Headaches and Migraines Chiropractor in Adelaide
If headaches are a regular part of your week, you are not alone. I have spent over 10 years at Stapleton Chiropractic assessing patients who have quietly been pushing through this kind of thing, often for years, because painkillers make it workable and life does not pause. Many have simply never had their neck properly examined as a possible driver.
My priority when you walk in is simple: help you feel better. From there, I take the time to explain what I am finding, what may be contributing, and what your options look like. Then the decision is yours. I will map out the path, but you are always in control.
I completed my Bachelor of Chiropractic Science and Master of Chiropractic at Macquarie University in Sydney. I work with people across all ages and walks of life, and I am as happy to co-manage your care with your GP as I am to refer on if something else suits you better.
If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team. I look forward to helping you with your headaches.
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)
Principal Chiropractor, Stapleton Chiropractic
That persistent headache you keep pushing through? It may not be starting where you think. Many headaches originate from tension and dysfunction in the neck. At Stapleton Chiropractic, we start with a thorough hands-on assessment of your head, neck, and upper back, explain what we find in plain language, and discuss your options.
Does this sound familiar?
Headaches and migraines may involve the cervical spine (neck), where restricted or irritated joints in the upper neck can refer pain to the head via shared nerve pathways. At Stapleton Chiropractic in Adelaide (Est. 1972), a headache assessment costs $69 and includes focused examination of the cervical spine and neurological screening.
Tap the one that feels most like what you are dealing with.
A dull band tightening as the day drags on
Builds through the afternoon, often eases on weekends. You just want to lie down in a dark room.
A migraine that wipes out your whole day
Throbbing on one side, light hurts, nausea kicks in. The day gets cancelled.
Pain creeping up from the base of your skull
Starts at the back of your head, ends behind one eye. Your neck feels stuck most mornings.
Painkillers not helping like they used to
Reaching for them more often, getting less relief. Something has shifted.
Chiropractors in Adelaide commonly assess and manage tension-type and cervicogenic headaches, where dysfunction in the upper neck may refer pain into the head. At Stapleton Chiropractic, we focus on exploring whether mechanical factors in your cervical spine may be contributing to your headache pattern, and tailor a management plan around what we find.
Headache presentations vary widely. Our initial assessment includes red flag screening and helps explore whether mechanical factors may be contributing to your headache pattern. Individual responses vary, and a clear starting point makes all the difference.
*All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. The information above is general and does not constitute a medical diagnosis.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first visit is a 30-minute consultation costing $69. It includes a thorough hands-on assessment of your head, neck, and upper back, a plain-language explanation of findings, and treatment on the same day where clinically appropriate. No referral is needed, and the decision about care is always yours.
Allow up to 30 minutes for a comprehensive initial consultation. Here is how it works.
You Tell Us
We listen carefully, ask the right questions, and build a clear picture of what has been going on with your neck.
We Assess
Hands-on testing and biostructural analysis to identify what may be contributing to your headaches.
We Explain
We walk you through our findings and your options in plain language. If imaging is recommended, we will explain why and discuss your options.
X-rays are only taken with your agreement, and where eligible, may be bulk billed.*
Care May Begin
Where clinically appropriate, care may begin on your first visit to help support relief.*
We offer both traditional hands-on chiropractic techniques and gentle, low-force approaches, tailored to your comfort. Care only proceeds with your consent.
Ready to Get Started?
Your first visit takes about 30 minutes. No referral needed, no lock-in plans. The decision is always yours.
Book Your First Visit*Subject to clinical assessment and suitability criteria. Bulk billing subject to eligibility criteria and clinical need.
How much does a chiropractor for headaches cost in Adelaide?
Your first visit is over 40% below the South Australian average.
Source: Australian Chiropractors Association Consultation Fee Survey 2025 (SA data).
What causes headaches?
Headaches can have many causes, from muscle tension and posture-related strain through to neurological factors and medication patterns. Understanding the source helps determine the most appropriate management approach. The strongest mechanical evidence base is for cervicogenic headaches, where the upper cervical spine is the contributing structure.
Headaches are typically classified into primary (tension-type, migraine, cluster) and secondary (cervicogenic, medication overuse, post-traumatic) categories. Many people experience more than one type, and the overlap can make pattern recognition difficult without a structured assessment.
Common contributing factors we screen for at Stapleton Chiropractic:
- Cervical spine joint dysfunction in the upper neck (C1 to C3)
- Suboccipital muscle tension and trigger points
- Forward head posture and prolonged screen time
- Stress-driven muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and jaw
- Sleep disruption and shift-work patterns
- Medication overuse (pain relief used more than 10 to 15 days per month)
- Hydration, caffeine, and dietary triggers (relevant for migraine)
- Hormonal cycles (relevant for migraine)
Who gets headaches?
Headaches affect people across all ages. Migraine peaks between 25 and 55 years and is approximately three times more common in women than men.[8] In Adelaide, we commonly see these groups:
Tap the one that sounds like you.
Office & Desk Workers
Screen time, forward head posture, ergonomics
Nurses & Shift Workers
Patient handling, looking down, disrupted sleep
Busy Parents
Carrying, broken sleep, stress load
Drivers
Fixed posture, vibration, mirror checking
Device & Screen Users
Text neck, gaming, scrolling posture
High-Stress Roles
Sustained tension, jaw clenching, poor sleep
Economic impact: An estimated 1.7 million Australians live with migraine, with women approximately three times more affected than men.[8] Headache disorders rank among the top 10 causes of years lived with disability globally.[9]
*All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
When to seek urgent care for headaches
*General information only — not a substitute for medical advice
Most headaches are not caused by serious medical conditions, but some warning signs warrant prompt medical assessment. If any of the features below apply, contact your GP, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222, or call 000 for urgent symptoms.
Thunderclap headache
Sudden, severe headache reaching maximum intensity within seconds. This pattern may indicate a serious medical emergency. Call 000 immediately.
Headache with fever or stiff neck
Headache combined with fever, neck stiffness, or rash may indicate a serious infection. Seek urgent medical assessment.
Neurological symptoms
Headache with vision changes, weakness, confusion, slurred speech, facial drooping, or unsteadiness needs immediate medical attention.
New headache after age 50
A new or significantly different headache pattern after age 50 should be assessed by a GP to rule out age-related conditions.
Headache after head trauma
Headache following any head injury, fall, or impact warrants prompt medical assessment, particularly if vomiting, drowsiness, or worsening symptoms occur.
Call 000 immediately if you experience a sudden severe headache, headache with neurological symptoms (vision changes, weakness, confusion, slurred speech), or headache after head trauma. Do not wait for a routine appointment.
Your first visit at Stapleton Chiropractic includes a detailed headache history. If anything in your presentation suggests you should be assessed by a GP or medical services before starting chiropractic care, we'll tell you and support referral.
The health and wellbeing of you, your family, and your friends is our priority.
💚
Can your neck be causing your headaches?
Yes. The upper cervical spine (C1 to C3) shares nerve pathways with the trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensation to the head and face. Cervicogenic headaches, caused by dysfunction in the neck, may account for 15 to 20% of all headaches and are frequently underdiagnosed.
Your neck and your headaches may be more connected than you think. The upper cervical spine, specifically the C1, C2, and C3 vertebrae, shares nerve pathways with the trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensation to your head, face, and jaw. When the joints or muscles of your upper neck are restricted or not functioning properly, they can refer pain into the head, temples, behind the eyes, or across the forehead.
These are called cervicogenic headaches, and research suggests they may account for 15 to 20% of all headaches. Many people who have been managing recurring headaches for years have never had their neck properly assessed as a potential contributing factor.
At Stapleton Chiropractic, assessing the relationship between your neck and headaches is a standard part of our evaluation. If cervical spine dysfunction is identified as a likely contributor, chiropractic care including manual therapy and targeted exercises may help manage your symptoms.
A 2026 clinical practice guideline published in the Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine recommends spinal manipulation as a primary intervention for cervicogenic headache, and a 2020 meta-analysis in the European Journal of Pain found significant effects on pain intensity and frequency in this population. Read more about how we assess and manage neck pain →
How may chiropractic care help with headaches and migraines?
Chiropractic care for headaches focuses on the relationship between your spine, particularly the upper cervical region, and headache patterns. The strongest evidence relates to cervicogenic headaches, where 2026 clinical practice guidelines recommend spinal manipulation as a primary intervention. For tension-type headaches, manual therapy is recommended within multimodal care. For migraine, evidence is developing but supportive of a possible role.
Care is hands-on and tailored to your presentation. Where joint restriction or muscle tension in the upper cervical spine appears to be contributing, management may include spinal manipulation or mobilisation, targeted soft tissue work, and specific exercises. The approach is evidence-informed, individualised, and discussed in plain language before anything begins.
Your initial assessment
Your first visit at Stapleton Chiropractic includes a thorough headache history (pattern, triggers, frequency, medications), red flag screening, and hands-on examination of your cervical spine, suboccipital muscles, and upper thoracic region. We assess range of motion, joint function, posture, and neurological status. The goal is to build a clear picture of what may be driving your headaches so we can discuss your options with you in plain language.
Tailored management approaches
Based on your assessment findings, a management plan may include spinal manipulation or mobilisation to address restricted joints, soft tissue techniques to manage muscle tension, and specific exercises to support recovery. A 2026 clinical practice guideline recommends spinal manipulation as a primary intervention for cervicogenic headache and within multimodal care for tension-type headache.
Gentle and low-force options available
Not everyone is comfortable with traditional manual adjustments, and that is completely fine. We offer a range of gentle, low-force techniques including instrument-assisted adjustments and mobilisation approaches. We discuss your options before any care begins, and nothing proceeds without your consent.
*All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
What does the research say about chiropractic for headaches?
Multiple systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines support spinal manipulative therapy for headache disorders. The strongest evidence is for cervicogenic headache, where 2026 guidelines recommend it as a primary intervention. For tension-type headache, manual therapy is recommended within multimodal care. For migraine, evidence is developing.
Chiropractic care for headaches is an option to consider when mechanical contributors in the cervical spine appear to be involved. Evidence has strengthened considerably over the past decade, particularly for cervicogenic headache.
Trager et al. 2026: Chiropractic Clinical Practice Guideline for Headache
Updated chiropractic clinical practice guideline. Recommends spinal manipulation as a primary intervention for cervicogenic headache and within multimodal care for tension-type headache. Supersedes the 2011 Bryans guideline.[1]
Fernandez et al. 2020: Cervicogenic Headache
Systematic review and meta-analysis of spinal manipulation for cervicogenic headache. Found a significant effect on pain intensity and headache frequency compared to control interventions.[2]
Rist et al. 2019: SMT for Migraine
Meta-analysis of 6 randomised controlled trials (677 patients) of spinal manipulative therapy for migraine. Suggested possible reductions in migraine days and pain intensity. Evidence described as preliminary but promising.[3]
Gomes et al. 2022: Photobiomodulation for Headaches
Systematic review of 4 randomised controlled trials on photobiomodulation (cold laser) for primary headaches. Found a clinically important effect on pain compared to sham, but with low certainty of evidence.[4]
*All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
What the research says
“Spinal manipulative therapy showed a significant effect on pain intensity and frequency in patients with cervicogenic headache compared with control interventions.”
Fernandez et al., 2020 (European Journal of Pain)
“Headache disorders, particularly migraine, are among the leading causes of years lived with disability worldwide.”
Global Burden of Disease Study, 2019
Why choose Stapleton Chiropractic for headaches?
Over 50 Years of Trusted Care
Stapleton Chiropractic has been part of the Plympton Park community since 1972. That is over 50 years of continuous operation supporting Adelaide families with their musculoskeletal health. We have seen how chiropractic care has evolved over five decades and we apply that experience to every patient we see.
Qualified, Registered, and Experienced
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) holds a Bachelor of Chiropractic Science and Master of Chiropractic from Macquarie University. He is registered with AHPRA and is a member of the Australian Chiropractors Association. Dr Johnson has been with the practice for over 10 years and became Principal Chiropractor in 2021.
Hours, Parking, and Pricing That Work
We are open 7am to 7pm weekdays and Saturday mornings, designed to fit around your work schedule. Free on-site parking. Your initial consultation is $69, well below the South Australian average of $122. All major private health funds accepted. No lock-in plans, no referral required.
Your Goals Are Our Goals
Whether you are looking for relief now or relief plus answers, your goals are our goals. We respect your autonomy at every step. No commitment to ongoing care, no lock-in plans. Where clinically appropriate, treatment may begin on your first visit.*
*Subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability.
Frequently asked questions about headaches
Common questions from patients and from people searching online, answered by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor).
Your initial consultation is $69, which is over 40% below the South Australian average of $122 (ACA Fee Survey 2025). Standard follow-up visits are $60. All major private health funds accepted, and we provide a receipt at the end of your visit so you can lodge your rebate via your fund's app.
No lock-in plans, no pressure. If you have prepaid for sessions you do not end up using, we refund them in full. See our full pricing and health fund guide for details.
Allow up to 30 minutes. We start by listening carefully and building a clear picture of your headache history, triggers, and any red flags. We then perform hands-on testing of your cervical spine, suboccipital muscles, and upper thoracic region.
We explain our findings in plain language, and where clinically appropriate, care may begin on your first visit. You are in control the whole time, and no treatment proceeds without your consent. Learn more about what to expect at your first visit.
All major private health funds accepted. We provide a receipt at the end of your visit so you can claim your rebate via your fund's app or member portal. The exact rebate amount depends on your level of cover.
No. Chiropractors are primary contact practitioners, which means you can book directly without a GP referral. If we believe a referral to another practitioner would benefit you, we will let you know.
Yes. The upper cervical spine (C1 to C3) shares nerve pathways with the trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensation to the head and face. When joints in this area are restricted or irritated, pain can refer upward and present as headache. These are called cervicogenic headaches and may account for 15 to 20% of all headaches.
Read more about the connection on our neck pain page.
Migraines typically involve moderate to severe throbbing pain, often on one side, with sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes nausea. Tension-type headaches feel more like a band of pressure around the head. Cervicogenic headaches start in the neck and refer upward.
A clinical assessment helps identify which pattern you may be experiencing. A headache diary is a useful adjunct to the assessment.
A headache diary can be very helpful. Tracking frequency, duration, intensity, triggers, sleep patterns, stress levels, and screen time gives us valuable information to guide your care plan and helps you identify patterns you might otherwise miss.
This varies depending on the type of headache, how frequently it occurs, and what contributing factors we identify. We reassess your progress regularly and adjust the plan accordingly. Individual responses to care vary.
There are no lock-in plans. The decision is always yours.
Headaches are common, with an estimated 1.7 million Australians affected by migraine alone. However, frequent headaches are worth having assessed, particularly if they occur more than once or twice a week or are changing in pattern.
Yes. Using pain-relief medication more than 10 to 15 days per month may trigger medication overuse headache. If this applies to you, we recommend working with your GP on a withdrawal plan. Chiropractic care may complement that process by addressing mechanical contributors.
Both can help with headaches. Chiropractic care focuses on spinal joint function and includes spinal manipulative therapy, which 2026 clinical guidelines recommend as a primary intervention for cervicogenic headache. Physiotherapy tends to focus on exercise prescription and soft tissue work.
The best choice depends on your presentation and personal preference. If we feel you would benefit more from a different approach, we will let you know.
Our goal is to help you become as independent as possible. How often you visit, and for how long, is always your decision. We provide recommendations based on your progress, but there are no lock-in plans.
*All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
A calm, confident approach to your care
Continuing Stapleton Chiropractic's 50-year legacy of trusted care in Adelaide's south. We listen first, explain clearly, and focus on what matters most to you.
Where are you right now?
Choose the path that best describes where you are today.
Ready to Get Started? We're Ready When You Are.
Choose a time that works for you. No referral needed.
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)
B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq)
$69
Initial Consultation
Up to 30 minutes, including full assessment
Book Your First VisitPrefer to call? (08) 8297 5277
Text: 0400 105 454 | Email: wecanhelp@stapletonchiropractic.com.au
You will receive a confirmation email with all details immediately after booking.
What conditions may be related to headaches?
Headache patterns often connect to other musculoskeletal areas. Explore these related concerns.
Still researching? Read about what to expect at your first visit, our fees and health fund coverage, or explore our chiropractic services.
View References (10 citations)
References
- Trager RJ et al. (2026). Chiropractic clinical practice guideline: spinal manipulative therapy for headache disorders. A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Fernandez M et al. (2020). Spinal manipulation for the management of cervicogenic headache: a systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Pain, 24(9):1687-1702. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Rist PM, Hernandez A, Bernstein C et al. (2019). The impact of spinal manipulation on migraine pain and disability: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Headache, 59(4):532-542.
- Nascimento DS et al. (2022). Photobiomodulation for headache disorders: a systematic review. Lasers in Medical Science, 37(2). pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 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.
- Gross AR et al. (2015). Manipulation and mobilisation for neck disorders. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
- Haas M, Bronfort G, Evans R et al. (2018). Dose-response and efficacy of spinal manipulation for cervicogenic headache. Spine Journal, 18(10):1798-1808.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2024). Migraine in Australia: prevalence and impact.
- Global Burden of Disease Study (2019). Headache disorders. The Lancet Neurology.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2021). Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management. NICE Guideline CG150.
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)
BSc(Chiro), MChiro, Macquarie University
Member, Australian Chiropractors Association
Stapleton Chiropractic | Est. 1972
528 Marion Road, Plympton Park SA 5038
(08) 8297 5277 | wecanhelp@stapletonchiropractic.com.au
Mon–Fri 7am–7pm | Sat 8am–12pm
Last clinically reviewed: April 2026 by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor), B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq), AHPRA Registered.
Last clinically reviewed: 19 April 2026 by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)