Headaches A Pain In The Neck? How Chiropractic Can Help More Than You Think
Many people assume headaches are “in the head.” Often they are not. For a large number of patients, neck pain and headaches are connected; the problem begins in the neck where joints, discs, muscles and ligaments send irritated signals that the brain interprets as head pain. This is called a ‘cervicogenic’ headache. It is common, under-recognised, and very responsive to a precise Chiropractic approach.
At Platinum Chiropractic, your trusted Howick chiropractor in Botany, East Auckland, we help people who never thought a chiropractor for neck pain and headaches could make such a difference. When the neck is the driver, restoring alignment, motion and control can make a real difference.
Understanding Cervicogenic Headaches: When Neck Pain Causes Headaches
A very common condition! Neck pain and headaches often present as pain that starts in the upper neck or base of the skull then spreads to the temple, eye, forehead and/or ear
Usually one sided, sometimes switching sides over time
Worsens with neck movement, long desk work, driving, overhead work or poor sleep posture
Stiffness or reduced neck range of motion
Often paired with shoulder blade ache, jaw tension or dizziness
Sensory nerves from the upper neck converge with the trigeminal system in the brainstem. When upper cervical joints or soft tissues are irritated, the brain can “feel” that as head pain, due to tension & pressure.
The Curve Matters!
How Neck Alignment Affects Your Headaches
Your neck is designed with a gentle forward curve called cervical lordosis. Losing that curve or living with forward head posture changes how loads travel through the joints and how the deep stabilising muscles work. Over time this can:
Increase mechanical stress on upper cervical joints
Alter proprioceptive input to the brain
Encourage protective muscle guarding and trigger points
Clinical trials show that care plans which restore healthy cervical alignment and movement reduce neck pain and headaches frequency and disability more than symptom-only care. That is why we measure and correct structure, not just band-aid the pain away.
Why a Chiropractor for Neck Pain and Headaches Works When Other Treatments Don't
Neck pain and headaches are often treated only with painkillers, muscle relaxants, or hydration reminders. Helpful in the short term, but they do not restore joint mechanics or sensorimotor control. If your head pain is being driven by the neck, pills struggle to create lasting change. Correct the input and the output often improves.
How Your Howick Chiropractor Treats Neck Pain and Headaches
1) Thorough Assessment
We take a detailed history, test neck motion, posture and neurology, and screen for red flags. Standing spinal X-rays are used when appropriate for safety and clarity. You will understand what is happening and why.
2) Precise, Hands-On Care
Gentle upper cervical and mid-cervical adjustments restore segmental motion and reduce local irritation. We also address contributing areas like the mid back and jaw if they are feeding the problem.
3) Re-train Control
We coach simple drills that wake up the deep neck flexors, improve scapular support, and tidy up breathing mechanics. Better control means your gains hold at the desk, in the car, and during sport.
4) Habits That Help
Ergonomics, pillow setup, micro-breaks and screen height are tuned to your day. Small changes, big relief from neck pain and headaches.
5) Measured Progress
We set milestones for frequency, intensity and function, then reassess. If something needs to change, we change it.
Can a Chiropractor Help With Migraines and Tension Headaches?
Not every migraine is a neck problem. Many have a neck component that amplifies or triggers attacks. Improving cervical mechanics and reducing muscular guarding can lower the threshold for flare ups, especially in screen-heavy or stress-heavy lives. Tension-type headaches often respond well when posture, deep neck strength and breathing are restored.
We keep language careful and claims honest. Where the neck is a contributor, seeing a chiropractor for neck pain and headaches can be a valuable part of a broader plan.
When To Seek Medical Care First
Sudden severe headache unlike any other
Fever, neck rigidity, recent head trauma
Neurological changes such as facial droop, slurred speech, fainting, new seizures
Progressive limb weakness, numbness, or changes in vision
New headache after age 50 or with cancer history
If any of these are present, seek urgent medical assessment. We collaborate with GPs and specialists whenever needed.
Book Your Assessment With Our Howick Chiropractor Today
If your neck pain and headaches fit the pattern above, there is a good chance your neck is part of the story. A structured plan from your Howick chiropractor that restores alignment, motion and neuromotor control can help you rely less on painkillers and more on a body that works.
As your expert chiropractor for neck pain and headaches, we're here to help you find lasting relief.
📍 Platinum Chiropractic, Botany, Howick, East Auckland
📞 09 272 2353
✉️ reception@platinumchiropractic.co.nz
🗓️ Book your assessment today