Headache from the neck: treatment in Overton, near Basingstoke
If you have a headache from the neck, you may be looking for help near Basingstoke. I’m Robert Green, a GOsC-registered osteopath (no. 11480) at our Overton clinic. Call me on 01256 578137 if you would rather talk.
- Free 15-minute consultation, in person or by telehealth call, before you book
- £60 for 45 minutes, pay as you go
- Free parking at the clinic
What is a headache from the neck?
A headache from the neck, also called a cervicogenic headache, is a headache that arises from the neck. Headaches have many causes, and the NHS says most are not a sign of something more serious.[1] I look at your neck and how you move to see whether it may be involved. If your main problem is a sore neck, see neck pain.
Other kinds of headache
For information only: tension headaches are very common. The NHS describes pain on both sides of the head, face or neck, or a feeling of something pressing on or tightening around the head, and says to see a GP if you get headaches several times a week or they’re severe.[2] If you are unsure what kind of headache you have, see your GP and call me on 01256 578137.
How an osteopath may help with a headache from the neck
Osteopathy may help with a headache arising from the neck (cervicogenic), but I can’t promise any result, and everyone responds differently. At your appointment:
- Assessment. I ask about your headaches and your health, then examine your neck, upper back and shoulders and how you move.
- Explanation. I explain what I find, in plain English, and we agree a plan. If a headache looks like something for your GP, I will tell you.
- Hands-on care, if you agree. This may include soft-tissue work, stretching and mobilisation (my approach). You can ask me to stop at any time.
- Exercises. I may suggest neck exercises and rehabilitation to practise at home.
Migraine prevention
Osteopathy may help with migraine prevention as part of a plan we agree together. No result can be promised, and I would encourage you to keep your GP in the loop.
Acupuncture
I also offer acupuncture, which may give short-term relief of tension type headaches. More on acupuncture.
What happens at your first appointment
Your first visit is 45 minutes and costs £60. I ask about your headaches and general health, examine you, explain what I find and, if appropriate and you agree, treat you before we agree a plan. Pregnant women are welcome. If you would like to talk first, there is a free 15-minute consultation, in person or by telehealth call. You pay as you go and you don’t need a GP referral. More on fees and booking.
Some people feel sore or achy for a short time after hands-on treatment. I will explain what to expect before we start, and you can call me if you are worried.
Looking after yourself in the meantime
For a headache, the NHS suggests drinking plenty of water, trying to relax, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, not skipping meals and not straining your eyes for a long time, for example by looking at a screen.[1] If you are not sure which painkiller suits you, ask a pharmacist. Not sure what’s right for you? Call me on 01256 578137.
Visiting us at our Overton clinic
You can find us at Shire House, Waltham Road, Overton, Hampshire RG25 3NJ, about 8 miles from Basingstoke. Patients also come from Whitchurch, North Waltham, Oakley and Andover. Free parking, including an accessible bay. Wheelchair accessible, with a small step at the entrance. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm; Saturdays with me by arrangement. Directions and a map.
Headache from the neck questions
Can an osteopath help with a headache from the neck?
Yes, osteopathy may help with a headache that arises from the neck. At Overton and North Waltham Osteopathy, Robert Green, a GOsC-registered osteopath, assesses your neck and how you move, explains what he thinks is going on and agrees a plan with you that may include exercises and hands-on care. No result can be promised.
How will I know if my headache is coming from my neck?
You may not be able to tell on your own. Robert Green examines your neck and how you move to see whether your neck may be involved. If your headache does not look neck-related, he will say so and suggest you see your GP. You can also call him on 01256 578137 to talk it through.
Can osteopathy help with migraine prevention?
Osteopathy may help with migraine prevention. Robert Green assesses your neck and how you move, explains what he finds and agrees a plan with you, which may include exercises and hands-on care. It is worth keeping your GP informed. No result can be promised.
When should I get urgent help for a headache?
Go to A&E or call 999 for urgent hospital care if you have a headache and it started suddenly and is extremely painful, you have had a seizure, you have numbness or weakness in the body or face, you have had a head injury in the last 3 months, you find it difficult to speak, balance, walk or remember things, you are drowsy or confused, you have loss of vision, you have a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it, the white part of your eye is red and the headache is extremely painful, or you have a very high temperature, a stiff neck, or bright lights bothering you. Call 111 if a headache comes with vision or eye problems, blurred or double vision, being sick, or jaw pain when eating or a sore scalp, or is made worse by coughing, sneezing, bending down or exercising. See your GP if you regularly get headaches or treating one yourself is not working, and call Rob on 01256 578137 too.
Where can I see an osteopath for a headache from the neck, and do I need a referral?
Overton and North Waltham Osteopathy is at Shire House, Waltham Road, Overton RG25 3NJ, about 8 miles from Basingstoke. You don’t need a GP referral. An appointment with Robert Green costs £60 for 45 minutes, pay as you go, and a free 15-minute consultation is available first. Call 01256 578137 or book online.
Book an appointment
Choose a time that suits you below, or call me on 01256 578137 if you would rather talk first.
Get urgent help if you have any of these signs
Call 999 or go to A&E if you have a headache and:
- you have had a seizure (fit)
- you have numbness or weakness in the body or face
- it started suddenly and is extremely painful
- you have had a head injury within the last 3 months – for example, from a fall or accident
- you are finding it difficult to speak, balance, walk or remember things
- you are drowsy or confused
- you have loss of vision
- you have a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it
- you have a very high temperature, a stiff neck, or bright lights are bothering you
- it is extremely painful and the white part of the eye is red
You need urgent hospital care. Do not drive to A&E: ask someone to drive you, or call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Bring any medicines you take with you.
Call 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if you have a headache and:
- you have vision or eye problems
- you have blurred or double vision
- it is triggered or made worse by coughing, sneezing, bending down or exercising
- you are being sick (vomiting)
- you have jaw pain when eating or a sore or tender scalp
- you have any other symptoms you’re worried about
Call 111 or get help from 111 online. Please don’t wait for an appointment with me.
See your GP and call me on 01256 578137 if:
- you’ve tried treating a headache yourself and it’s not getting better or is getting worse
- you regularly get headaches
Unsure? Ring me and I’ll talk it through.
Source: adapted from NHS Headaches [1] and Tension headaches [2] (the red-eye 999 item and the blurred or double vision 111 item), accessed 3 November 2026. The wording is adjusted for adults. The tier order and the “call me” lines are additions, not NHS wording.
Sources
- NHS. Headaches (page last reviewed 17 April 2024). Accessed 3 November 2026.
- NHS. Tension headaches (information, and the red-eye and blurred or double vision safety items). Accessed 3 November 2026.