Headache Treatment for Byron Bay

A lot of people come to us from Byron Bay having tried everything for their headaches except finding out what is causing them. That is the part we do, and at North Coast Head Neck & Jaw Centre it is all we do. Our Ballina clinic is half an hour down the motorway, and we also have a clinic in Lismore, so you can be seen at either.

Headaches that have not responded to other care

If you have been through the GP, the physio, the massage therapist and the pharmacy shelf and the headaches are still there, the likely reason is that the driver has not been identified. Upper neck joints, the muscles at the base of the skull, jaw clenching and past head or neck injuries are frequent culprits, and they are easy to miss in a general appointment.

Part of the problem is that the types feel alike. Cervicogenic headache begins at the base of the skull, sits on one side and changes with neck position, and it is one of the most under-diagnosed. Tension-type headache is steadier and posture-related. Migraine, with or without aura, brings nausea and light or sound sensitivity. Post-traumatic headache can follow a surfing wipeout or a bike fall by months. Pain relief taken on most days can itself become the driver, which is worth ruling out before anything else. And some headaches have causes outside what we treat, which we will tell you if that is what we find.

Our headaches page explains the different types and how we work with each, including migraine. Jaw involvement is common in the people we see from Byron; see our jaw pain page for Byron Bay.

Who you will see

Appointments are with Dr Leon Erdrich (Osteopath), an AHPRA registered osteopath whose special interest is the head, neck and jaw. He is also a clinical educator in the osteopathy program at Southern Cross University.

You get a clear explanation of what we find and treatment aimed at it, rather than another round of symptom relief. Most people who reach us have already tried several things without a clear answer. We work alongside your GP or other practitioners rather than instead of them, and if this is not the right treatment for you, we would rather tell you at the first visit than string it out.

When a headache pattern needs a proper look

More than two headaches a week, most weeks
A headache that starts in the neck or behind one eye
Pain that builds through a day at the laptop
Waking with a headache or a tight jaw
Headaches since a surfing wipeout, bike fall or car accident
Painkillers that work less than they used to

Sudden severe headache, or headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, weakness or vision changes, is a medical emergency. Call 000.

Where to find us

Ballina is the closer clinic for Byron Bay: about 30 minutes down the Pacific Motorway, or 40 on the coast road through Lennox Head. Lismore is around 50 minutes via Bangalow and runs Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday mornings, which helps if the Ballina days do not suit. Whichever you choose, you see the same osteopath and your records follow you.

Ballina Clinic

Lismore Clinic

What happens at your first appointment

It takes an hour. The first part is a conversation: how the headaches started, what they feel like, what you have tried and what has and has not helped. The second part is hands-on: neck movement, the joints at the top of the spine, the muscles around the skull and jaw, and posture. We explain what we are finding as we go, agree a plan, and usually begin treatment in the same session. Comfortable clothing is all you need.

Headache questions answered

I have tried physio, massage and medication. How is this different?

The assessment goes deeper into the neck and jaw than a general appointment does, and it looks at the two together, which is often where the missing piece has been. Physio and massage may have eased the symptoms without anyone identifying what was setting them off.

Could a wipeout years ago still be causing headaches?

Yes. Whiplash-type injuries from surfing, cycling or car accidents can leave the upper neck restricted long after the acute pain settles, and headaches are a common late effect.

I have migraine with aura and take preventatives. Will treatment interfere?

No. We address the neck and jaw contributors and sit alongside whatever your GP or neurologist has prescribed. We will ask what you take so we can coordinate.

My scans were normal. Does that mean nothing is wrong?

Normal scans are common in people with neck or jaw-driven headaches, because the problem is in how the joints and muscles function, not in their structure. That is assessed by hand, not by imaging.

I am in Byron on a working visa. Can I still book?

Yes, there is no residency requirement. Bring details of any Australian or reciprocal cover; otherwise fees are payable on the day.

How long is the first appointment, and what does it cover?

An hour: the history of your headaches, then a hands-on assessment of the neck, upper spine, jaw and posture, explained as we go. Treatment usually begins in the same session.

How many sessions does it usually take?

There is no fixed number. After assessing you we will tell you what we think is driving the headaches and roughly what it will take to change it.

Can I claim, and do I need a referral?

No referral needed. Health fund claims go through HICAPS at the clinic; GP management plans attract a $61.80 Medicare rebate.

How to book

Book online any time. Choose Ballina or Lismore, then an initial consultation. A 50% deposit secures the booking. Full fees and what to bring are on our patient information page.

Book an appointment

If you have run out of things to try, the next step is finding out what is actually causing the headaches. Ballina is half an hour down the motorway. Book online, or ask us something first.