Headaches: osteopathic care in Brisbane

Some headaches sit with a stiff neck and tight shoulder girdle. Those are the presentations this page is about.
Dr Choi may assess the musculoskeletal contributors. He does not diagnose migraine, cluster headache or medical causes of headache from a website, and he does not replace your GP for those conditions.

Symptoms people often describe

ache that starts at the base of the skull and comes over the head
tightness behind the eyes after a long screen day
a headache that eases a little when the neck moves
accompanying shoulder tightness

Common contributing factors

Cervical and thoracic stiffness, desk load, jaw clenching, poor sleep, and a recent spike in training. Dehydration and missed meals also matter and are not treated with osteopathy.

How an osteopath assesses this

You will be asked about sudden onset, the worst headache of your life, fever, rash, visual change, weakness, after trauma, and known migraine history. Neck and upper back are examined when the history supports a musculoskeletal component.

What treatment may involve

Work to the neck, upper back and related soft tissue, plus load and desk advice. If the history sounds medical rather than musculoskeletal, you will be sent to a GP.

What you can do between visits

Regular movement breaks. Screen height. The specific movements from your visit only.

When to see a GP or go to emergency

Call 000 or go to emergency for a sudden severe headache, headache with fever and stiff neck, headache after a blow to the head, or headache with weakness, confusion or visual loss. See a GP for a new or changing headache pattern.

Osteopathy is a musculoskeletal healthcare profession. Dr Choi assesses and treats the muscles, joints and related tissues that may be contributing to your symptoms. He does not treat non-musculoskeletal disease, and he will refer you to your GP when that is the safer path.

Call 0435 645 190 or send a time request on the contact page. You will get a reply to confirm the appointment. Allow 60 minutes for an initial visit.

Internal links: Neck pain · First visit · Osteopathy
FAQ
Can you treat migraine? Migraine is a medical diagnosis. This clinic may assist with neck and shoulder musculoskeletal tension that some people get alongside headache. Medical migraine care stays with your GP.
Do I stop taking prescribed medication? No. Medication changes are not made in this clinic.