Most headaches are not due to significant underlying problems but you may be referred if your GP is worried about the nature of your headaches or you are having difficulty controlling them with standard treatment.

Migraine headaches are repeated or recurrent headaches, often accompanied by other symptoms. They can be triggered by certain factors/events/foods. In some people, a visual disturbance called an aura may happen before the headache starts. Nausea, vomiting, profound fatigue, light sensitivity, and sound sensitivity may be additional symptoms that can occur during the headache. For more information about migraines and headache visit www.migraine.co.nz

Cervicogenic headaches are headaches that are referred to the head from the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This can be due to an injury to the neck such as whiplash, repetitive injury, or through the ageing process. The symptoms can be similar to migraine. It can be difficult to diagnose without specialised diagnostic techniques.

Treatment options for cervicogenic headache are watchful waiting, manual therapy, exercises, stretching, and specialised interventional techniques.