Headache & Migraine assessment in cammeray
Understaning your headache starts with a thorough assessment
Headaches and migraines can significantly affect your quality of life, interfering with work, exercise, sleep and everyday activities. While some headaches are associated with muscular tension or dysfunction in the cervical spine, others, including migraines, are complex neurological conditions influenced by multiple factors.
At Cammeray Chiropractic & Performance Centre, we take an individualised approach to headache assessment, recognising that effective management begins with understanding the underlying condition and identifying factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.
With over 28 years of clinical experience, principal chiropractor Andrew Richards combines detailed clinical examination, cervical and thoracic spinal assessment, biomechanical analysis and functional rehabilitation to investigate potential musculoskeletal contributors to recurring headaches.
Our objective is not simply to provide temporary symptom relief, but to develop an appropriate management strategy based on your clinical presentation. Where necessary, this includes working alongside your GP or other healthcare professionals.
Understanding Different Types of Headaches
1. Cervicogenic Headaches
Cervicogenic headaches originate from structures within the cervical spine (neck). They are commonly associated with restricted neck movement, joint dysfunction and pain that may radiate from the upper neck towards the back of the head, temples or forehead.
These headaches may be aggravated by sustained postures, particular neck movements or physical activities that place additional demands on the cervical spine.
Identifying and addressing relevant cervical dysfunction can play an important role in managing cervicogenic headaches.
2. Tension-Type Headaches
Tension-type headaches are among the most common headache disorders. They typically present as a dull, pressing or tightening sensation affecting both sides of the head.
Stress, sleep disturbance and muscular tenderness around the neck and shoulders may coexist with these headaches, although their underlying mechanisms are complex.
Management may involve education, stress management, exercise and addressing associated musculoskeletal symptoms where appropriate.
3. Migraines
Migraine is a complex neurological condition characterised by recurrent attacks of moderate to severe headache, often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and sometimes visual or sensory disturbances known as aura.
Migraine susceptibility can be influenced by factors such as sleep disruption, stress, hormonal changes and individual triggers.
While cervical dysfunction is not considered a primary cause of migraine, some individuals experience coexisting neck pain or cervicogenic headaches that may benefit from separate assessment and management.
Our Approach to Headache & Migraine Assessment
At Cammeray Chiropractic & Performance Centre, we believe that effective headache management begins with a thorough understanding of each patient's individual presentation. Rather than focusing solely on where the pain is experienced, we investigate the potential neurological, musculoskeletal and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to recurring headaches.
Clinical History and Functional Neurological Assessment
Our assessment begins with a detailed clinical history, including headache frequency, duration, intensity, associated symptoms, previous investigations and potential triggers. We also consider relevant medical history and screen for signs that may require further medical investigation.
We undertake a comprehensive examination of the cervical and thoracic spine, assessing joint mobility, muscular function, posture and movement patterns. Particular attention is given to identifying restrictions or mechanical dysfunction that may be contributing to neck-related headaches.
An important component of our examination is functional neurological assessment, where clinically indicated. This involves evaluating balance, visual function, vestibular function and proprioception — the sensory systems that help the brain understand where the body is positioned in space and coordinate movement and postural control. The brain continuously integrates information from these systems to maintain spatial awareness, stability and coordinated movement. Disturbances in sensory processing and integration can be associated with dizziness, visual sensitivity, balance difficulties and certain headache disorders, particularly vestibular migraine. By assessing these functions alongside cervical and thoracic biomechanics, we aim to identify relevant neurological and musculoskeletal findings that may influence an individual's symptoms and guide appropriate management.
With over 28 years of clinical experience, principal chiropractor Andrew Richards combines clinical examination with functional movement assessment to develop an individualised understanding of each patient's condition.
Our objective is to identify potentially modifiable contributing factors and develop an appropriate management strategy, rather than simply treating the location of the pain.
Where headache symptoms suggest a primary neurological condition, or further investigation is warranted, we encourage appropriate medical assessment and collaborative management.
Individualised Headache Treatment & Management
At Cammeray Chiropractic & Performance Centre, our approach to headache management is guided by the findings of your clinical assessment. We recognise that headaches and migraines are complex conditions, and effective management often requires addressing several contributing factors rather than relying on a single treatment.
Where musculoskeletal dysfunction is identified as a relevant contributor, treatment may include chiropractic adjustments, joint mobilisation, soft tissue therapy and targeted rehabilitation exercises. These interventions aim to improve spinal mobility, reduce associated neck pain and restore more comfortable movement and function.
Functional neurological rehabilitation may also form part of an individualised management plan where appropriate. This can include balance training, gaze-stabilisation exercises, proprioceptive retraining and exercises designed to improve coordination between the visual, vestibular and somatosensory systems. These approaches are selected according to the patient's assessment findings and clinical needs.
We also consider the influence of sleep, stress, physical activity, exercise habits and other lifestyle factors that may affect headache frequency or severity. Education and practical self-management strategies are important components of our approach.
For patients with migraine, chiropractic and rehabilitation interventions are not substitutes for evidence-based medical migraine management. Where appropriate, we work alongside GPs, neurologists and other healthcare professionals to support coordinated care.
Our goal is to help patients better understand their condition, address relevant modifiable factors and develop sustainable strategies for managing their symptoms.
Ready to Take the Next Step Towards Better Headache Management?
If you're experiencing recurring headaches or migraines and are looking for a more individualised approach to understanding and managing your symptoms, we're here to help.
At Cammeray Chiropractic & Performance Centre, we take the time to investigate your clinical history, assess relevant neurological and musculoskeletal function, and identify potential contributing factors that may be influencing your symptoms.
Not sure whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your headaches?
We offer a 15-minute discovery call to discuss your concerns, explain our assessment process and help determine whether an initial consultation may be appropriate.
Our clinic is conveniently located in Cammeray, servicing patients from Crows Nest, Northbridge, Cremorne, Neutral Bay and surrounding areas of Sydney's Lower North Shore.