Headaches and migraines are common problems that can significantly affect daily life, concentration and sleep.
At Live Free Wellness in Putney, we provide personalised chiropractic care to assess and manage headaches that may be linked to neck stiffness, poor posture, muscle tension and joint restriction.
Many headaches originate from the neck and upper spine. Identifying and addressing these underlying problems can help reduce the frequency and intensity of symptoms
Some headaches are caused by problems in the neck and upper spine. These are known as cervicogenic headaches.
Neck joint stiffness, muscle tightness and restricted movement can irritate surrounding nerves and refer pain into the head, face and behind the eyes.
Chiropractic care may help relieve neck tension, improve joint movement and reduce irritation that may be contributing to headache symptoms.
Migraine is a severe type of headache often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, light sensitivity and visual disturbance.
In some cases, reduced movement or stiffness in the joints of the neck may contribute to migraine symptoms.
Your chiropractor will assess your neck, posture and movement patterns to determine whether musculoskeletal factors may be involved and whether chiropractic care may be appropriate as part of your management plan.
Headaches and migraines may be associated with:
- Neck joint stiffness and restricted movement
- Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders
- Poor posture and prolonged desk work
- Repetitive strain or overuse
- Stress and fatigue
Early assessment can help identify contributing factors and guide appropriate treatment.
Your chiropractor will carry out a full clinical assessment, including medical history, posture analysis and movement testing.
Treatment may include:
- Gentle spinal mobilisation or specific chiropractic adjustments
- Soft tissue therapy to reduce muscle tension
- Dry needling where appropriate
- Postural advice and ergonomic guidance
- Exercise rehabilitation to support long-term improvement
The aim is to improve neck movement, reduce muscle tension and support healthier spinal function.
Your appointment will include a thorough clinical assessment to help identify possible causes of your headaches or migraines.
This may include:
- A detailed medical and headache history
- Assessment of neck movement and posture
- Joint and muscle examination
- Neurological screening where appropriate
- Discussion of findings and treatment options
If further investigations or onward referral are required, these can be arranged.
Postural Examination
Movement & Joint tests
through verbal instructions
Gait Examination
Conservative physical therapy management for the treatment of cervicogenic headache: A systematic review. Racicki S, Gerwin S, DiClaudio S et al. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy 2013; 21(2): 113-24
Manual therapies for migraine: A systematic review. Chaibi A, Tuchin PJ & Russell MB. Journal of Headache & Pain 2011; 12: 127-133.
Effectiveness of manual therapies: the UK evidence report. Gert Bronfort et al Chiropractic & Osteopathy 2010, 18:3
Personalised chiropractic care to assess and manage headaches, neck stiffness and
muscle tension so you can get back to doing the things you love.
We commonly see people with tension-type headaches, headaches linked to neck stiffness, posture-related discomfort, and exercise-related headaches.
Everyone’s presentation is different, which is why assessment is important.
If headaches are new, changing, severe, sudden, or you have neurological symptoms (e.g., weakness, numbness, confusion, speech or vision changes), seek medical advice promptly. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to advise whether an assessment with us is appropriate.
It helps to note how often headaches occur, how long they last, any triggers you’ve noticed, and what tends to relieve them.
A list of medications and any previous investigations is also useful.
Not necessarily. Care may include hands-on techniques when appropriate, but it can also involve movement guidance, posture and workstation advice, and strategies to reduce flare-ups.
It varies. Some people respond quickly, others need a longer plan depending on history, contributing factors, and overall load (work, stress, training). We’ll review progress and agree next steps with you.
Yes — many people with headaches also report neck or shoulder tension.
We’ll assess the full picture and focus care on the factors most relevant to your symptoms and movement.
Where appropriate, you may be given guidance on movement, posture, exercises, or activity modification to support your care.
Any advice is tailored to your assessment findings and is designed to complement in-clinic treatment rather than replace medical care.
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