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Osteopathy · Headaches & Migraines

Headaches
& migraines.

Tension, cervicogenic, or migraine — the neck is often part of the picture.

Not all headaches come from the head. True cervicogenic headache — pain referred from the upper cervical spine — is less common than is often claimed, accounting for roughly 3–4% of headaches (Robinson et al., Cephalalgia, 2025). But the neck contributes to far more than that: suboccipital and cervical muscle tension drives much of tension-type headache, and neck dysfunction is a recognised aggravator of migraine.

Last updated: October 2026

Not all headaches come from the head. True cervicogenic headache — pain referred from the upper cervical spine — is less common than is often claimed, accounting for roughly 3–4% of headaches (Robinson et al., Cephalalgia, 2025). But the neck contributes to far more than that: suboccipital and cervical muscle tension drives much of tension-type headache, and neck dysfunction is a recognised aggravator of migraine. That is where hands-on treatment of the upper neck earns its place.

Common causes

Cervicogenic headache

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Originating from C1–C3 joints and muscles. Often one-sided, starts at the base of skull, triggered by neck movement.

Tension-type headache

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Band-like pressure from sustained muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and scalp. Classic desk and stress headache.

Suboccipital tension

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The muscles at the base of the skull refer pain into the head and behind the eyes. Very common and very treatable.

Migraine (with cervical component)

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Many migraines have a cervical trigger. Treating neck dysfunction reduces frequency and severity.
Close-up of a dry needling needle being placed into the upper trapezius muscle at the base of the neck
Dry needling for trigger points, where it is appropriate.

How we treat it

Upper cervical mobilisation, suboccipital release, and thoracic spine work. We also address postural and ergonomic factors driving the recurring pattern.

Ready to get started?

Same-week appointments available. Initial consult 60 min · $149 · HICAPS on-site.

Common questions

FAQ: headaches & migraines

Can osteopathy treat migraines?
We treat the cervical component that often triggers or worsens migraines. Many patients see reduced frequency and severity.
How do I know if my headache is cervicogenic?
Clues: starts in the neck or base of skull, one-sided, worsened by neck movement, relieved by pressure on the neck. We'll assess properly.
How many sessions will I need?
Most people see meaningful change in 3–4 sessions. Chronic headache patterns may take longer to unwind.

Seen enough?
Let's fix it.

Book an initial assessment in Berwick. Same-week availability most weeks.

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