Headache and dizziness
Some headaches and some dizziness originate in the cervical spine rather than in the head itself. Assessment identifies whether the pattern fits a cervicogenic cause, and equally importantly whether it does not — some presentations need medical rather than chiropractic assessment.
Understanding the problem
Not every headache comes from the head
The upper cervical joints share nerve pathways with structures in the head, so restriction or irritation there can be felt as headache — typically beginning at the base of the skull and spreading forward, often on one side, and often worse after sustained desk or screen work. Dizziness can arise the same way, since the upper neck contributes to balance information.
The examination matters as much for what it rules out as what it finds. Headache with sudden severe onset, with neurological changes, with fever, or following head trauma needs medical assessment rather than chiropractic care, and we will say so.
What a first visit involves
How we work through it
We do not begin treatment on first meeting you. The assessment comes first.
- History — we listen firstWhere the pain is, when it started, what makes it worse, previous injuries, and your work and sleep posture. For accident or work injury cases, how the incident happened.
- Physical examinationPalpation, range of motion testing, and a neurological check of reflexes, strength and sensation — to work out whether the problem is structural, neurological or soft tissue.
- Digital X-ray if indicatedTaken on site. Whether it is needed is a clinical judgement, not a default for every patient.
- Findings and plan explainedIn the same visit you are told what was found, the likely cause, what is proposed and roughly how many visits it may take — before anything begins.
At the clinic
Treatment rooms and equipment
What may be used
Combined according to the assessment
Not every patient needs every item. What is used follows from what the examination shows.
- Cervical examination including range of motion and neurological testing
- Upper cervical adjustment where indicated
- Soft-tissue work on the suboccipital and cervical musculature
- Electrical stimulation and microcurrent
- Heat therapy
- Postural correction and workstation adjustment
- Rehabilitation exercise for the deep neck flexors
Fees and insurance
Who usually pays for this
How treatment is funded changes what paperwork you need. Pick the closest to your situation:
Auto accident
The at-fault driver's liability cover, MedPay on your own policy, or on a lien where you are represented.
What you need →Work injury
California workers' compensation — approved treatment is paid by the employer's insurer.
How it works →Private insurance
What PPO plans typically cover, and deductibles.
How to check →Self-pay
Self-pay rates, including initial examination with digital X-ray.
See rates →Why here
A few objective points
1988 — 38 years
Same practitioner, same Oakland Chinatown block since 1988.
Cantonese · Mandarin · Taiwanese · English
From history-taking to explaining the plan, in the language you are most comfortable in.
Digital X-ray, same visit
Where imaging is clinically indicated it is taken here, not at a separate centre.
5 min from Lake Merritt BART
Madison professional building, downtown Oakland. Building and street parking.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When should I see a doctor instead?
Sudden severe headache unlike any you have had before, headache with fever or neck rigidity, headache with vision changes, weakness or confusion, or headache following a head injury — these need medical assessment, not chiropractic care. Please seek medical attention.
How do I know if my headache is coming from my neck?
Typical features include onset at the base of the skull, one-sidedness, a link with sustained posture, and restricted neck movement. The examination tests those directly rather than relying on the description alone.
Can neck treatment help dizziness?
Where the dizziness is cervicogenic, sometimes. There are many other causes of dizziness — inner ear, blood pressure, medication — that are not treatable this way, and the examination is partly about distinguishing them.
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