Headache Starting at the Base of the Skull
Pain at the back of the head that radiates forward to the temples or eye, often with neck stiffness. The hallmark of cervicogenic headache.
Evidence-based headache and migraine care at AWC Rosedale, chiropractic, sports acupuncture, and rehabilitation for cervicogenic headache, tension headache, migraine, and posture-driven headache patterns.
Last clinically reviewed: May 2026 by Dr. Jun Chung, Doctor of Chiropractic, NZ College of Chiropractic Graduate, ACC-registered. Reviewed for clinical accuracy against current peer-reviewed evidence (Posadzki & Ernst, 2011, Cephalalgia).
Quick Answer
At Auckland Wellness Centre in Rosedale, we treat headache and migraine through chiropractic adjustment, sports acupuncture, and targeted rehabilitation. Our approach addresses the biomechanical root cause (cervical alignment, upper-thoracic mobility, postural patterns) rather than just the symptom. ACC patients pay a co-payment per session and no GP referral is required.
Understanding Headache & Migraine
Many headaches and migraines are driven by the neck, not the head. The underlying cause is often cervical joint dysfunction, upper-thoracic stiffness, or chronic postural strain. Addressing this is what separates lasting relief from temporary medication.
Pain at the back of the head that radiates forward to the temples or eye, often with neck stiffness. The hallmark of cervicogenic headache.
Dull, band-like pressure across the forehead or behind the eyes, often from prolonged screen time or stress. Responds well to combined cervical and trigger-point care.
Throbbing one-sided headache, sometimes with nausea or light sensitivity. Acupuncture has supporting evidence (Posadzki & Ernst, 2011) for migraine frequency reduction.
Persistent headaches that worsen after long screen sessions. Conservative care addresses both the headache and the postural pattern driving it.
Our Difference
Most clinics treat headaches with medication alone. We combine modalities under one roof, chiropractic, sports acupuncture, and rehabilitation, to address the cervical and postural drivers.
Chiropractic, sports acupuncture, and rehabilitation under one roof, allowing your care team to combine treatments instead of working in silos.
No GP referral required for post-injury headaches. Whiplash-related and concussion-related headaches assessed for ACC eligibility at your first visit.
Korean and Chinese-speaking practitioners available for headache consultations, serving North Shore's diverse community.
Same-week appointments available. Free parking on-site. Wheelchair accessible. Two minutes off Albany Expressway.
From Our Clinical Team
In our clinical experience treating headache and migraine in North Shore Auckland, we've seen a clear pattern: conservative care produces meaningful improvements when applied early. The 2011 systematic review in Cephalalgia (Posadzki & Ernst) showed cervical manipulation and acupuncture reduce headache frequency in patients with cervicogenic and tension-type headaches, and the ACC Clinical Pathway explicitly recommends conservative management before more invasive options.
At AWC, every headache and migraine case follows our three-step integrated approach: (1) Biomechanical assessment to identify the root cause, we examine cervical alignment, upper-thoracic mobility, trigger-point pattern, and postural drivers. (2) Targeted intervention combining chiropractic adjustment, sports acupuncture, and rehabilitation under one roof. (3) Functional rehabilitation with home exercises to prevent recurrence. This integrated model is what separates lasting recovery from temporary relief.
- The clinical team at Auckland Wellness Centre
Your Headache Care Team
Chiropractors and acupuncturists working together at one clinic, registered with their respective NZ professional bodies.
Principal Chiropractor
NZ College of Chiropractic Graduate, Registered with the Chiropractic Board of New Zealand. Founded AWC in 2013. Specialises in cervicogenic headache assessment and posture-driven headache patterns.
Chiropractor
NZ College of Chiropractic Graduate, Registered with the Chiropractic Board of New Zealand. Korean-speaking. Focuses on conservative headache care, tension-type headache, and post-whiplash headache.
Acupuncturist (PhD)
Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand, Specialist Scope (Registration #1926). NZ's only PhD-qualified acupuncturist with CMCNZ Specialist scope. Treats chronic migraine and chronic headache with focus on chronic pain pathways.
Acupuncturist
ACC Registered Treatment Provider. Specialises in sports-related and concussion-related headaches.
ACC Coverage
If your headache and migraine resulted from a motor vehicle accident, whiplash, concussion, or workplace incident, ACC covers most of the treatment cost. No GP referral required. We handle the ACC paperwork at your first visit.
Learn About ACC Coverage →Headache Treatment Across North Shore
Located just 2 minutes off the Albany Expressway with free on-site parking, we frequently welcome patients driving from across North Shore Auckland for headache and migraine treatment. Wheelchair accessible, EFTPOS & bank transfer accepted.
Common Questions
Related Treatments
Headache & Migraine is often connected to other musculoskeletal issues. If you also experience these symptoms, the underlying cause may be shared.
Acupuncture-focused migraine care with Dr. Robin Won, our specialist acupuncturist.
How to tell a true migraine from a neck-driven headache, and what each needs.
Cervicogenic headaches start at the neck. Treating both is often more effective.
Forward-head posture is a primary driver of chronic headaches.
Specific protocols for chronic migraine reduction.
Whiplash and work-related headaches are ACC eligible.
Visit Us
Free parking on-site. Wheelchair accessible. Two minutes off Albany Expressway. EFTPOS, debit, bank transfer accepted.
Auckland Wellness Centre
Unit E2, 27 William Pickering Drive
Rosedale, Auckland 0632
Phone: 09 600 1939
| Monday | 9:00am – 7:00pm |
| Tuesday | 7:00am – 9:00pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00am – 7:00pm |
| Thursday | 7:00am – 7:00pm |
| Friday | 9:00am – 7:00pm |
| Saturday | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
| Sunday | 9:00am – 5:00pm |
Book a Practitioner Directly
NZ’s Only Acupuncture Specialist · CMCNZ #1926
Book with Dr. Robin Won →Acupuncturist · CMCNZ #4429 · Korean-speaking
Book with Mike Lee →Acupuncturist · CMCNZ #2531 · Mandarin-speaking
Book with Elaine Yang →ACC-accredited · No GP referral required · Same-week appointments usually available
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