Common. Not normal.

Headaches are one of the most common reasons people reach for painkillers. For many, they become part of everyday life: a dull ache after a long day at the desk, tension that creeps up the neck, or a pounding head that cancels plans.

Painkillers can take the edge off, but they rarely tell you why the headaches keep returning. At ib family chiropractic, we start with that question. We look at how your neck, upper back, jaw and posture are moving, how stress may be affecting you, and what your daily life asks of your body.

Our goal isn't a quick fix. It's to understand what may be contributing to your headaches, and to build a plan that fits you.

Headaches we help with

We offer assessment and care for:

• Headaches arising from the neck (cervicogenic headaches), often felt at the base of the skull and spreading towards the forehead or behind the eyes.

• Migraine prevention, care for people who experience recurring migraines.

Not sure what type of headache you have? That's what your first visit is for. If your headaches need a different approach, we'll tell you and point you in the right direction.

What can contribute to headaches

Headaches rarely have just one cause. Factors that are often linked include:

• Stiffness or restricted movement in the neck and upper back

• Posture habits from desk work, driving, phones or feeding a baby

• Jaw tension and teeth clenching

• Stress, poor sleep, dehydration and skipped meals

• Hormonal changes

We look at the whole picture, and work alongside your GP where needed.

How chiropractic care can help

Conditions we treat include headaches arising from the neck and migraine prevention. Depending on your assessment, your care may include:

• Gentle chiropractic adjustments and mobilisation of the neck and upper back

• Soft tissue work for the neck and shoulders

• Simple exercises and stretches to do at home

• Advice on posture, workstation set-up, sleep and daily habits

• Advice on managing stress, including breathing and relaxation

Every technique is adapted to you and your comfort.

Your first visit: consultation and assessment

Your first appointment is all about understanding you and your headaches. We don't rush to treatment; we take the time to get the full picture.

During your consultation we will:

1. Listen to your story, when your headaches started, how often they happen, where you feel them, what makes them better or worse, and how they're affecting your life.

2. Look at your health history, past injuries, pregnancies, sleep, stress, work and lifestyle.

3. Carry out a thorough examination, checking posture, how your neck and upper back move, and where there are restrictions or areas of tension.

4. Use neurological and orthopaedic tests, to check nerve function and reflexes, and to rule out anything that needs a referral to your GP.

By the end of this visit, we'll have a clear sense of what could be connected to your headaches.

Your second visit: report of findings and your individual plan

At your second appointment, the report of findings, we sit down together and talk through everything we found. This is where things start to make sense.

We will:

• Explain our findings in plain language, what we found, how it may be linked to your headaches, and why.

• Answer your questions, so you understand your body and feel confident about the next steps.

• Put together your individual plan, tailored to your findings, your goals and your life. No two plans are the same.

• Agree how we'll track progress, with regular reassessments, so we can adjust your care as things change.

If we feel chiropractic care isn't right for you, we'll tell you honestly and point you to the right professional.

We want you to understand your body and your options before you start care. That's why we never skip this step.

When to see your GP or call 999

Most headaches are not serious, but some need urgent medical attention. Please seek medical help straight away if your headache:

• Is sudden and severe, like the worst headache of your life

• Follows a head injury

• Comes with fever, a stiff neck or a rash

• Comes with weakness, numbness, slurred speech, confusion or changes in vision

• Is new and getting steadily worse, especially if you're over 50

If we find anything during your assessment that needs further investigation, we'll refer you to your GP.

Frequently asked questions

Can a chiropractor help with headaches? Conditions chiropractors treat include headaches arising from the neck and migraine prevention. Your assessment will show whether chiropractic care is suitable for your headaches.

How many sessions will I need? It depends on your findings, how long you've had headaches and your goals. We'll explain your recommended plan at your report of findings, so you know what to expect before you commit.

Will I be treated on my first visit? Your first visit focuses on a thorough consultation and examination. We want to understand what's going on before we start care, so your plan is right for you.

Is it safe? Chiropractic care is generally safe. Some people notice mild, short-lived soreness or stiffness afterwards, a bit like after exercise. We screen carefully at your first visit, explain any risks before we start, and adapt every technique to you.

Do you see children and pregnant women? Yes. We care for patients of all ages, including children and during pregnancy, and adapt our techniques to be gentle.

Do I need a GP referral? No, you can book directly with us.

Ready to find out what's behind your headaches?

You don't have to keep planning your life around your next headache. Book your first visit and let's find out together what's going on.

New Patient Consultation £90

Book your first visit

ib family chiropractic, The Old Butcher Shop, corner of Churt Rd and Hale House Lane, Churt GU10 2JG. Also caring for families in Ash. Just 10–15 minutes from Farnham.

Call +44 (0)7562 488472 or email ibfchiropractic@gmail.com

Your chiropractor: Inga Burmeister , registered with the General Chiropractic Council.