Migraine and Headache Assessment in Croydon

Name: Croydon Sports Injury Clinic Ltd
Address: 184 Addington Road, South Croydon, Surrey, CR2 8LB, UK
Telephone: 020 8090 3593
Price range: $$

man pinching bridge of nose sitting in living room Cancelled plans, afternoons spent in a dark room, and the constant worry about when the next headache will hit. Regular migraines and headaches can start shaping your whole week. At Croydon Sports Injury Clinic Ltd, we take the time to understand your symptoms and whether musculoskeletal factors may be involved.

New Patients

Not Every Bad Headache Is a Migraine

Patients often use “migraine” to describe any severe headache, but there are differences worth recognising. Migraines may involve throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound. Some people also notice particular triggers, although these vary considerably.

Tension-type headaches tend to produce a pressing or tightening sensation around the head. Cervicogenic headaches, meanwhile, arise from structures in the neck and may produce pain that spreads towards the head or behind the eyes.

These headache types can share some features, which is why a detailed history and examination matter.

How Long Hours at a Screen Add Up

Desk-based work, commuting, and prolonged sitting may be associated with neck discomfort and certain headaches. When assessing possible musculoskeletal involvement, factors worth considering include:

Forward head posture during screen use
Restricted movement in the upper neck
Muscle tension across the shoulders and upper back
Desk set-up and prolonged working positions
Pillow support and sleeping posture
Repetitive occupational movements

Other factors, including hormonal changes, medication use, and underlying medical conditions, may also be relevant to the headache history.

When Headaches Start Dictating Your Plans

Neck-related headaches may begin around the base of the skull and spread towards the forehead or behind the eyes. You might also notice stiffness or difficulty turning your head.

If headaches are becoming more frequent, changing in character, or interfering with daily activities, medical assessment is advisable. A sudden, extremely severe headache, or one accompanied by neurological symptoms, requires emergency medical attention.

Headaches following head injuries also need careful medical assessment, particularly when accompanied by dizziness, fainting, confusion, or visual disturbances.

young woman at home touching temples with severe headache pain

Finding the Source Before Choosing the Approach

Every new patient has a pre-appointment phone call. This gives Dr. Roddy Knight (Chiropractor) an opportunity to discuss your symptoms and recommend GP, specialist, or emergency assessment where necessary.

During your appointment, he’ll ask about headache frequency, severity, triggers, medication, and medical history. He may also examine your posture, neck movement, and surrounding muscles, paying particular attention to the upper cervical spine where indicated.

If musculoskeletal involvement is identified, care may include gentle mobilisation, chiropractic adjustment, instrument-assisted techniques, soft tissue work, and specific exercises. We may also discuss your workstation, pillow, and sleeping position, with practical suggestions based on your circumstances.

Care Based on the Type of Headache

Not every headache has a musculoskeletal cause, and chiropractic care isn’t suitable for every presentation.

For cervicogenic headaches and certain tension-type headaches associated with musculoskeletal problems, treatment may focus on neck mobility, muscle tension, and everyday postural habits. Migraine prevention is a separate consideration, and we can discuss whether chiropractic care has a role alongside your existing medical management.

The approach depends on your symptoms, examination findings, and response to care.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve used medication for years. Is an assessment still worthwhile?

It may be, particularly if you’ve also been experiencing neck discomfort or stiffness. Medication can play an important role in headache management, while a musculoskeletal assessment may help identify additional factors worth addressing. Any changes to prescribed medication should be discussed with your GP or prescribing clinician.

Will I be referred elsewhere if needed?

Yes. If your history or examination suggests a condition requiring medical investigation, we’ll recommend the relevant healthcare service. This may include your GP, a specialist, or emergency care, depending on your symptoms.

Can poor posture cause headaches?

Prolonged sitting and forward head posture may be associated with neck stiffness and muscle tension, which can play a role in certain headaches. During your assessment, we’ll check your neck movement and discuss everyday habits that may be relevant. Not all headaches are posture-related, though.

Find Out More About Your Headaches

If headaches regularly interfere with work, family time, or activities you enjoy, an evaluation may help identify whether musculoskeletal factors are involved. Book an assessment at Croydon Sports Injury Clinic Ltd today.
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