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Many headaches are linked to tension in the neck and shoulders. We assess the type of headache you have, check for warning signs, and treat the neck where it’s playing a part.
Most headaches aren’t serious. The common types are tension-type headaches, which feel like a tight band around the head; cervicogenic headaches, which start in the neck; and migraine, which often comes with sickness and sensitivity to light.
The neck and shoulder muscles can play a part in tension-type and neck-related headaches, and sometimes in migraine. That’s where hands-on treatment and exercise may help.
Symptoms
Signs your neck may be involved
Pain starting at the neck
Headache that starts at the base of the skull and spreads forwards.
One-sided headache
Pain on one side that’s triggered by neck movement or posture.
Neck stiffness
Reduced movement or tenderness in the neck.
Tight shoulders
Tension across the shoulders, often worse with desk work or stress.
A sudden, severe headache, or a headache with any of the warning signs below, needs urgent medical attention.
Treatment options
Treatment for headaches
Chiropractic
First appointment £70, follow-ups £50
Gentle mobilisation, manipulation where suitable and soft tissue work for the neck, with posture and exercise advice.
Book online or call us. Many of our consultations are free.
02
Assessment
We listen to your history, examine you and, where it helps, scan the area with ultrasound.
03
Your plan
We explain what we think is going on and your options, with costs, so you can decide.
04
Treatment and review
We start treatment if it’s right for you, and check your progress as you go.
The research
What does the evidence say?
Guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of headache found some evidence that spinal manipulation may help migraine and headaches that start in the neck, and that gentle neck mobilisation and exercise may help tension-type headaches over time [1]. The quality of the research varies, so we’ll be honest about what to expect.
When to get urgent help
Don’t wait with these
Call 999 for a sudden, severe headache (“the worst ever”), or a headache with weakness, numbness, confusion, slurred speech or a drooping face. Get urgent medical advice for a headache with a high temperature and stiff neck, a rash, after a head injury, or with changes in your vision.
Your clinicians
Meet our chiropractors
Gary Edwards
Injection Therapist and Chiropractor, Clinic Director
GCC 03996
Orit Edwards
Chiropractor
GCC 04042
Jean-Luc Lafitte
Chiropractor
GCC 00771
Registered and regulated
Google reviews
What our patients say
5.0from 150 Google reviews
Headaches★★★★★
I went for a consultation with Jean Luc who suggested my migraines could be caused by a problem with my neck. After several treatments to my neck, back and jaw, my headaches began to improve and become less frequent… Jean Luc is very knowledgeable and kind.
Annabelle E. · 2025 · Google review
Lower back pain★★★★★
I went to see Gary as I was having some lower back issues. He was very friendly and knowledgeable, explaining what the likely causes were… and he followed it up with some helpful exercises to prevent future issues, as well as practical advice.
Matt and Alice K. · 2024 · Google review
Chiropractic★★★★★
I recommend Jean Luc to everyone I meet. He adopts a holistic, whole person approach… and offers great advice for continuing the work at home. The clinic is beautiful and centrally located.
Lauren T. · 2025 · Google review
Chiropractic★★★★★
Professional, friendly and most importantly effective. What’s also nice is that I was never forced to rebook or given a ‘minimum number of sessions’ for results. It’s straightforward. Book again if it helps and you need additional support.
John C. · 2024 · Google review
Sacroiliac pain★★★★★
After the first appointment with Gary I noticed a marked improvement, and it has continued to improve with subsequent treatments. Gary’s advice on precipitating factors has been really useful and the remedial exercises he suggested are also very effective.
Paul H. · 2017 · Google review
Back and neck★★★★★
Both my wife and I have been seeing Gary Edwards… initially for acute flares of back/neck problems and now for maintenance treatment. He is extremely professional and thorough… giving us a full half hour on each visit.
Some research suggests spinal manipulation may help some people with migraine [1], but it doesn’t work for everyone. Migraine is often best managed with your GP too.
Should I keep a headache diary?
Yes. Noting when headaches happen, what you were doing and what helped can show patterns and triggers.
Do I need to see my GP?
See your GP if your headaches are new, getting worse or changing, or if painkillers aren’t helping. Taking painkillers too often can itself cause headaches.
Got another question?Ask us at your consultation. You don’t have to go ahead.
ClinicVale Health Clinic, 31–33 Vale Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1BS
References
Bryans R, Descarreaux M, Duranleau M, et al. Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2011;34(5):274–289. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.04.008
Written by Orit Edwards, Chiropractor (GCC 04042). Last updated 15 October 2026.
