Headaches: Common Doesn’t Mean Normal – Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Them
Headaches are one of the most frequently reported health concerns worldwide. Many people see them as a part of everyday life—especially in the context of modern stress, screen time, and posture challenges.
But just because they’re common doesn’t mean they’re normal. Recurring headaches often signal underlying issues that deserve attention. For some, chiropractic or osteopathic care can be a helpful part of a broader solution.
How Common Are Headaches?
A Widespread Issue: According to the World Health Organization, about half of adults globally report a headache within a given year. Frequent headaches can affect concentration, sleep, mood, and overall quality of life.
Medication Isn’t Always the Answer: Many people turn to over-the-counter medication for quick relief, but regular use of painkillers may actually lead to medication-overuse headaches (NICE, 2021). That’s why finding drug-free approaches is becoming increasingly important.
Understanding the Root Causes:
Tension and Postural Strain: The most common type of headache—tension-type—often arises from muscular strain in the neck and upper back, frequently linked to poor posture, long hours at a desk, or high stress levels.
Neck-Related Headaches (Cervicogenic): These headaches stem from dysfunction in the neck’s joints, muscles, or nerves and can mimic migraines or tension headaches. Evidence supports manual therapy, including spinal manipulation and mobilisation, as a potentially effective treatment for cervicogenic headaches (Bryans et al., J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 2011).
Lifestyle Factors: Poor sleep, dehydration, and emotional stress are additional contributors that both chiropractors and osteopaths frequently assess as part of a whole body view of headache management.
How Chiropractic and Osteopathy Can Help
Chiropractors and osteopaths are trained to assess, diagnose, and manage musculoskeletal causes of headaches, particularly those involving the spine and surrounding soft tissues.
Hands-On Care: Both professions use manual techniques—such as joint mobilisation, spinal manipulation, and soft tissue work—to improve movement, reduce muscle tension, and restore function in the neck and upper back.
Specific Assessments: Care begins with a thorough assessment to identify patterns contributing to the headaches, such as postural strain, spinal restriction, or muscle imbalance.
Lifestyle and Movement Advice: Chiropractors and osteopaths often support hands-on care with advice on posture, ergonomics, stretching, and stress management tecniques to reduce recurrence.
Collaborative Care: Where appropriate, they also work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive comprehensive support—especially in complex or persistent cases.
Evidence-Informed Approach
Systematic reviews and guidelines suggest that spinal manipulation and manual therapy may help reduce the frequency and intensity of cervicogenic and tension-type headaches, especially when combined with education and exercise (Cochrane Database, 2016; NICE, 2021). While not a cure-all, these approaches can offer significant relief for many patients.
When to Seek Help
If you're experiencing frequent or worsening headaches, it’s important to get assessed. A qualified practitioner can rule out more serious causes and help determine whether musculoskeletal factors are part of the problem. Chiropractic and osteopathy may be appropriate if your headaches are linked to posture, movement, or spinal dysfunction.
Headaches may be a common part of modern life, but they’re not something you should simply put up with. Chiropractic and osteopathic care offer safe, non-pharmaceutical options to help manage and prevent certain types of headache—particularly those related to neck tension and posture. If you’re looking for a personalised, hands-on approach to understanding and managing your headaches, our team is here to help.