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CONDITION · NEUROLOGICAL & CERVICAL

Migraine treatment in Sumner.

Migraine is a neurological condition — but for many people in Brisbane’s western suburbs, neck tension and posture can trigger or worsen episodes. Alpha Physio is well known locally for helping assess and manage these cervical contributors as part of your broader migraine care, working alongside your GP.

AT A GLANCE

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AFFECTED AREA

Head and cervical spine

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PREVALENCE

Common

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FIRST STEP

Assessment + plan

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FUNDING PATHWAYS

NDIS · DVA · WorkCover

Information shown is general and not a substitute for assessment. Your physiotherapist will discuss your specific presentation at your initial appointment.

COMMON SIGNS

Symptoms you may recognise.

Where neck symptoms accompany your migraines, a physiotherapy assessment may be a sensible next step alongside GP care.

One-sided throbbing pain

Moderate to severe head pain, often on one side

Light & sound sensitivity

Often with nausea during an episode

Visual or sensory aura

In some presentations, before the headache begins

Neck pain or stiffness

Preceding or accompanying episodes

Posture-related triggers

Sustained desk or screen postures

Upper trapezius tension

Tightness and tenderness through the neck and shoulders

COMMON DRIVERS

Where physio can contribute.

Physiotherapy does not treat migraine itself, but can assess and manage musculoskeletal factors that may trigger or worsen episodes for some people.

CAUSE 01

Cervical (neck) contributors

Stiffness or irritation of the upper cervical joints can refer pain to the head and, in some people, contribute to migraine triggers. The upper cervical region shares neural pathways with structures in the head.

CAUSE 02

Muscle tension

Sustained tension in the upper trapezius and suboccipital muscles — driven by posture, stress or overload — can be a contributor to headache and may interact with migraine patterns.

CAUSE 03

Posture & screen use

Forward-head posture during prolonged computer or phone use increases load on the cervical spine and surrounding muscles. Addressing this is a practical part of management for desk-based workers across Brisbane’s west.

CAUSE 04

Jaw clenching (TMJ)

The jaw and upper cervical spine are closely related. Clenching or bruxism — often stress-related — can contribute to headache and facial pain that may overlap with migraine.

When to seek urgent care

Some headache features warrant immediate medical attention rather than a physio assessment. Please attend an emergency department if you experience:

A sudden, severe “thunderclap” headache (worst headache of your life)
Headache with fever, stiff neck, rash or photophobia (suspected meningitis)
Headache with vision changes, slurred speech, weakness or numbness
Headache following a head injury, with confusion or vomiting
A new or markedly different headache pattern with progressive worsening

OUR APPROACH

How physiotherapy may help.

A structured approach — assess for neck-related contributors, treat what is found, then build long-term resilience, alongside your GP’s migraine care.

Assess

A structured assessment to determine whether your migraine pattern has a cervical or musculoskeletal contributor.

Cervical movement testing
Upper cervical joint assessment
Craniocervical flexion test (CCFT)
Muscle tenderness & postural analysis

Treat

An evidence-based plan tailored to the contributors identified — combining manual therapy with targeted exercise.

Manual therapy & joint mobilisation
Dry needling for trigger points
Deep cervical neck flexor strengthening
Postural & workplace ergonomics

Manage

A progressive program to address contributing factors and build postural endurance, co-managed with your GP where appropriate.

Home exercise program
Workstation modifications
Trigger awareness & self-management
Co-management with your GP

RELATED CONDITIONS

Common questions.

Can physiotherapy help with migraines?

Migraine is a neurological condition, and physiotherapy is not a primary treatment for migraine itself. However, many people who experience migraine also have neck-related (cervical) contributors that can trigger or worsen episodes. Physiotherapy may help assess and manage these cervical contributors through manual therapy, exercise, and postural work. We recommend that frequent or severe migraines are also reviewed by your GP for appropriate medical diagnosis and management.

How does physiotherapy assess neck contributors to migraine?

Our physiotherapists assess the upper cervical spine, neck movement, muscle tension, and posture to determine whether there is a musculoskeletal component contributing to your headaches or migraine pattern. This includes cervical movement testing, assessment of the upper cervical joints, and identification of tender or tight muscles in the neck and shoulders. The findings guide whether physiotherapy is likely to be a useful part of your management.

Is migraine the same as a tension headache?

No. Migraine is a distinct neurological condition, typically involving moderate to severe, often one-sided throbbing pain that may be accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Tension-type and cervicogenic headaches have a more prominent musculoskeletal component. A physiotherapy assessment can help identify whether neck-related factors are contributing to your headaches, and your GP can confirm a migraine diagnosis.

When should I see a doctor about my migraines?

If you experience a sudden, severe headache, headache with fever and a stiff neck, or headache with vision changes, slurred speech, weakness or numbness, seek urgent medical attention. For recurring migraines, a GP assessment is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and discuss medical management. Physiotherapy can work alongside your GP’s care where neck-related contributors are identified.