Conditions we treat

Headaches & Migraines

If you are reaching for pain relief tablets more than twice a week, your headaches deserve a proper assessment — not just symptom management.

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Understanding Headaches & Migraines

Headaches are one of the most common neurological complaints worldwide, yet many people never identify the underlying cause. A significant proportion of headaches — particularly those that are recurrent, one-sided, or associated with neck stiffness — are cervicogenic in origin, meaning they arise from dysfunction in the cervical spine. At Sera Spine & Rehab, we assess the full picture: neck mobility, muscle tension, posture, jaw function, and lifestyle factors, to identify what is actually driving your headaches.

Root causes

What causes headaches & migraines?

Cervical Joint Dysfunction

Restricted or irritated joints at the upper cervical levels (C1–C3) have a direct neurological relationship with the trigeminal nerve, reliably producing headache symptoms.

Muscle Trigger Points

Active trigger points in the upper trapezius, suboccipitals, sternocleidomastoid, and temporalis muscles refer pain in patterns that mimic tension headaches and migraines.

Forward Head Posture

Sustained forward head posture increases load on the cervical spine and creates the muscle tension and joint restriction that drives cervicogenic headaches.

Stress & Jaw Tension

Psychological stress causes unconscious clenching of the jaw and neck muscles. TMJ dysfunction and bruxism (teeth grinding) are common contributors to chronic headache.

Dehydration & Lifestyle Factors

Inadequate hydration, irregular sleep, caffeine dependence, and prolonged screen use are common headache triggers that compound structural contributors.

Hormonal Factors

Hormonal fluctuations — particularly around menstruation — are a well-established migraine trigger in women, often interacting with musculoskeletal contributors.

Signs & symptoms

How does it present?

Recurrent headaches occurring more than twice per week
Pain that starts at the base of the skull and radiates forward
One-sided head pain, often on the same side as neck stiffness
Headaches that worsen with sustained neck postures or screen use
Associated neck stiffness or restricted rotation
Sensitivity to light or sound during headache episodes
Nausea accompanying severe headaches
Headaches that respond poorly to pain medication

Our approach

How Sera Spine & Rehab treats headaches & migraines

Chiropractic

Specific cervical and upper thoracic adjustments restore joint mobility and reduce the nerve irritation that drives cervicogenic headaches. Many patients see a significant reduction in headache frequency within a few sessions.

Myotherapy

Trigger point therapy and dry needling target the specific muscles — upper trapezius, suboccipitals, sternocleidomastoid — that refer pain into the head. This is often the missing piece for patients who have tried other treatments without success.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy addresses the postural and movement contributors to headache, with manual therapy, cervical strengthening, and education on ergonomics and lifestyle modifications.

Exercise Rehabilitation

Strengthening the deep neck flexors and improving thoracic mobility reduces the structural load that perpetuates cervicogenic headaches long-term.

Your first visit

What to expect at your appointment

1
A detailed headache history: frequency, duration, location, triggers, associated symptoms, and medication use.
2
Cervical assessment including range of motion, joint mobility testing, and muscle palpation to identify contributing factors.
3
A clear explanation of your headache type and what is driving it — many patients find this alone is enormously reassuring.
4
Hands-on treatment in your first appointment targeting the identified contributors.
5
A management plan including treatment, home exercises, and practical advice on triggers and lifestyle factors.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my headaches are coming from my neck?

Key signs include headaches that start at the base of the skull, are associated with neck stiffness, worsen with sustained postures, or are consistently one-sided. A thorough assessment will clarify this.

Can chiropractic help migraines?

Chiropractic is not a cure for migraine, but it can reduce the frequency and severity of episodes for many people — particularly when cervical dysfunction is a contributing trigger. We will be honest with you about what to expect.

I have been taking pain medication daily — is that a problem?

Frequent use of pain medication (more than 2–3 days per week) can actually cause medication overuse headache, which perpetuates the cycle. Addressing the underlying cause is the most effective long-term strategy.

When should I see a doctor about my headaches?

Seek urgent medical attention for a sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache, headache with fever or stiff neck, headache following head injury, or headache with neurological symptoms such as vision changes, weakness, or confusion.