Headache & Migraine Chiropractor in Sydney’s North Shore & Northern Beaches
Nomad Chiropractic provides evidence-informed headache and migraine chiropractic care in Mosman, supporting patients across Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches. Our chiropractors assess neck function, posture, spinal joint movement and nervous system regulation to help reduce headache frequency, intensity and recurrence. We commonly support cervicogenic (neck-related) headaches, tension headaches and migraine presentations using gentle, individualised care that focuses on long-term relief rather than symptom suppression.
Natural Headache & Migraine Relief in Mosman | Sydney’s Lower North Shore
Headaches and migraines are often linked to tension, posture strain, nervous system overload, and dysfunction in the neck and upper spine. At Nomad Chiropractic in Mosman, we provide evidence-informed, neurologically-focused chiropractic care for adults experiencing tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches, stress-related headaches, and migraines.
Our approach looks beyond symptom suppression to address contributing factors such as cervical spine mechanics, muscle tension, nervous system regulation, and lifestyle stressors. Through gentle spinal adjustments, soft-tissue support, posture correction, and personalised care plans, we help Sydney adults reduce headache frequency, intensity, and reliance on medication — supporting long-term resilience and improved quality of life.
Headache & migraine chiropractic care | Mosman chiropractor | Adult nervous system support | Sydney Lower North Shore
Headache & Migraine Relief
It’s vital that headache sufferers have their spine examined and, if appropriate, seek early, effective drug-free chiropractic care. Along with some simple lifestyle changes, this can go a long way to relieve pain, reduce the incidence of headache and migraine and help people take back control of their life.
Headache & Migraine Chiropractic – Mosman
✔ Location: Mosman, Sydney
✔ Areas Served: North Shore & Northern Beaches
✔ Common Headache Types: Cervicogenic (neck-related), tension, migraine-type
✔ Care Approach: Gentle, evidence-informed chiropractic focused on neck function, posture and nervous system regulation
✔ Suitable For: Desk workers, busy parents, active adults, teens
✔ Goal: Reduce headache frequency, intensity and recurrence without relying solely on medication
Types of Headaches
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Tension headaches are the most common cause of a headache in the general population causing mild to moderate pain.(4)
It is estimated that up to seven million Australians suffer from tension-type headaches.(5).
Tension headaches can cause mild to moderate pain and are often triggered by stress or fatigue.(6)
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A cervicogenic (neck related) headache often presents as pain that starts in the neck (8) and is caused by disorders affecting the top of the spine, involving the bones, joints, muscles, or ligaments of that area.(9)
Typically, a cervicogenic headache is usually one-sided, beginning in the neck, and then spreading to the region of the eyes, forehead, and temples.(10)
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Migraines often begin as a dull headache, developing into a constant, throbbing, and pulsating pain at the temples, and at the front or back of the head.
They are usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting and sensitivity to light and noise.
Despite its impact, migraines are often under-diagnosed and under-treated.(14)
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*If you are experiencing severe headaches, call your pregnancy professional: midwife/obstetrician/health care GP immediately.
Headaches during your first trimester of pregnancy are most commonly caused by dehydration, nausea/vomiting, stress, lack of sleep, little physical activity or could be from food triggers, such as dairy, chocolate or tomatoes.
Headaches in the second and third trimesters are more commonly due to the body changes, extra weight, posture, muscle strain and tightness.
Nomad Chiropractic is known for helping adults from the North Shore & Northern Beaches with back pain, neck pain, headaches, TMJ/TMD, posture-related pain, sports & exercise, and nervous system overload.
Migraine and tension-type headaches are the most prevalent headache disorders, both with disabling potential having the greatest impact on public health. With more than 7 million Australians suffering from debilitating tension headaches and more than 4.9 million suffering chronic migraine; the economic impact to Australia exceeds $35.7 billion annually.
However, the real cost to headache sufferers is immeasurable. Every day, headaches impact the lives of more than 46% of Australians causing debilitating pain and robbing sufferers of productive time at work and study, essential relaxation and social activities, and precious time with children, family and friends.
What causes migraines?
Migraines are complex neurological conditions characterized by severe headaches often accompanied by other symptoms. While the exact causes of migraines are not fully understood, several factors have been identified that may contribute to their development:
Migraines are multifaceted and individual, meaning different triggers can affect different people.
Keeping a migraine diary to track symptoms and potential triggers may help identify patterns and manage this condition effectively. If migraines are frequent or severe, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional trained in diagnosing and treating headaches and migraines for a personalised care plan.
The Chiropractic Difference
Research consistently recognises the link between spinal function — particularly in the neck — and headaches. Conditions such as tension headaches, cervicogenic (neck-related) headaches, and migraines are commonly associated with joint restriction, muscle tension, and nervous system irritation.
At Nomad Chiropractic in Mosman, our university-trained chiropractors provide hands-on care using a combination of classic chiropractic adjustments and low-force techniques to support spinal movement, reduce neck tension, and improve nervous system function. Studies show chiropractic care can reduce the frequency, duration, and intensity of common headache types, with particularly strong outcomes for cervicogenic headaches.
While pain medications may offer short-term relief, they often don’t address underlying causes. Chiropractic care focuses on identifying contributing factors such as posture, desk habits, stress load, and lifestyle patterns. By addressing these drivers, we support longer-term headache management and improved day-to-day function for people across Mosman and Sydney’s Lower North Shore.
TENSION TYPE HEADACHE
- Tension headaches are the most common cause of a headache in the general population causing mild to moderate pain.(4)
- A tension headache is often described as a ‘hat band’ tightness around the forehead, temples, and back of the head.
A tension headache is often described as a ‘hat band’ tightness around the forehead, temples, and back of the head. When a tension headache is infrequent and relates to specific stress – they are referred to as ‘episodic’. However, when they occur most days over a period of one month or more, they are referred to as ‘chronic’ and require active and ongoing care.
Tension headaches are the most common cause of a headache in the general population causing mild to moderate pain.(4) It is estimated that up to seven million Australians suffer from tension-type headaches.(5)
Tension headaches can cause mild to moderate pain and are often triggered by stress or fatigue.(6)
Chronic tension-type headaches may be the result of pressure and fatigue, but can also frequently be attributed to physical problems, psychological issues, or depression. Other triggers may include poor posture, eye strain from excessive screen time, dehydration, caffeine dependence or withdrawal, smoking, and bright and or noisy environments. Chronic tension headaches can be disabling.
CHIROPRACTIC WORKS!
Research has shown that manual therapy such as chiropractic care has been effective in the reducing frequency, intensity, and impact of a headache, both at a short-term and long-term follow-up.(7)
Research has shown that manual therapy such as chiropractic care has been effective in the reducing frequency, intensity, and impact of a headache, both at a short-term and long-term follow-up.(7)
Chiropractic care provides an effective, reliable drug-free treatment for tension headaches and minimises reoccurrence.
Chiropractic care is a proven, effective, low risk treatment for headaches, especially Cervicogenic Headaches.
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A cervicogenic (neck related) headache often presents as pain that starts in the neck (8) and is caused by disorders affecting the top of the spine, involving the bones, joints, muscles, or ligaments of that area.(9)
Typically, a cervicogenic headache is usually one-sided, beginning in the neck, and then spreading to the region of the eyes, forehead, and temples.(10)
Most of the time it is accompanied by uncomfortable neck pain, and as a result, your range of neck motion can be limited – but this is not always the case. Cervicogenic headaches are 2-3 times more common in females(11) and are most common in people who are 30 to 44 years old.(12)
During a cervicogenic headache pain is of variable duration and of moderate to severe intensity – but not excruciating or throbbing.13
As it is believed that cervicogenic headaches are caused by disorders affecting the top of the spine, chiropractic care can be an effective form of treatment.
Mosman chiropractors at Nomad are university-trained healthcare professionals that apply precise and gentle spinal adjustments to correct spinal imbalance to successfully treat headaches.
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*If you are experiencing severe headaches and you’re pregnant please call your pregnancy professional: midwife/obstetrician/health care GP immediately.
There are many changes going on in the body during pregnancy, which is why occasionally headaches can be experienced. This can be due to and or associated with: the obvious increase in blood volume in the body, your changes in body posture and weight, the hormones being released and tension on the spine. Other sources of headaches may be likely to be coming from vertebral restrictions, poor neck posture, altered biomechanics of the jaw, neck and or upper back.
Migraine, tension type, sinus and cervicogenic are all common headaches that can present at any stage through life, and now when pregnant they can too present.
Headaches during your first trimester of pregnancy are most commonly caused by dehydration, nausea/vomiting, stress, lack of sleep, little physical activity or could be from food triggers, such as dairy, chocolate or tomatoes.
Headaches in the second and third trimesters are more commonly due to the body changes, extra weight, posture, muscle strain and tightness.
Recommendations for headaches during your pregnancy:
physical activity - lets get moving! Walking, swimming, yoga, pilates - light exercise during pregnancy is amazing.
get regular sleep;
eat regularly;
drink plenty of water;
rest often - you’re growing a human(s) !
seek professional help if you’re unsure, concerned, or if it’s like a headache you’ve never had before…
Headaches can also be a healthy reminder that the body needs more water. Your local Chiropractor’s love working with pregnant mothers so come on up to get a check and see what the cause of your headaches are.
!!! Further to this there are three types of hypertension headaches in pregnancy which require the assistance of your obstetrician, midwife or GP and they include:
Chronic hypertension, Gestational hypertension - mostly common to present around 20 weeks and Pre-Eclampsia. Pre-Eclampsia is associated with severe frontal headaches, abdominal pain, sudden onset of swelling in the face, hands and or feet, nausea/vomiting. Although preeclampsia only develops in up to 10% of pregnant women. *If you are experiencing severe headaches, call your pregnancy professional: midwife/obstetrician/health care GP immediately.
Chiropractic care may help some pregnancy related headaches (but not all). Chiropractic care may help settle and keep the nervous system healthy through adjustments to the spine and extremity as well as cranial movements! Your nervous system is the command center for your entire body and sometimes it needs care to keep working effectively. So if you are feeling some nervous system symptoms, get adjusted, eat a healthy diet and keep moving!
At Nomad Chiropractic, our ACA accredited chiropractic healthcare professionals are trained to identify the causes of headaches and provide specialised low-risk, effective drug-free treatment for people of all ages.
if you or someone you know is among the 11.9 million Australians suffering from headaches or migraines and you’re tired of headaches holding you back, contact us today to make an appointment so you can take back control of your life.
Nomad Chiropractic in the News!
Neighbourhood Media recently interviewed Sandy and Kristin about their holistic approach to headaches, migraines, TMJ & whole-body wellness with chiropractic care on Sydney’s Lower North Shore.
Sydney Headache & Migraine Chiropractic Frequently Asked Questions
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Many headaches are influenced by neck joint irritation, muscle tension, posture strain, and nervous system stress. Chiropractic care may help by assessing and addressing spinal joint movement (especially in the neck/upper back), postural load, and related muscular tension. Results vary depending on the headache type and contributing factors.
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A cervicogenic headache is a headache that is referred from the neck, often linked to irritation or dysfunction of cervical joints, muscles, or nerves. It commonly presents as one-sided pain, stiffness, and headaches triggered by neck movement, sustained posture, or pressure over the upper neck.
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Clues can include neck stiffness, headaches that start at the base of the skull, pain that worsens with desk work or phone use, headaches triggered by turning the head, or symptoms that feel better with movement, heat, or posture changes. A chiropractic assessment can help determine whether neck mechanics may be contributing.
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Chiropractic care can be tailored to you, including gentle, low-force options when appropriate. Safety and suitability depend on your history, symptoms, and clinical assessment. If there are red flags (for example, sudden severe headache, new neurological symptoms, or unusual changes), urgent medical assessment is recommended.
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Yes. Nomad Chiropractic is located in Mosman and supports headache and migraine patients from Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches (including nearby suburbs), with care plans focused on reducing frequency, intensity, and recurrence where appropriate.
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Bogduk, N. (2014). Cervicogenic headache: Anatomic basis and pathophysiologic mechanisms. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 18(4), 411.
Vincent, M. B. (2010). Cervicogenic headache: Clinical evaluation, diagnostic criteria, and treatment. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 14(4), 292–298.
Jull, G., et al. (2002). A randomized controlled trial of exercise and manipulative therapy for cervicogenic headache. Spine, 27(17), 1835–1843.
Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C., et al. (2006). Manual therapies in myofascial trigger point treatment for tension-type headache. Journal of Headache and Pain, 7(6), 373–380.
Chaibi, A., & Russell, M. B. (2014). Manual therapies for migraine: A systematic review. Journal of Headache and Pain, 15(1), 67.
Haas, M., et al. (2010). Dose-response and efficacy of spinal manipulation for chronic cervicogenic headache. Spine Journal, 10(2), 117–128.
Bryans, R., et al. (2011). Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 34(5), 274–289.
Biondi, D. M. (2005). Physical treatments for headache: A structured review. Headache, 45(6), 738–746.
Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C., et al. (2015). Neck pain and headache: Contributions of cervical musculoskeletal dysfunction. Current Rheumatology Reports, 17(1), 13.
American Headache Society. (2021). The role of non-pharmacological therapies in headache management.
World Health Organization. (2004). WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Chiropractic.
Australian Spinal Research Foundation. (2020). Spinal function, nervous system health, and musculoskeletal pain.
Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society. (2018). The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3). Cephalalgia, 38(1), 1–211.
Moore, C. S., et al. (2017). Posture, cervical load, and headache development in desk workers. Ergonomics, 60(2), 249–259.
Walton, D. M., et al. (2014). Risk factors for neck-related headaches: A systematic review. Manual Therapy, 19(6), 523–534.
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The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Chiropractic care does not diagnose or treat medical conditions such as migraine disease or neurological disorders. Individual outcomes may vary. If you experience sudden, severe, or unusual headaches, changes in vision, weakness, numbness, or other neurological symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Always consult your GP or relevant healthcare provider for diagnosis and medical management.