Headaches & Migraines

Most headaches are a symptom, not the problem.

Headaches are so common that most people have stopped asking why they get them. They take something for the pain, it passes, and they move on — until the next one. But frequency and severity tend to increase over time when the underlying cause isn't addressed.

There are many types of headaches, and the distinction matters for treatment. Tension-type headaches, cervicogenic headaches (originating from the neck), migraines, and headaches driven by jaw or TMJ dysfunction all have different drivers — and the same painkiller approach applied to all of them is why many people find their headaches only partially managed at best.

The neck, jaw and nervous system connection

Cervicogenic headaches — those originating from the cervical spine and suboccipital muscles — are frequently misidentified as tension headaches or migraines. The upper three cervical nerve roots share pain pathways with the trigeminal nerve, which is why restricted joints or tight muscles at the base of the skull reliably produce pain that refers into the head, behind the eyes and across the forehead.

Migraines involve a more complex neurological picture, including changes in blood flow, nervous system sensitisation and cortical spreading depression. But musculoskeletal triggers — particularly neck tension, jaw clenching and altered breathing mechanics — are well-established contributors to migraine frequency and severity. Addressing these doesn't replace other management, but it often meaningfully reduces how often migraines occur.

How Dr Chase approaches it

Assessment looks at the full picture — the cervical spine, the base of the skull, the jaw, breathing patterns, and where relevant, the nervous system state. Many people with chronic headaches are also carrying significant autonomic load — their nervous system is running hot — and this lowers the threshold for headache onset considerably.

Treatment draws from cervical and thoracic joint mobilisation, suboccipital release, cranio-sacral therapy (which works with the rhythmic motion of the craniosacral system and can be highly effective for headache and migraine), and jaw work where TMJ dysfunction is contributing. For people with frequent migraines, nervous system regulation work is often a key part of the approach.

If headaches are a regular part of your life, it's worth understanding why — rather than managing them indefinitely.