Getting to the Bottom of Your Headaches
When you suffer from chronic headaches or migraines, the world feels loud, bright, and exhausting. It’s hard to be present for your family or focus on work when you’re constantly bracing for the next “attack.” Many people spend years “managing” these symptoms with medication, but what you really want is to find out why they keep coming back so you can reclaim your day.
At Harbour Chiropractic Southampton, I specialise in identifying headaches that originate from the neck and upper spine (Cervicogenic headaches). By addressing the physical triggers, we aim to reduce the frequency and intensity of your symptoms for good.
The Connection Between Your Neck and Your Head
Many headaches are actually “referred pain” from the joints and muscles at the very top of your neck. When these upper segments aren’t moving correctly, or the muscles at the base of your skull become chronically tight, they can irritate the nerves that travel into the head. This often creates a pattern of tension that feels like a band around the head or pain behind the eyes. By improving how these top joints function, we can often reduce the physical triggers that lead to frequent headaches.
My Approach: The Peace of Mind Assessment
We take a deep dive into your symptoms during your 30-minute Peace of Mind Assessment:
- Symptom Mapping: Discussing your triggers, frequency, and the nature of your headaches.
- Cervical Spine Examination: Specifically checking the upper neck joints for restriction.
- Muscle Tension Check: Identifying trigger points in the neck and shoulders that may be referring pain.
- A Clear Roadmap: Providing a diagnosis that explains the physical link to your headaches.
Headaches & Migraines: 3 Tips for Daily Management
- Hydration & Neck Tension: Dehydration can make the muscles at the base of your skull more prone to “trigger points.” Drinking consistent water throughout the day keeps these tissues more pliable and less likely to refer pain to your head.
- The Jaw Tension Check: Many neck-related headaches are worsened by jaw clenching. Periodically check that your teeth aren’t touching and your tongue is resting gently on the roof of your mouth to relax the facial and neck nerves.
- Screen Breaks for the Sub-Occipitals: If you work at a desk, the tiny muscles at the very top of your neck (sub-occipitals) work overtime to keep your head steady. Look away from the screen and rotate your head slowly every 30 minutes to break the “static hold”.