Headache Chiropractor Townsville

Paediatric adjustments for children, using exceptionally gentle, age-appropriate methods

What Is a Tension Headache?

A tension headache is a dull, band-like pressure that typically builds around the head and often starts at the base of the skull, and it is one of the most common headache types Mark O'Brien Chiropractic manages in Townsville. If you are wondering why your headache gets worse through the afternoon at your desk, tension headaches frequently have a musculoskeletal component linked to tightness in the neck and upper back. Mark O'Brien Chiropractic assesses how your neck, posture and muscle tension may be contributing, rather than just addressing the headache in isolation.

Common Symptoms of Tension Headaches

Tension headaches tend to follow a recognisable pattern, and Mark O'Brien Chiropractic looks closely at these symptoms when assessing Townsville patients.

  • Dull, band-like pressure around the head
  • Pain that starts at the base of the skull or neck
  • Headaches linked to screen time, stress or poor posture
  • Frequency that increases with prolonged sitting or desk work
  • Tightness across the shoulders alongside the headache

If this pattern sounds familiar, Mark O'Brien Chiropractic can assess how much of your headache picture is coming from the neck and upper back.

What Causes Tension Headaches?

Tension headaches usually build from a combination of physical and lifestyle factors, and Mark O'Brien Chiropractic reviews each one with Townsville patients.

  • Tension in the neck and upper back muscles
  • Restricted joint movement in the cervical spine
  • Poor posture or ergonomic setup
  • Stress and muscle guarding
  • Dehydration or irregular sleep patterns compounding muscular tension

Mark O'Brien Chiropractic uses this information to work out which contributing factors are realistic to address through chiropractic care.

Person holding temples with a pained expression, red glow near forehead, suggesting headache or migraine

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Mark O'Brien Chiropractic asks about your headache pattern, including frequency, triggers and what a typical episode feels like, alongside your work setup and stress levels. We then assess the mobility and muscle tension through your neck and upper back, which helps clarify how much of your headache picture is coming from musculoskeletal tension we can address directly at our Townsville clinic.


If tension headaches are a regular part of your week, Mark O'Brien Chiropractic in Townsville can help assess what is contributing. Book an appointment online or call (07) 4721 1011.