headaches are the same
Not all headaches are the same
This is the most important thing to understand about headaches. The type of headache you have determines what will actually help and what is a waste of time.
The three most common types we see at North Fremantle Chiropractic are:
Cervicogenic headaches These originate from structures in the neck the joints, muscles, and nerves of the cervical spine. They typically start at the base of the skull and radiate forward over the head, and are often accompanied by neck stiffness or pain. They are frequently triggered or worsened by sustained postures, screen use, looking down, or turning the head.
Cervicogenic headaches are extremely common and frequently misdiagnosed as tension headaches or migraines. They respond very well to chiropractic care because the source of the pain is in the cervical spine which is exactly what we assess and treat.
Tension headaches Tension headaches present as a band-like pressure around the head. They are often driven by muscle tension in the neck, upper back, and scalp frequently related to posture, stress, or sustained screen use. Many tension headaches have a cervicogenic component and respond well to hands-on treatment targeting the cervical spine and surrounding musculature.
Migraines Migraines involve more complex neurological changes and are a distinct condition requiring specific management. While chiropractic care is not a cure for migraines, cervical spine dysfunction is a known trigger for many migraine sufferers. Addressing that dysfunction can reduce migraine frequency and severity in susceptible individuals.
What actually causes headaches
For most people who get regular headaches, the underlying drivers are one or more of the following:
Cervical spine dysfunction Restricted or irritated joints in the upper neck are one of the most common and undertreated causes of recurrent headaches. The nerves in the upper cervical spine refer pain directly to the head which is why neck problems so often present as headaches rather than neck pain.
Muscle tension and trigger points The suboccipital muscles at the base of the skull, the upper trapezius, and the muscles around the jaw are common sources of referred headache pain. When these muscles are overloaded from sustained postures, stress, or repetitive activity, they develop trigger points that refer pain into the head.
Posture and sustained loading Prolonged sitting, screen use, and forward head posture place sustained load on the cervical spine and surrounding structures. Over time this creates the conditions for both cervicogenic headaches and tension-type headaches.
Jaw dysfunction (TMJ) The temporomandibular joint shares neural connections with the cervical spine and surrounding head structures. Jaw clenching, grinding, and TMJ dysfunction are frequently associated with headaches that do not respond to standard treatment.
What actually helps
Chiropractic care For cervicogenic and tension-type headaches with a musculoskeletal component, chiropractic care is one of the most effective treatments available. By restoring normal cervical spine function, reducing muscle tension, and addressing contributing postural and movement factors, we address the source of the pain rather than masking it.
Most patients with cervicogenic headaches notice significant improvement within the first 4-6 sessions. Many have had headaches for years before finding that this is actually what was driving them.
Postural awareness and ergonomics Adjusting your workstation setup, taking regular movement breaks during screen time, and addressing forward head posture can significantly reduce headache frequency over time. We provide specific advice on this as part of every headache assessment.
Movement and exercise Regular movement helps reduce muscle tension and maintains cervical spine mobility. Specific neck and upper back exercises prescribed as part of your care plan can support long-term headache management.
Sleep position Sleeping with too many pillows or in positions that load the neck overnight can contribute to morning headaches. We provide advice on sleeping positions and pillow setup as part of your assessment.
When to see a chiropractor for headaches
Consider booking an assessment if:
Your headaches occur more than once per week
Your headaches are associated with neck pain or stiffness
Your headaches are worse after sitting at a desk, using screens, or looking down
Your headaches start at the base of the skull and radiate forward
Your headaches have not improved with medication or other treatments
Your headaches have been present for months or years without a clear cause
When to see a doctor immediately
Some headaches require urgent medical attention. See a doctor or go to emergency immediately if you experience:
A sudden severe headache unlike anything you have had before
A headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, or vision changes
A headache following a head injury
A headache with weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking
These presentations require medical assessment before any other treatment.
How we assess headaches at NFC
At North Fremantle Chiropractic, every headache patient receives a thorough assessment before any treatment begins. We take a detailed history covering headache frequency, location, character, triggers, and associated symptoms. We then perform a physical examination including neurological testing and cervical spine assessment to identify whether your headaches have a musculoskeletal component.
If your headaches are coming from your neck and many are we can help. If they are not, we will tell you clearly and point you in the right direction.
We see patients from across Fremantle, North Fremantle, East Fremantle, Mosman Park, and the surrounding area.
Frequently asked questions
Can a problem in my neck really cause a headache?
Yes. The top segments of the neck share nerve pathways with the structures that supply the head, which is why neck stiffness and headache so often turn up together. That pattern has a name, cervicogenic headache, and it is one of the things we assess for.
Are my headaches caused by screens, dehydration or stress?
Those are usually triggers rather than causes. They tip an already sensitised system over the edge. It is why chasing triggers alone often disappoints. The more useful question is what is making you sensitive in the first place.
Should I stop taking my headache medication?
Not on our advice. We do not make changes to anyone's medication. If you are reaching for pain relief often, or more often than you used to, that is worth raising with your GP or pharmacist, because frequent use can itself become part of the problem.
Can I come in while I have a headache, or should I wait until it settles?
Either works. Being seen during one lets us see what is actually happening rather than relying on your description afterwards. If you are mid migraine and light or noise is unbearable, call us and we will sort out the timing.
Do I need a scan or a referral?
No referral is needed to book. Most headaches do not need imaging. If anything in your history or examination suggests a scan or a GP review is warranted, we will tell you and help you organise it.
How long before I know whether this is the right approach?
We set a review point early, usually within the first few visits, and we look at what has actually changed. If it is not the right approach for you, we will say so and point you somewhere more useful. More on how we work with headaches.
Ready to get to the bottom of your headaches?
If you have been managing headaches without getting lasting relief, an assessment at North Fremantle Chiropractic is a practical next step.
Book online at northfremantlechiropractic.com.au/book-now or call us on 0414 316 261.
About the author
Dr Nathan Bridger is a chiropractor and strength and conditioning coach, and the owner of North Fremantle Chiropractic. He has over a decade of experience across both fields, has practised internationally, and has worked as a clinical supervisor in chiropractic education. He is registered with the Chiropractic Board of Australia through Ahpra and practises in North Fremantle, Western Australia.
