Headaches and Migraines
Effective Treatment for Headaches
Headaches are becoming ever more common in todays busy life. Sometimes headaches do not last long but for others they cause severe pain and discomfort, often preventing people carrying out their daily routine.
More often than not these headaches arise from tension in the muscles of the neck and upper back caused by poor work posture. Other causes can include eye strain and sinus congestion.
Migraines are often more serious and debilitating causing severe pain, sensitivity to light and blurred vision. Migraines often occur due to changes in blood flow to the head. These are often preceded by one or more triggers (coffee and chocolate are common)
At Shore Osteopaths, we regularly treat patients across the North Shore of Auckland who suffer from frequent headaches, tension headaches, and migraine-type symptoms. Our focus is on identifying and treating the underlying cause—not just managing the pain.
Our treatment helps headaches by alleviating the tension in these muscles, increasing the movement in the joints of the neck and upper back, and with advice on how to remove the stressors on these muscles and improve your head posture. Migraines can be a little more difficult to treat, and often the best way to prevent them is to understand individual triggers. However osteopathy can help by improving muscle balance, posture and circulation. This treatment will often reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines.
More often than not these headaches arise from tension in the muscles of the neck and upper back caused by poor work posture. Other causes can include eye strain and sinus congestion.
Migraines are often more serious and debilitating causing severe pain, sensitivity to light and blurred vision. Migraines often occur due to changes in blood flow to the head. These are often preceded by one or more triggers (coffee and chocolate are common)
At Shore Osteopaths, we regularly treat patients across the North Shore of Auckland who suffer from frequent headaches, tension headaches, and migraine-type symptoms. Our focus is on identifying and treating the underlying cause—not just managing the pain.
Our treatment helps headaches by alleviating the tension in these muscles, increasing the movement in the joints of the neck and upper back, and with advice on how to remove the stressors on these muscles and improve your head posture. Migraines can be a little more difficult to treat, and often the best way to prevent them is to understand individual triggers. However osteopathy can help by improving muscle balance, posture and circulation. This treatment will often reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines.
Common Types of Headaches We See
We commonly help clients with:
Headaches can vary in intensity, frequency, and duration, which is why a tailored assessment is important.
- Tension headaches
- Cervicogenic headaches (neck-related)
- Stress-related headaches
- Headaches linked to posture or desk work
- Headaches associated with neck stiffness
- Migraine-like symptoms (where musculoskeletal factors are involved)
Headaches can vary in intensity, frequency, and duration, which is why a tailored assessment is important.
Common Causes of Headaches
Many headaches are related to physical strain or dysfunction in the body, including:
In many cases, headaches are a symptom of an underlying musculoskeletal issue.
- Neck stiffness or joint restriction
- Poor posture (especially desk or screen use)
- Muscle tension in the upper back and shoulders
- Stress and emotional tension
- Jaw clenching or TMJ-related issues
- Previous neck or whiplash injuries
- Prolonged screen time
In many cases, headaches are a symptom of an underlying musculoskeletal issue.
How Osteopathy Can Help Headaches
Osteopathic treatment focuses on improving mobility, reducing muscular tension, and addressing contributing factors such as posture and neck dysfunction.
Treatment may include:
Each treatment is tailored to your specific presentation.
Treatment may include:
- Gentle mobilisation of the neck and upper back
- Soft tissue release of tight muscles
- Assessment of posture and spinal movement
- Treatment of contributing areas such as shoulders or jaw
- Advice on workstation setup and daily habits
- Rehabilitation exercises where appropriate
Each treatment is tailored to your specific presentation.
Headaches and the Neck Connection
Many headaches originate from dysfunction in the neck (cervicogenic headaches). When the joints and muscles in the neck are restricted or tight, they can refer pain into the head, causing symptoms that feel like tension or pressure.
👉 If you also experience neck pain, you may benefit from reading our Neck Pain Treatment page.
👉 If you also experience neck pain, you may benefit from reading our Neck Pain Treatment page.
When to Seek Treatment
You should consider treatment if:
Early treatment can often reduce both frequency and severity of headaches.
- You experience frequent or recurring headaches
- Headaches are affecting your work or daily life
- You also have neck or shoulder stiffness
- Painkillers are only providing short-term relief
- Symptoms are becoming more frequent or intense
Early treatment can often reduce both frequency and severity of headaches.
Book an Appointment
If you're experiencing headaches, don’t ignore the underlying cause.
Book an appointment with Shore Osteopaths today and start working toward long-term relief.
👉 Book Now!
Book an appointment with Shore Osteopaths today and start working toward long-term relief.
👉 Book Now!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an osteopath help with headaches?
Yes, osteopathic treatment can help reduce tension and improve mobility in areas that commonly contribute to headaches.
Can osteopathy help migraines?
Osteopathy may help reduce musculoskeletal triggers that contribute to migraine frequency or severity, but results vary depending on the individual.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on the cause and severity of your headaches. Many clients notice improvement within a few sessions.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. You can book directly.
Is treatment covered by ACC?
Yes, if your symptoms are related to an injury, ACC may contribute to treatment costs.
Yes, osteopathic treatment can help reduce tension and improve mobility in areas that commonly contribute to headaches.
Can osteopathy help migraines?
Osteopathy may help reduce musculoskeletal triggers that contribute to migraine frequency or severity, but results vary depending on the individual.
How many treatments will I need?
This depends on the cause and severity of your headaches. Many clients notice improvement within a few sessions.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. You can book directly.
Is treatment covered by ACC?
Yes, if your symptoms are related to an injury, ACC may contribute to treatment costs.