Headaches are one of the most common reasons people seek help for head and neck discomfort. But not all headaches are created equal. From dull tension headaches to severe migraines, each type has different causes, symptoms and treatment approaches.
At North Coast Head, Neck and Jaw Centre in Ballina, we help people across the Northern Rivers understand what may be contributing to their headaches and how to manage them effectively. Whether your pain is occasional or persistent, identifying the type of headache you are experiencing is the first step towards relief.
Tension-Type Headaches
Tension-type headaches are the most common and often feel like a tight band or dull ache across both sides of the head. They may be linked to stress, poor posture, neck tension or jaw clenching.
These headaches are usually not severe, but can become frequent over time. Manual therapy, postural education, exercise therapy and stress management techniques may help reduce their intensity and frequency.
Migraine Headaches
Migraines are typically more intense and can include symptoms like throbbing pain (often on one side), nausea, sensitivity to light and sound and visual disturbances.
Triggers for migraines vary and may include stress, hormonal changes, certain foods or sleep disruption. Migraine is very complex and most people do benefit from learning more about their condition and what natural approaches have some evidence to support their use. Manual therapy is often useful as an adjunct therapy, along with lifestyle modifications and trigger management.
Cervicogenic Headaches
These headaches start in the neck and can radiate to the head, often presenting as one-sided pain behind the eyes or across the temple. They are commonly caused by issues in the cervical spine such as joint restriction, muscle tension or past injuries like whiplash.
Treatment may include gentle joint mobilisation, soft tissue techniques and movement strategies to restore function and reduce strain.
Jaw-Related Headaches
Tight jaw muscles, clenching and grinding (bruxism) can lead to headaches around the temples and sides of the head. This pain is often mistaken for a tension headache or migraine.
At our Ballina clinic, we assess jaw movement and may provide hands-on treatment to release tension in the jaw, head and neck. This approach may help relieve headaches with a jaw-related cause.
Cluster Headaches
Less common but highly painful, cluster headaches occur in cyclical bursts. They usually affect one side of the head, often around the eye, and may be accompanied by nasal congestion or eye watering.
While osteopathy is not a primary treatment for cluster headaches, we may be able to support surrounding structures and relieve additional tension in the head and neck.
When to Seek Help
It may be time to seek support if you:
- Experience frequent or recurring headaches
- Notice pain that worsens with neck movement or posture
- Get headaches after long hours at a screen
- Suspect jaw tension may be contributing to your symptoms
We regularly help people across the Northern Rivers with these and other issues.
Supporting Long-Term Results
At North Coast Head, Neck and Jaw Centre, we take a focused, research-informed approach to headache care. We begin with a thorough case history and physical assessment to understand what may be contributing to your pain.
Our goal is to reduce your symptoms and help prevent them from returning. This may include hands-on osteopathic treatment, education around posture or jaw movement and advice you can apply at home.