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Stapleton Chiropractic - trusted by Adelaide families for over 50 years

528 Marion Road · Plympton Park · Adelaide

Cervicogenic headache chiropractor in Adelaide

That headache that starts in the neck and wraps over the skull can make work, driving, and sleep harder than they should be. If you want to feel better and get a clearer picture of whether the neck may be sitting with the head, book a first visit: 7am to 7pm weekdays, Saturday mornings, and free on-site parking on Marion Road.

A cervicogenic headache is head pain that may start in the upper neck and be felt in the head. It is often one-sided and may worsen when you turn or hold your neck. A chiropractic assessment with Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) may help map whether neck joints or nearby tissues may be contributing. This is not a diagnosis from a webpage. Individual presentations vary.

Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) at Stapleton Chiropractic, Plympton Park
Dr Sam Johnson (Principal Chiropractor)
B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq) Cervicogenic headache · Marion Road

B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq) · AHPRA Registered

Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) has practised on Marion Road for over 10 years, continuing a clinic families have trusted since 1972.

Stapleton Chiropractic · Est. 1972 · ACA Member

(08) 8297 5277

Does this sound like you?

Educational wayline illustration of a neck-to-head pain pattern

Everyone starts somewhere different.
Tap the one that sounds like you.

What Happens in Your First Assessment

Clear steps. You stay in control of what happens next.

Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) listening to a patient at the start of a first visit
1

We listen first

Your story, work demands, and what is getting in the way of normal days.

Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) completing a physical assessment
2

Thorough assessment

Movement, relevant orthopaedic tests, and a careful look at the area that bothers you.

Where possible, treatment may be provided on the first visit.*

*Only where clinically appropriate, based on clinical need and suitability. Individual responses vary.

Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) explaining assessment findings in clear language
3

Clear answers

What we found, what it may mean for you, and sensible options from here.

Reception at Stapleton Chiropractic during a patient handoff
4

A plan you control

If care may help, we outline options. You choose whether and how to proceed.

Assessment findings and any care offered are individual. Treatment is only provided where clinically appropriate. Individual responses vary.

How much does a first visit cost?

Clear numbers. No surprises.

Initial visit Save over 40% vs the SA average $69 initial · SA average $122*

Initial consultation

$69

SA average: $122*

Stapleton$69
SA average*$122

Standard visit

$60

SA average: $71*

Stapleton$60
SA average*$71
No lock-in plans All major health funds accepted

After your assessment, you choose how you'd like to proceed. You choose what happens next.

*Australian Chiropractors Association Consultation Fee Survey 2025 (SA data). All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.

Quick answers before you book

The five things people usually want cleared first.

Can chiropractic help with a neck-linked headache? Most asked

Yes. Neck-linked headache patterns are among the common reasons people book here. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) examines the neck and the head story together, explains what he finds in clear language, and maps a next step. Individual responses vary. If this is not the right path, we say so and help refer and point you in the right direction.

How much does a first visit cost? Most asked

Initial consultation $69. Standard visit $60. Over 40% below the SA average of $122 (ACA Fee Survey 2025). All major health funds accepted.

Do you accept private health? Most asked

All major private health funds accepted where your cover applies.

Do I need a referral?

No. Book directly. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) is happy to correspond with your GP when that is useful.

What if I am not sure this is coming from my neck?

Your first visit is a real examination. Findings are explained in clear language. Mixed head and neck stories are common. If it is not the right fit here, we say so and help refer and point you in the right direction. You choose what happens next.

More questions further down the page. All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses vary.

Ready to book?

Choose a time that suits. No referral needed.

Your first visit
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)

Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)

B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq) · Marion Road, Adelaide

$69

Initial consultation

Open the live diary and pick a time that suits

  • $69 first visit
  • Weekdays 7am to 7pm
  • Saturday mornings
  • Free on-site parking
  • All major health funds
  • No lock-in plans

Prefer to call? (08) 8297 5277

All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.

More questions people ask

Deeper answers if you want them. The booking path is still above.

What is a cervicogenic headache?

It is a name for head pain that may start in the upper neck and be felt in the head. It is often one-sided and may worsen when you turn or hold the neck.

A webpage cannot give you that label. Your visit is where we work out what may be contributing to your pattern.

How is cervicogenic headache different from migraine?

A neck-linked pattern often starts at the base of the skull, stays on one side, and tracks neck movement. A migraine-type pattern is often throbbing, may occur on either side, and is more often accompanied by nausea or light sensitivity.

Mixed presentations are common. A webpage cannot sort that. If a GP or neurologist is the wiser first step, we say so.

How is a cervicogenic headache assessed?

Not from a webpage. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) takes the head and neck story, checks how the upper neck moves, and screens for red flags. Imaging is only used when clinically indicated.

If the picture is not mechanical, we refer and point you in the right direction.

Do you use spinal manipulation or mobilisation?

Hands-on care including adjustments, and gentle low-force options, are available when appropriate. Suitability is decided after assessment, not in advance from a page.

Temporary soreness can occur after treatment. Serious adverse events are uncommon. Red flags go to medical services first.

What if I have a mixed migraine and neck picture?

That is common. We assess whether a mechanical neck pattern may sit with the head story. We do not claim to treat migraine as a specialty or promise fewer migraine days.

If a medical path is wiser, we say so and help refer. You choose what happens next.

Where do I park and how do I find you?

528 Marion Road, Plympton Park SA 5038. Free on-site parking at the clinic. Easy access via the main road if you are already driving past. Open in Maps.

How many visits will I need?

There is no fixed number for everyone. Progress is reviewed regularly. Individual responses vary.

Will I need scans?

Not always. Imaging when clinically indicated. X-rays only with your agreement. Some pathways may be bulk billed where eligible.

Should I see my GP first?

You do not need a GP referral to see a chiropractor in Australia. If thunderclap pain, fever with a stiff neck, neurological change, or headache after a head or neck knock is present, start with your GP or emergency care. For a more typical mechanical presentation, starting here is a common path. We will coordinate with your GP when imaging or further review is indicated.

Is chiropractic generally well-tolerated when the head already aches?

Many people with neck-linked headaches are managed conservatively. Hands-on care is not right for every presentation. A careful assessment helps decide whether manual therapy is suitable, which techniques fit, and whether a gentler low-force option is wiser. Temporary soreness can occur after treatment. Serious adverse events are uncommon. Red flags go to medical services first.

Should I see a chiropractor or a physiotherapist for this?

Both are qualified to assess musculoskeletal presentations. Here the first visit is an honest check of joint, muscle, and whether a medical path may fit better. If physio or something else may fit better, Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) will say so and help refer and point you in the right direction.

Can frequent tablets sit with the headache?

Yes. Using pain-relief medication on many days of the month may sit with a worsening head pattern. That conversation belongs with your GP. We can still assess whether a mechanical neck pattern is also present. We do not supervise medication withdrawal here.

Does it have to be one-sided?

One-sided pain that tracks the neck is a common clue. It is not a rule. Assessment still decides what may be contributing to your pattern. Individual presentations vary.

Which mechanical patterns may be involved?

Several patterns can look similar. Tap a card. Assessment decides. Nothing here is a diagnosis.

General information only. This is not a diagnosis and does not replace a proper clinical assessment. Individual presentations vary. All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability.

When should I seek urgent care for this headache?

Many neck-linked headaches are mechanical. Call 000 or attend ED if you develop any of the following.

Seek urgent care if these signs appear Call 000 or attend ED. Many neck-linked headaches are mechanical.

Thunderclap or sudden severe headache

A headache that reaches peak intensity within seconds, or sudden severe head pain with dizziness, visual change, difficulty speaking, facial droop, or unsteadiness.

Fever, stiff neck, or rash

Headache with fever, marked neck stiffness, or a new rash. This needs urgent medical assessment, not a routine first visit.

Neurological change

Confusion, weakness, slurred speech, a drooping face, or unsteadiness with the headache.

New pattern after 50, or after a knock

A new or clearly different headache after age 50, or headache after a fall, crash, or blow to the head or neck, especially with vomiting or worsening drowsiness.

General information only, not medical advice. This is not an exhaustive list. If you are unsure, contact your GP, healthdirect on 1800 022 222, or emergency services.

What may be contributing to this headache?

A short orientation only. Tap a card. Assessment decides. Nothing here is a diagnosis.

General information only. This is not a diagnosis and does not replace a proper clinical assessment. Individual presentations vary. All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability.

How is a cervicogenic headache different from migraine?

Sometimes the stories overlap. The starting point is a careful assessment, not a label.

A cervicogenic pattern is usually described as head pain that may start in the upper neck and be felt in the head. It is often one-sided. It may worsen when you turn or hold the neck. Pressing the base of the skull may bring it on. Those are clues, not a diagnosis from a webpage.

A migraine-type pattern is often throbbing, may occur on either side, and is more often accompanied by nausea or light sensitivity. Neck movement alone does not usually tell the whole story. Mixed presentations are common.

Guideline-level care for a neck-linked headache usually starts conservative, with red-flag screening, then review. Read more on our neck pain page or headaches page if that story sounds closer, or book so we can assess your pattern.

General information only. This is not a diagnosis and does not replace a proper clinical assessment. Individual presentations vary. All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.

What does research suggest about cervicogenic headache care?

Guideline and review-level context for conversation. Individual responses vary. This is not a personal prognosis.

$69Initial consult here
$122SA average initial*
1972Clinic established
6 daysMon to Sat hours

Cervicogenic guideline context

A 2026 chiropractic clinical practice guideline discusses spinal manipulation as a primary intervention for cervicogenic headache. Study context, not a prediction for you.

Trager et al., 2026 · PMID 41685545

Cervicogenic review

A systematic review and meta-analysis in the European Journal of Pain reported an effect of spinal manipulation on pain intensity and frequency for cervicogenic headache compared with control interventions. Individual responses vary.

Fernandez et al., 2020 · PMID 32621321

Neck-linked headache trial

A dual-centre randomised trial studied spinal manipulation for cervicogenic headache. That is study context for a headache-linked neck pattern, not a promise that your headaches will change.

Haas et al., 2018 · PMID 29481979

Manual therapy evidence map

The UK evidence report summarises where manual therapies may help musculoskeletal presentations. Suitability depends on assessment. Adverse events in reviews are generally described as minor and transient.

Bronfort et al., 2010 · PMID 20184717

Office and screen load

Research in Australian office workers found new neck-pain episodes are common across a work year. Desk and device load is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same week may include a head story.

Hush et al., 2009 · BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Adult headache guideline context

An earlier chiropractic guideline discussed conservative care options for adults with headache, including neck-linked patterns. Guidelines inform a conversation. They do not replace assessment.

Bryans et al., 2011 · JMPT

Red flags stay open

Serious pathology is uncommon. Screening still matters. Thunderclap pain, fever with a stiff neck, neurological change, or headache after a head or neck knock means urgent medical care first.

Conversation context, not a personal prognosis

After we assess, we talk it through

Care is discussed after assessment. Progress is reviewed regularly. If imaging, your GP, or another path is wiser, we say so. In-house cold laser may be discussed if a soft-tissue picture fits. Ask at your visit. Individual responses vary.

Conversation context, not a personal prognosis

What this means here

Citations support a conversation. They do not promise your outcome. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) will explain what he finds and what is sensible next. You choose.

Book a first visit to apply this to you

QuestionChiropractic herePhysiotherapy
Primary focusUpper neck and upper-back mechanics, screening, and hands-on care including adjustments where suitableOften more exercise-focused or soft-tissue-centric
ExerciseExercises and stretches may be prescribed where appropriate, alongside hands-on careExercise rehabilitation is often a main focus
Soft tissueIn-house cold laser may be discussed if a soft-tissue picture fits. Ask at your visitSoft-tissue work varies by clinic
Referral needed?No. Book directlyNo
Plan or contract?You choose the next stepVaries by clinic
If this is not the right fitWe refer and point you in the right directionYour physio may refer on

Citations support conversation, not a guarantee. Not a diagnosis. Individual responses vary. All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability.

Does your work pattern sound familiar?

Three common situations. Tap a card. This is orientation, not a diagnosis.

General information only. This is not a diagnosis and does not replace a proper clinical assessment. Individual presentations vary.

Location, Hours and Practical Details

What you need for a smooth first visit.

Location

528 Marion Road, Plympton Park SA 5038 Free on-site parking at the clinic.

Get directions

Open early, late, Saturday

  • Mon to Fri7am to 7pm
  • Saturday8am to 12pm
  • SundayClosed

Health funds

All major health funds accepted where your cover applies.

What to bring

Comfortable clothing. Recent imaging or reports if you have them. No referral needed.

Ready when you are

on Marion Road

Est. 1972

Stapleton Chiropractic
528 Marion Road, Plympton Park SA 5038 · Directions
(08) 8297 5277
Mon to Fri 7am to 7pm · Sat 8am to 12pm
(08) 8297 5277
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) during a hands-on assessment at Stapleton Chiropractic

References

  1. Trager RJ, et al. (2026). Chiropractic clinical practice guideline: spinal manipulative therapy for headache disorders. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine. PMID 41685545.
  2. Fernandez M, et al. (2020). Spinal manipulation for the management of cervicogenic headache. European Journal of Pain. PMID 32621321.
  3. Haas M, et al. (2018). Dose-response and efficacy of spinal manipulation for cervicogenic headache. The Spine Journal. PMID 29481979.
  4. Bronfort G, et al. (2010). Effectiveness of manual therapies: the UK evidence report. Chiropractic and Osteopathy. PMID 20184717.
  5. Hush JM, et al. (2009). Risk factors for neck pain in office workers: a prospective study. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders.
  6. Bryans R, et al. (2011). Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache. JMPT.
Last clinically reviewed 13 August 2026 by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor), B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq). AHPRA registered. Individual responses vary.

Last clinically reviewed: 22 April 2026 by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)

© Stapleton Chiropractic. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor), B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq). AHPRA registered. 528 Marion Road, Plympton Park SA 5038
author avatar
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor), B.Chiro.Sc (Macq), M.Chiro (Macq), is the Principal Chiropractor and Clinic Director at Stapleton Chiropractic in Plympton Park, Adelaide. He provides evidence-informed chiropractic care with a focus on musculoskeletal health, spinal movement, and functional improvement. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) works with adults, older adults, and families across all stages of life, supporting concerns such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, and postural issues. He is committed to clear communication, personalised care planning, and long-term patient outcomes.
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