Headache treatment in Hilversum

Headaches that keep coming back, a tight band around the head after a day at the screen, pain that starts in the neck and spreads to the forehead or behind one eye: in many cases the neck plays a role, and that is something a chiropractor can treat. Our English speaking chiropractors examine where your headache comes from and treat the cause, not only the symptom.
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Why so many headaches start in the neck

About 3.5 million people in the Netherlands have regular headaches. The upper neck is the usual suspect: the three top segments of the cervical spine share nerve connections with the nerves of the head and face. When those segments lock up, when the small muscles at the base of the skull tighten, or when the head is carried forward for hours in front of a screen, the brain receives pain signals that it feels as headache. Doctors call this cervicogenic headache; patients call it a headache that starts in the neck and spreads to the forehead, temple or behind one eye.

Tension type headache, the most common headache of all, follows the same path: a dull, pressing pain on both sides, often with stiff shoulders, triggered by posture, stress, poor sleep or too little water. Both types respond well to treatment of the neck combined with exercises and advice, and both are closely linked to neck pain, which we treat on the same principle. Headache after a collision or fall is covered on our page about whiplash and dizziness.

Which headache do you have?

Cervicogenic headache: one sided, starts in the neck or back of the head, worse with neck movement or long sitting, often with a stiff neck. Responds very well to chiropractic treatment.

Tension type headache: both sides, pressing, hours to days, linked to posture and stress. Responds well to treatment of the neck and shoulders combined with exercises and advice.

Headache after a collision, a fall or a blow to the head: see our page on whiplash and dizziness. Headache that does not fit these patterns is examined just as carefully, and we tell you honestly when the neck is not the cause and where to go instead.

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Headache complaints we see every week

Headache after screen work

Woman with headache and neck pain after hours on her smartphone

Pain in the back of the head and temples at the end of the working day, stiff neck and shoulders, sometimes light headedness. Typical for people at the Media Park and home workers with a laptop on the kitchen table. Locked upper neck segments and overworked neck muscles, very treatable.

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Headache with a stiff neck

Chiropractor treating the upper neck of a patient with headache at MoveWell Hilversum

A headache that announces itself with neck pain, that gets worse when you turn or bend the head, or that stays after a day of driving or sleeping in a bad position. Treating the upper neck and the muscles at the base of the skull takes away the trigger; see also neck pain and headaches.

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Headache with dizziness or jaw pain

Forward head posture at the screen, a common cause of headache

The upper neck also influences balance and the jaw. Light headedness when turning the head, pressure behind the eyes, clicking or painful jaw joints and teeth grinding often come together with headache. Our examination covers neck, jaw and balance in one visit.

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More information in English

Everything MoveWell offers in English, from complaints to rates: start at MoveWell in English.

When a headache needs a doctor first

Most headaches are harmless and treatable. A headache that starts suddenly and is the worst you have ever had, a headache with fever, stiff neck and confusion, after a blow to the head, or with weakness, speech problems or double vision needs a doctor the same day. Our chiropractors are trained to recognise these signs; if we see them, we send you on immediately.

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How we treat headaches

Examination of neck, posture and nerves

Cervical decompression treatment of the neck at MoveWell

We test the movement of each neck segment, the muscles at the base of the skull, the jaw, your balance and the nerves of the arms. We ask about triggers, sleep, screen hours and medication use, and we read scans you bring. Then we tell you which type of headache you have and what we can do.

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Gentle treatment of the upper neck

Gentle chiropractic mobilisation of the neck for headache

Precise, light adjustments or mobilisation of the locked upper neck segments, release of the suboccipital muscles and trigger points, and if needed the cervical decompression table. Most patients notice a difference within the first three visits.

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Posture, exercises and prevention

Exercises for the deep neck muscles to prevent headache

Simple daily exercises for the deep neck muscles, a workplace check, advice on sleep and screen habits. For stubborn cases our physiotherapists add dry needling and strength training for the neck and shoulder blades.

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Why MoveWell for headaches

Experience with headache

English speaking chiropractor examining a patient in Hilversum

Seven chiropractors who see headache patients every day, and physiotherapists next door for muscles and training. Many patients have been to several practitioners before they come to us.

Direct access, fast

MoveWell practice in Medisch Centrum Dudokpark

No referral needed, acute complaints usually within 24 hours, open until 21:00 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Dutch supplementary insurance reimburses chiropractic, no deductible.

Honest about what works

Chiropractor explaining the headache treatment plan

If your headache is not coming from the neck, we say so after the examination and advise you where to go. No endless treatment plans.

Our specialists for headache

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Frequently asked questions about headaches

Can a chiropractor help with headaches?

Yes, when the headache comes from the neck: cervicogenic headache and most tension type headaches. Treatment of the upper neck segments and the muscles at the base of the skull, combined with exercises and posture advice, reduces the number and the intensity of headaches in the large majority of these patients.

How do I know whether my headache comes from the neck?

Typical signs: the pain starts in the neck or back of the head, it is worse after long sitting or with certain neck movements, your neck feels stiff, and pressing at the base of the skull reproduces the pain. The examination gives the answer within one visit.

How many treatments do I need for headaches?

Most patients notice improvement within three to five visits; a full plan is usually six to ten visits over two to three months, followed by exercises you do yourself. Long standing headaches take longer than recent ones.

Is adjusting the neck safe?

Yes, in the hands of a registered chiropractor after an examination that excludes the rare conditions in which the neck should not be adjusted. We use light, precise techniques and gentle mobilisation for patients who prefer it. Serious complications are extremely rare.

Should I stop my painkillers?

Never stop medication on your own. Frequent use of painkillers can itself cause headache (medication overuse headache); we discuss this with you and, if useful, with your doctor, while treatment reduces the need for them.

Is headache treatment reimbursed?

Chiropractic and physiotherapy are reimbursed from Dutch supplementary insurance, without deductible and without referral. International insurers usually reimburse chiropractic as well; you receive an itemised invoice in English.

Can children and teenagers be treated for headaches?

Yes. Headache in children often comes from the neck, posture, screen time and stress at school. We use gentle techniques adapted to the age and involve parents in the advice on sleep, screens and exercise. See our page on children.

What can I do myself against headaches?

Move your neck every half hour at the screen, raise your laptop to eye level, drink enough water, keep regular sleep, and do the three neck exercises we give you daily. A headache diary for two weeks helps us find your triggers and measure progress.

Headache treatment for Hilversum and the Gooi region

MoveWell, Hoge Naarderweg 3E, Hilversum, in Medisch Centrum Dudokpark. Patients from Bussum, Laren, Naarden, Huizen, Loosdrecht, Baarn, Weesp and Almere, 25 minutes by train from Amsterdam and Utrecht. Move well, feel better!

Tired of recurring headaches?

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Call 035 760 06 45