Headaches. Understood, not just treated.
Headaches can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Whether they occur occasionally or become a regular part of your week, they can affect your work, sleep, concentration, exercise and ability to enjoy everyday activities.
Many people are surprised to learn that some headaches have a musculoskeletal component — with the neck, jaw, shoulders and surrounding muscles all capable of contributing to symptoms. Our role is to determine whether your headaches may be influenced by movement, posture or musculoskeletal dysfunction and, if appropriate, develop a personalised treatment plan to help address those contributing factors.
Headaches present in many ways.
Every person's experience is different, which is why assessment is so important.
- Pain at the base of the skull
- Headaches that begin in the neck
- Tightness through the shoulders
- Pain around the temples
- Forehead pressure
- Headaches after desk work
- Headaches associated with jaw tension
- Morning headaches
- Reduced neck movement accompanying headaches
Often more than one factor.
Not every headache has a musculoskeletal cause. Part of our assessment is determining whether your presentation is appropriate for conservative manual therapy or whether further medical investigation is recommended.
- Neck joint restriction
- Muscle tension
- Poor posture
- Jaw dysfunction (TMJ)
- Prolonged computer use
- Stress
- Previous neck injuries
- Reduced upper back mobility
- Repetitive work
Understanding what's contributing.
Your consultation includes a detailed discussion about:
- —When your headaches occur
- —Frequency and duration
- —Location of pain
- —Aggravating and relieving factors
- —Previous injuries
- —Medical history
- —Lifestyle and work habits
This is followed by an assessment of your neck, jaw, posture, shoulders and movement patterns where appropriate.
A comprehensive look.
Assessment may include:
- —Health history
- —Neck movement
- —Jaw function
- —Postural assessment
- —Shoulder mobility
- —Muscle tension
- —Orthopaedic testing
- —Neurological screening where appropriate
We'll explain our findings and discuss whether conservative treatment may be appropriate for your presentation.
Treatment is always individualised.
Chiropractic Care
Dr Gabrielle Gully may address joint restriction, neck movement, posture and musculoskeletal factors that may be contributing to headache symptoms — including adjustments, joint mobilisation, soft tissue techniques, postural advice and rehabilitation exercises.
Learn about chiropracticStructural Bodywork & Myofascial Therapy
Neville Dunne focuses on reducing muscle tension, fascial restriction and movement dysfunction involving the neck, shoulders and jaw that may influence headache patterns.
Learn about structural bodyworkCollaborative Care
Where appropriate, both practitioners may contribute to your management, providing coordinated care based on your individual needs.
How we work togetherThe demands of the day add up.
Many people notice headaches becoming more frequent after long hours working at a computer. Extended sitting, reduced movement, forward head posture and muscle fatigue may all contribute.
As part of your care we'll discuss practical strategies that may help reduce unnecessary strain throughout your working day.
The jaw can play a role.
Jaw tension and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction can contribute to headaches in some people.
If jaw movement appears relevant to your symptoms, we'll include this as part of your assessment and explain how it may influence your presentation.
Some headaches require urgent assessment.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- A sudden severe headache unlike anything you've experienced before
- Headaches following significant head trauma
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty speaking
- Weakness or numbness
- Changes in vision
- Fever with severe headache
- Persistent vomiting
- Confusion
If your presentation suggests further medical investigation is appropriate, we'll explain our concerns and refer you to the appropriate healthcare provider.
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Ready to better understand your headaches?
If headaches are affecting your work, exercise or everyday life, we'd love to help you understand what may be contributing to your symptoms. Take the first step towards moving and feeling better.