Headaches are one of the most common complaints seen by our Moorgate chiropractors at Bodymotion Chiropractic & Physiotherapy.
While most headaches are harmless, some can signal an underlying medical condition. If you are ever unsure or your symptoms change, always speak with your GP.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
Visit your nearest Accident & Emergency department or call emergency services if you experience any of these red-flag symptoms:
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Sudden, severe headache that worsens over 24 hours
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“Thunderclap” headache — the worst you have ever experienced
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New or severe headache starting after age 50
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Headache with memory loss, confusion, speech or vision changes, or weakness/numbness in the limbs
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Headache following a head injury, especially if you feel drowsy
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Headache with fever, neck stiffness, nausea or vomiting
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Pain that increases when coughing or straining
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Headache with eye redness, fever, or personality changes
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These symptoms can indicate serious neurological or vascular conditions that require urgent medical attention.
Primary vs Secondary Headaches
According to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (2nd Edition, Cephalalgia 2004), headaches are divided into:
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Primary headaches – not caused by another disease (e.g., tension-type, migraine, cluster, cervicogenic)
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Secondary headaches – resulting from an underlying structural or organic condition
Chiropractors most commonly see primary headaches, particularly those related to neck and musculoskeletal tension.
Common Headache Types
Cervicogenic Headache
Pain is usually felt behind the eye, forehead, or base of the skull. It may worsen with poor posture, sustained head positions, or pressure on the neck.
Chiropractic treatment, including spinal mobilisation and postural correction, has been shown to help manage cervicogenic headaches (Bronfort et al., 2004).
Tension-Type Headache
Often described as a “tight band” or “cap” around the head. Pain is mild to moderate, affects both sides, and does not worsen with normal activity.
Chiropractic and soft-tissue techniques can help relieve muscle tension contributing to these headaches.
Migraine Without Aura
Typically a throbbing, one-sided headache over the eye or temple, often with light and sound sensitivity.
Studies suggest that chiropractic care may help reduce migraine frequency and intensity (Bronfort et al., 2004).
Migraine With Aura
Similar to a standard migraine but preceded by visual or sensory changes such as flashing lights, tingling, or smell sensitivity.
Chiropractic care may help some patients manage underlying musculoskeletal triggers.
Cluster Headache
Severe, sharp pain described as “knife-like”, often around one eye, sometimes with tearing, nasal congestion, or facial flushing.
These headaches are less common and require medical assessment; chiropractic care may offer supportive relief for associated neck tension.
Our Approach at Bodymotion Moorgate
Our chiropractors begin each appointment with a full neurological and orthopaedic assessment to identify possible musculoskeletal factors contributing to your headache.
If your symptoms suggest a secondary cause, we will refer you promptly to your GP or an appropriate specialist.
Where appropriate, treatment may include:
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Spinal mobilisation or manipulation
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Soft-tissue therapy
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Postural and ergonomic advice
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Rehabilitation exercises
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Collaboration with our physiotherapists and massage therapists
Need Advice?
Our team of chiropractors, physiotherapists, and massage therapists in Moorgate, London are happy to answer your questions.
Call +44 (0)20 7374 2272 or email enquiries@body-motion.co.uk to discuss your symptoms or book online
Body Motion Chiropractic & Physiotherapy in Moorgate, London provides assessment and treatment for musculoskeletal-related headaches, including tension-type, migraine, and cervicogenic headaches. Located at 118A London Wall EC2Y 5JA, one minute from Moorgate Station.
Research Reference
Bronfort G et al. (2004). Non-invasive physical treatments for chronic/recurrent headache.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 3.
1 The International Classification of headaches Disorders (2nd edition) Cephalalgia 2004; 24 Suppl 1: 1-160);