Headaches & Migraines
Headaches are so common that most people assume they are just something to put up with. Pop a painkiller, wait it out, and hope tomorrow is better.
But if they keep coming back, if they are affecting your work, your sleep, or the things you enjoy, that cycle is worth investigating rather than just managing indefinitely. There is usually something driving them. Finding out what it is makes a real difference. Not all headaches are the same
The type of headache you have matters, because it shapes what will actually help. The most common kinds we see at BTC fall into a few main categories.
Tension-type headaches are the most familiar: a dull, pressing sensation, often described as a band tightening around the head. They tend to build through the day and are closely linked to muscle tension in the neck, upper back, and sometimes the jaw.
Cervicogenic headaches originate from the neck itself, specifically from the joints and structures of the upper cervical spine. They often feel like a deep ache at the back of the head or behind one eye, and are frequently one-sided. Without a proper assessment, they are often mistaken for migraines.
Migraines are a different animal. They typically involve throbbing or pulsing pain, often on one side, that can last hours or even days. They may come with nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes an aura beforehand: visual disturbances, tingling, or a strange sense that one is coming. Migraines are driven by neurological processes, but musculoskeletal factors often play a role in how often they occur and how severe they are.
Cluster headaches are less common but extremely intense: short, searing episodes centred around one eye, occurring in clusters over days or weeks.
Why they happen?
For tension-type and cervicogenic headaches, the story usually involves the neck and upper back. Prolonged desk or screen work, restricted joint movement in the upper cervical spine, chronically tight muscles in the shoulders and neck, and sometimes jaw tension can all create the conditions for recurring headaches. Posture and movement patterns that place repeated strain on the same structures over time are often part of the picture too.
Migraines are more complex. There is often an underlying neurological predisposition, but what triggers individual attacks varies from person to person: hormonal changes, disrupted sleep, certain foods or drinks, stress, and changes in routine are all common contributors. Musculoskeletal tension can be both a trigger and a consequence, as the tension that builds before and during an attack can intensify and prolong it.
How we approach it at Brixton Therapy Centre
The first step is always a proper assessment. The right treatment depends on understanding what kind of headache you are dealing with and what is driving it, and that requires more than a description of your symptoms.
For tension-type and cervicogenic headaches, osteopathy is often the most effective starting point. Our osteopaths work on the joints and soft tissues of the neck and upper back, restoring movement and releasing the patterns of tension that are feeding the cycle. For some presentations, dry needling can be a useful addition: it targets specific muscle trigger points in the neck and shoulders that contribute to recurring headache pain.
For migraines, we start with an osteopathic assessment to understand what musculoskeletal factors may be contributing and to address those first. Once that picture is clear, acupuncture is often brought in alongside osteopathic treatment. It has strong clinical evidence for migraine prevention and is recommended by NICE as a preventive approach. Our acupuncturists take a whole-person view, and for many people working with both disciplines together offers the most sustained improvement.
Massage can also play a supporting role, particularly where persistent tension in the neck and shoulders is a consistent trigger for either tension headaches or migraines.
Ready to book your appointment?
We offer a range of treatments to help you feel your best. Book online,
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You do not need to know what type of headache you have
If your headaches are regular, getting worse, or affecting your quality of life, that is enough reason to come in. Our practitioners will carry out a thorough assessment to work out what is going on, which means any treatment is based on what your body actually needs rather than a best guess. If there is anything that needs ruling out medically, they will let you know.
Questions People Ask Us
Can you tell from an assessment what kind of headache I have?
Often, yes. A thorough assessment looks at your headache pattern, history, and triggers alongside the physical state of your neck, jaw, and upper back. This usually gives a clear enough picture to identify whether what you are experiencing is predominantly musculoskeletal, neurological, or a combination of both. In some cases, your practitioner will advise that further investigation is worth pursuing.
I have had migraines for years. Is there still something you can do?
Yes. Chronic migraines often involve a combination of neurological predisposition and contributing physical factors. Even if migraines cannot be eliminated entirely, reducing their frequency, severity, or duration is a meaningful and achievable goal for many people. Acupuncture in particular has evidence supporting its use in longer-term migraine management.
My headaches started after a whiplash injury. Can osteopathy help?
Headaches following a whiplash injury often have a cervicogenic component, meaning they are linked to how the neck is moving and functioning after the trauma. This is something osteopathy is well placed to assess and treat.
Are my headaches a sign of something serious?
Most recurring headaches are not caused by anything sinister, but it is always worth having them properly assessed. Our practitioners are trained to recognise features that warrant further investigation and will refer you on if appropriate. Coming in while things are manageable is always better than leaving them unexamined.
Related Conditions
Jaw pain and TMJ dysfunction: tension in the jaw and surrounding muscles is frequently connected to headaches, particularly tension-type ones. The two often need to be considered together.
Still Not Sure?
If you're in pain and wondering whether we can help, that's exactly why we're here. You don't need to know what the problem is. You don't need a referral. You just need to take the first step. Book online today or call 020 7733 9944 to speak to us.