Common Types of Headaches and How Chiropractic Care May Help

by | Mar 19, 2026 | lifestyle

types of headaches diagram migraine tension cervicogenic cluster

Headaches affect millions of people every year and are one of the most common reasons people seek healthcare. Many headaches are related not only to neurological factors but also to musculoskeletal tension, poor posture and neck dysfunction.

For many individuals, neck and spinal health play a major role in headache symptoms. Chiropractic care focuses on improving spinal movement, muscle balance and posture, which may help reduce the frequency and intensity of some headaches.

Below are the most common types of headaches and how chiropractic care may assist in their management.

1. Tension Headaches

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, accounting for approximately 70–80% of headaches in adults.

Common Symptoms

  • Dull aching pain

  • Tight pressure around the forehead or temples

  • Neck and shoulder tension

  • Pain on both sides of the head

Many people describe tension headaches as feeling like a tight band around the head.

Common Causes

Tension headaches are frequently linked to:

  • Poor posture

  • Long periods at a desk

  • Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders

  • Stress and fatigue

  • Jaw clenching or teeth grinding

How Chiropractic Care May Help

Chiropractic treatment may help relieve tension headaches by addressing joint stiffness and muscle tension in the neck.

Treatment may include:

  • Gentle spinal adjustments

  • Soft tissue therapy

  • Postural correction

  • Ergonomic advice

  • Stretching and strengthening exercises

Research suggests spinal manipulation may reduce headache frequency and improve neck mobility.

2. Cervicogenic Headaches

Cervicogenic headaches originate from structures in the neck (cervical spine) but the pain is felt in the head.

Symptoms

  • Pain beginning at the base of the skull

  • Head pain spreading to the forehead or behind the eye

  • Reduced neck movement

  • Pain that worsens with certain neck positions

Common Causes

These headaches often occur due to:

  • Neck joint dysfunction

  • Whiplash injuries

  • Postural strain

  • Muscle imbalance in the upper back and neck

How Chiropractic Care May Help

Because cervicogenic headaches originate from the neck, chiropractic care can be particularly helpful.

Chiropractic management may include:

  • Cervical spinal adjustments

  • Joint mobilisation

  • Soft tissue therapy

  • Postural rehabilitation

  • Neck strengthening exercises

Manual therapy has been shown in studies to reduce pain intensity and improve function in cervicogenic headaches.

3. Migraine Headaches

Migraines affect around 15% of the population and are considered a neurological condition.

Symptoms

  • Moderate to severe throbbing pain

  • Often on one side of the head

  • Sensitivity to light and sound

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Visual disturbances (aura)

Common Triggers

  • Stress

  • Hormonal changes

  • Lack of sleep

  • Certain foods

  • Neck tension

Can Chiropractic Help Migraines?

While migraines involve neurological mechanisms, neck tension and spinal dysfunction can contribute to triggers.

Chiropractic care may assist by:

  • Improving neck mobility

  • Reducing muscle tension

  • Improving posture

  • Decreasing mechanical stress on the nervous system

Some studies have found spinal manipulation therapy may reduce migraine frequency in some individuals.

4. Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are less common but extremely painful.

Symptoms

  • Severe pain around one eye

  • Headaches occurring in cycles

  • Watery eye or nasal congestion on one side

These headaches require medical diagnosis and management, but chiropractors may assist with musculoskeletal contributors that worsen symptoms.

Why Neck Posture Plays a Role in Headaches

The upper cervical spine interacts closely with nerves involved in headache pain. Dysfunction in the upper neck joints (C1–C3) may contribute to headache symptoms.

Modern lifestyle factors such as:

  • Prolonged computer use

  • Smartphone posture

  • Desk work

  • Poor ergonomics

can increase stress on the neck and contribute to headaches.

Chiropractic Care for Headaches in Sydney

At Advanced Care Chiropractic, we assess the musculoskeletal factors that may contribute to headaches.

Treatment plans may include:

  • Spinal adjustments

  • Postural correction

  • Soft tissue therapy

  • Neck strengthening

  • Ergonomic advice

Our goal is to identify the underlying causes of headaches and help reduce their frequency and severity.

Ask us at Advanced Care Chiropractic

If you are experiencing headaches, it’s time to get some advice. We will perform a full assessment of your spine and recommend treatment that might help.

Need help with headaches? Book a consultation with our Sydney chiropractors today.

 

References

World Health Organization. (2023). Headache disorders.
American Migraine Foundation. Migraine facts and statistics.
Bryans R et al. (2011). Evidence-based guidelines for chiropractic management of headache. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics.
Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C. (2015). Manual therapy in tension-type headache.
Racicki S. (2013). Conservative treatment of cervicogenic headache.