Headaches?
It Could Be
Your Neck.
Chiropractic-Led · Cervical Spine Focus · 5 Clinics
Many headaches don't start in the head — they start in the neck. Cervicogenic and tension headaches originating from the cervical spine are among the most common presentations our chiropractors see. We assess your upper neck, identify areas of joint restriction and muscular tension, and work with our massage therapists and acupuncturists to support your recovery.
Your Neck.
Your Headaches.
Connected.
Research consistently shows that many headaches have a cervical spine component. The upper three vertebrae of your neck (C1, C2, C3) share a neurological pathway with the head and face via the trigeminocervical nucleus — meaning dysfunction in these joints can directly produce headache symptoms.
Our chiropractors assess the mobility and alignment of your upper cervical spine, identify areas of restriction, and use precise adjustment techniques to restore normal joint function. By addressing the cervical spine component, chiropractic care aims to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of headache episodes. This is one of the presentations our chiropractors work with most frequently.
At WYLD, chiropractic care for headaches is powerfully supported by massage therapy for the chronic muscular tension that feeds headache cycles, and acupuncture for nervous system regulation — all under one roof.
Book a Chiropractic AssessmentWhy Do Headaches Happen?
Headaches have many triggers — but many have a physical, structural component that responds well to hands-on care. These are the most common types our chiropractors and massage therapists see.
Cervicogenic Headache
Originating from the joints, muscles or nerves of the upper cervical spine (C1-C3). Typically one-sided, starting at the base of the skull and radiating to the forehead, temple or behind the eye. Worsened by sustained postures or neck movement. This is the type most commonly seen by chiropractors.
Tension Headache
The most common headache type worldwide. A band-like pressure around the head, often driven by sustained muscular tension in the neck, shoulders and jaw. Strongly associated with stress, poor posture and screen time. Massage therapy and chiropractic care commonly work alongside each other for this presentation.
Migraine
A neurological condition producing intense, often throbbing pain — frequently one-sided — with possible nausea, light sensitivity and visual disturbance. While migraines have complex triggers, many patients report that cervical spine dysfunction and muscular tension contribute to their frequency. Our chiropractors and acupuncturists commonly see patients who experience migraines.
Posture & Screen Time
Forward head posture from desk work and device use places enormous strain on the upper cervical joints and suboccipital muscles. These structures directly feed into the headache pathway. Hours of sustained posture can trigger or perpetuate headache cycles.
Jaw & TMJ Tension
Clenching, grinding (bruxism) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction create tension through the jaw, temples and upper neck. This is a common but often overlooked contributor to chronic headaches — particularly headaches felt at the temples or behind the eyes.
Whiplash & Injury
Head and neck trauma — from car accidents, sport or falls — can damage the cervical joints and ligaments that contribute to headache patterns. Post-traumatic headaches are common after whiplash and concussion. If your headaches started after an injury, ACC may subsidise your care.
The Full
Approach.
While chiropractic assessment of the cervical spine is our starting point for headaches, the most effective approach often combines multiple therapies — particularly massage for muscular release and acupuncture for nervous system regulation.
Massage Therapy — Chronic tension in the trapezius, suboccipital muscles and levator scapulae directly contributes to headache cycles. Regular massage can help break the tension-pain loop, reduce muscle guarding and extend the benefits of chiropractic adjustment. Many of our headache patients book combined chiropractic and massage visits.
Acupuncture — Our acupuncturists commonly work with patients presenting with chronic headaches and migraines. Acupuncture may support pain modulation, nervous system regulation and stress reduction — all factors in headache management. ACC-registered for injury-related headaches.
Physiotherapy — For headaches associated with postural dysfunction, workplace ergonomics or post-concussion recovery, our physiotherapists provide targeted rehabilitation, dry needling and corrective exercise to address the underlying physical contributors.
What to Expect
A thorough chiropractic assessment of your cervical spine — because finding the source of your headaches is everything.
Headache History
Your chiropractor takes a detailed history — understanding your headache patterns, frequency, triggers, duration, associated symptoms, lifestyle, work setup and any previous injuries or investigations.
Cervical Assessment
A hands-on examination including range of motion testing, orthopaedic tests, neurological screening and spinal palpation to identify areas of restricted movement.
Clinical Findings
Your chiropractor explains what they've found — whether cervical joint restriction, muscular tension, postural factors or a combination is contributing to your headaches — and outlines a recommended approach.
Your First Session
If appropriate, chiropractic care may begin at your first visit — often including upper cervical adjustment and soft tissue work. Your chiropractor explains everything before proceeding.
Headaches After an Injury?
ACC Can Help.
If your headaches started after an injury — whiplash, concussion, a fall or workplace accident — ACC may subsidise your chiropractic care at WYLD. Post-traumatic headaches are one of the most common ACC-covered presentations we see.
No GP referral is required. Our chiropractors and physiotherapists are registered ACC providers and can lodge a new claim at your first appointment. Simply mention your injury when booking.
WYLD is also recognised by Southern Cross health insurance for chiropractic, physiotherapy and acupuncture.
Book Your Chiropractic Assessment
Select your nearest clinic to book online. New patients welcome. ACC patients — mention your injury and headache symptoms when booking.
Headache & Migraine FAQ
Headaches can originate from many sources including cervical spine dysfunction, muscular tension in the neck and shoulders, poor posture, stress, jaw clenching, dehydration and hormonal changes. Cervicogenic headaches — originating from the upper neck joints — are one of the most common types our chiropractors work with.
Chiropractors commonly work with patients presenting with headaches — particularly cervicogenic and tension-type headaches. Research supports that many headaches have a cervical spine component. Chiropractic care focuses on assessing upper cervical function and using precise adjustment to address joint restriction that may be contributing to headache patterns.
If your headaches are the result of an injury — such as whiplash, concussion or a fall — ACC may subsidise your chiropractic care. No GP referral is required — your chiropractor can lodge a claim at your first appointment. Post-traumatic headaches are a common ACC-covered presentation.
A cervicogenic headache originates from the joints, muscles or nerves of the upper cervical spine — typically C1, C2 or C3. It often presents as one-sided head pain starting at the base of the skull, radiating to the forehead, temple or behind the eye. It is commonly worsened by sustained neck postures and can be confused with migraine or tension headache. Our chiropractors are experienced in identifying this type of headache.
Yes. Chronic tension in the neck, shoulder and suboccipital muscles is a major contributor to both tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches. Therapeutic massage can help release this tension, break the pain-tension cycle and extend the benefits of chiropractic care. Many of our headache patients book combined chiropractic and massage sessions at WYLD.
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience a sudden, severe headache unlike anything you've had before ("thunderclap headache"), headache with fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizure, vision loss, weakness, difficulty speaking, or headache after a head injury with worsening symptoms. For recurring or chronic headaches without these features, our chiropractors can assess you promptly.
WYLD has 5 Auckland clinics: Ponsonby (20 Jervois Road), Newmarket (2A Railway Street), Takapuna (439 Lake Road), Howick (128 Picton Street) and Birkenhead (119 Birkenhead Avenue). All offer chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage and acupuncture. Open 7 days.
5 Auckland Clinics
"Headaches with a cervical spine component are one of the most common presentations across all 5 WYLD clinics — our chiropractors, massage therapists and acupuncturists are here to help."
Ponsonby · Newmarket · Takapuna · Howick · Birkenhead