Does this sound familiar?

Headaches show up in different ways. You might notice:

A headache that starts at the base of your skull and spreads forward
A tight, band-like pressure around your forehead or temples
Headaches that build through the day at your desk or screen
A stiff, sore neck or tight shoulders alongside your headaches
Throbbing pain on one side, sometimes with nausea or sensitivity to light
Reaching for painkillers more often than you'd like

Migraines can have many triggers, from hormones to food and sleep. We'll take a full history and, where it helps, work alongside your GP or neurologist.

What causes headaches?

There are many types of headache. The ones we see most often come from the neck, the upper back and muscle tension. Common triggers include:

Desk and screen posture

Hours of looking down at a screen strain the muscles at the base of your skull.

Stress and tension

Stress tightens the neck, shoulder and jaw muscles that can trigger headaches.

Stiff neck joints

Joints in the upper neck that don't move freely can refer pain into your head.

Poor sleep

Too little sleep, or an awkward position and pillow, is a common trigger.

Jaw clenching

Grinding or clenching your teeth, often at night, loads the muscles around your temples.

Dehydration and skipped meals

Not drinking enough water or going too long without eating can set off a headache.

How we treat it

Every treatment starts with listening to your full story, including when your headaches happen and what seems to set them off, and assessing how your neck and upper back move. Your treatment is then tailored to you and may combine:

Chiropractic adjustments

Gentle adjustments to free up stiff joints in your upper neck and back. The pop is optional.

Mobilisations

Slower, gentle movements to restore movement in your neck, ideal if you prefer not to be adjusted.

Dry needling

Releases trigger points in the neck, shoulders and jaw muscles that can refer pain into your head.

Kinesio taping

Supports your posture and tired muscles between sessions.

Massage gun therapy

Percussive therapy to release tight muscles across your neck and shoulders.

Advice for home

Stretches, workstation set-up and tips to help you spot and manage your triggers.

What to expect at your first visit

Your story
A full case history: how often your headaches happen, how long they last, what seems to trigger them, and what you've tried so far.
Assessment
A postural assessment and orthopaedic and neurological tests to understand what's driving your headaches.
Treatment and a plan
Treatment where appropriate, plus a clear plan and advice for home. Your initial consultation is 45 to 60 minutes and costs R850; follow-ups are R690.

"Hands down, the best chiro in Cape Town! Melissa is gentle and incorporates a variety of treatment modalities. She sorted out my upper back spasms in a single session."

Dr Lulu B.Google review

Headache & migraine questions

Can a chiropractor help with migraines?

Some people find that chiropractic care helps reduce how often their migraines happen or how strong they are, especially when neck tension is one of the triggers. Migraines are complex, so we'll assess you fully and work alongside your doctor where needed.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on the type of headache, how long you've had them and your goals. We'll talk you through a plan at your first visit and adjust it as you improve.

I'm nervous about having my neck adjusted. Is there another option?

Yes. Adjustments are only one option. Mobilisations, dry needling, taping and soft tissue work can all be used instead, and nothing is done without your consent.

Can I claim from my medical aid?

You can claim for your sessions from your medical aid. You pay at your session and we email you an invoice to submit to your scheme. Our fees are below standard medical aid rates.

Headaches & migraines chiropractic treatment