Headache Treatment for Evans Head

Headaches that have been around for years still have a cause, and it is usually one that has never been properly looked for. Finding it is what North Coast Head Neck & Jaw Centre does; head, neck and jaw conditions are the whole of our practice. Our Ballina clinic is half an hour north of Evans Head, and we also have a clinic in Lismore. You can be seen at either.

Long-standing headaches deserve a proper assessment

Many people from Evans Head and Woodburn come to us with headaches that have been around for years and have simply been lived with. Long-standing does not mean untreatable. Old neck injuries, years of physical work, worn upper neck joints and habitual jaw clenching are all things that can be assessed and addressed.

History changes the picture. Cervicogenic headache from wear in the upper neck joints typically sits at the back of the head and is worse in the morning or after looking down. Tension-type headache is steadier and posture-driven. Migraine can persist for decades or change character over time. Post-traumatic headache from a fall or a crash long ago can still be driving things. Pain relief taken on most days can itself keep a headache going, which we will talk through with you. And some headaches have causes outside what we treat, in which case we will say so and point you to the right person.

Our headaches page describes the types we see most, including migraine. If your jaw is part of it, see jaw pain treatment for Evans Head.

Who you will see

You will be seen by Dr Leon Erdrich (Osteopath), an AHPRA registered osteopath with a special interest in treating the head, neck and jaw, who also teaches in the osteopathy program at Southern Cross University.

We begin with a detailed history and a hands-on examination of the neck, jaw and the muscles around the head, then explain what we find and what can be done about it. Treatment is adapted to you, and we will tell you if we think something else needs looking at first.

Also assessed at the same appointment

Headaches often come with a stiff neck, a sore jaw or bouts of dizziness. Because we treat all of these, one appointment covers the lot.

Migraine

Migraine is a complex condition often linked to the nervous system. We support your recovery through manual therapy, lifestyle advice and trigger management.

Jaw & Orofacial Pain

Pain, tightness or clicking in the jaw may indicate TMD. Jaw movement, muscles and surrounding structures: we assess all three.

Whiplash & Neck Pain

Neck pain after injury or strain can affect movement, sleep and posture. We provide targeted treatment and self care strategies to support healing.

Vertigo & Dizziness

Balance issues and dizziness can be linked to the neck, jaw or inner ear. We assess your symptoms and guide you through rehab and recovery.

Where to find us

Ballina is the closer clinic for Evans Head: take Woodburn Evans Head Road to the highway and head north through Wardell, about 30 minutes. Our Lismore clinic is around 50 minutes via Coraki, and runs Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday mornings if the Ballina days do not suit. The same osteopath works at both, and your records move with you.

Ballina Clinic

Lismore Clinic

Headache questions answered

I have had headaches for twenty years. Is it too late?

No. Long-standing headaches often have a physical contributor that has never been assessed. Change may take longer than with a recent pattern, but people with decades of headaches do improve once the cause is addressed.

Could arthritis in my neck be causing them?

Wear in the upper neck joints is a common source of headache in older adults, particularly at the back of the head, worse in the morning or after looking down. We assess for it specifically.

Is neck treatment safe at my age?

Yes. We assess before we treat, adapt techniques to you, use gentler approaches where appropriate, and will say if we think something else needs checking first.

I take painkillers most days. Is that a problem?

Daily pain relief can itself cause headaches, known as medication overuse headache. We will talk it through and, where needed, work with your GP on reducing reliance.

What should I expect on my first visit?

An hour: your headache history, then a hands-on assessment of the neck, jaw and surrounding muscles, explained in plain language. Treatment usually begins in the same visit.

How often would I need to come up?

Less than you might think. Once we know what is driving the headaches, follow-ups are spaced to what is practical, with things to do at home in between.

Do you see DVA or workers' compensation patients?

Case by case. Get in touch before booking and we will let you know.

Do I need a referral?

No. Book directly. If your GP has set up a management plan, bring it and we will claim the $61.80 Medicare rebate for you. Health fund claims go through HICAPS.

When to stop putting it off

Headaches most weeks for more than a few months
Pain at the back of the head, worse first thing in the morning
Headaches that came on after a fall or car accident, however long ago
Neck stiffness that has crept up over the years
Taking pain relief on more days than not
Jaw ache, clicking or grinding alongside the headaches

Sudden, severe headache, or headache with fever, confusion, weakness or loss of vision, needs urgent care. Call 000.

How to book

Book online and select the Ballina clinic, or call if you would prefer. New patients pay a 50% deposit at booking. Fees, rebates and what to bring are on our patient information page.

Book an appointment

Headaches you have lived with for years still have a cause worth identifying. Ballina is half an hour up the highway. Book an initial consultation, or call us if you would rather talk it through first.