"I started at Better Health Osteopathy 3 weeks ago. Sam, on reception was exceptionally helpful, even calling one of the osteopath's out to answer my questions and putting my mind at ease. Ella, the osteopath assigned to me is amazing. I would totally recommend her and the practice."
What's behind it
What's contributing to your headache?
Headaches are rarely caused by one thing. We'll identify what's contributing to your headaches, what's slowing your recovery and what needs to change to help you recover and reduce the chance of them returning.
- 01 Muscle tension in the neck, upper back and jaw
- 02 Joint and muscle tension in the upper neck referring pain to the head
- 03 Sustained posture: long desk, screen or driving time
- 04 Jaw clenching or grinding, often stress- or sleep-related
- 05 Poor sleep, stress and dehydration
- 06 Migraine triggers such as hormones, certain foods or skipped meals
The sooner you understand what is driving your headache, the sooner you can start recovering.
Book a headache consultHow we treat it
A clear path to recovery
Most headaches can be successfully treated. During your assessment, we'll identify what's contributing to your headaches, what's preventing recovery, and create a personalised plan to help you recover and reduce the chance of them returning.
What we assess
- Neck and upper-back mobility (especially the upper neck)
- Jaw movement and clenching patterns
- Shoulder and breathing-pattern contributors
- Posture habits, screen and desk setup
- Headache history, triggers, and timing patterns
Settle the pain
Hands-on treatment to ease the muscle and joint tension feeding your headaches and help you feel more comfortable.
Restore movement and strength
Improve how your neck and upper back move and build strength so they cope better with everyday load.
Reduce future flare-ups
Address the triggers and habits contributing to your headaches and learn simple strategies to help reduce how often they return.
Your care team
Meet your care team
Every osteopath at Better Health Osteopathy is registered with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand and follows the same evidence-informed approach to assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. This page is clinically reviewed by Lorraine Herity, Clinic Director & Principal Osteopath.
Experienced osteopaths you can trust
Whoever you see, you will receive the same thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and personalised rehabilitation plan. We work as one team to help you recover as quickly and safely as possible.
- Over 60,000 consultations
- Helping Christchurch for over 10 years
- Registered OCNZ osteopaths
- ACC accredited
- Same-day appointments often available
What patients say
Real stories from Christchurch patients
There is no better measure of our care than the experiences of the people we have helped. Here is what Christchurch patients say about their recovery.
"I’ve been seeing Lorraine for several years now and she is nothing short of a miracle worker. No matter what I walk in with - aches, pains or something that just feels “off” - she always knows exactly what to do and somehow gets my body back on track every single time. Beyond her incredible skill and knowledge, Lorraine is an absolute delight. She creates such a warm, welcoming environment and genuinely cares about her clients. You never feel rushed - she takes the time to listen, understand and treat the root of the problem. As both the clinic owner and manager, it’s clear she pours her heart into Better Health Osteopathy and it shows in every aspect of the experience. If you’re looking for someone you can truly trust with your body, Lorraine is the one. I wouldn’t go anywhere else!"
"Such an awesome clinic. Fixed me every time and helps me to feel stronger and healthier as a result. Couldn’t recommend more. They are worth their weight in gold."
"Highly recommend. I have been seeing Lorraine at BHO for multiple years now including visits for both of my children as newborns. So handy to now have a second location on Colombo street! Beautiful, clean clinic and the staff are friendly as always. Overall a great experience and well worth it in my opinion."
What to expect
What to expect at your first appointment
Our goal is simple: give you answers, explain your options, and help you take the next step towards recovery.
30 minutes
Time to listen, assess and answer your questions.
Bring
Comfortable clothing, any scans, and your ACC details if it is an injury.
You will leave knowing
A clear understanding of what is causing your pain and your personalised recovery plan.
No referral needed
Book directly. We will take care of your ACC claim if needed.
The questions we'll answer
- What's causing my pain?
- Why did it happen?
- Why isn't it getting better?
- Is anything else contributing?
- What's the best path to recovery?
We will explain everything in plain English, answer your questions, and make sure you understand your treatment options before moving forward.
New here? See what to expect at your first visit , or see our fees .
Book your visit
Ready to get back to the life you love?
We will help you understand what is causing your pain and create a personalised plan to help you recover.
Frequently asked
FAQs about headaches & migraines
What does an osteopath do for headaches?
Can Osteopathy help migraines?
How long does it take to feel better?
Are headaches in children worth getting checked?
Do I need a scan?
What can I do at home to reduce headaches?
Start today
What you can do at home right now
Small, safe steps that usually help while you wait for your first appointment.
Hydration and regular meals
Surprisingly common contributors to headache patterns.
Sleep regularity
The biggest single lever for many headache patterns.
Movement breaks at the desk
Every 30-45 minutes, reset the neck and shoulders.
Notice your patterns
Keep a brief log of when headaches happen and what preceded them.
Some signs need same-day attention
These are uncommon, but if any apply, do not wait for an appointment.
If symptoms are severe or sudden, seek urgent medical care or call 111.
- Sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache, especially the worst headache of your life
- Headache with fever, neck stiffness, confusion, vision changes, or weakness
- Headache after a head injury that is worsening or persistent
- New headache pattern in someone over 50, or significantly different from usual headaches
- Headache with progressive neurological symptoms (numbness, weakness, slurred speech)
Who we help
Care tailored to people like you
Headaches & migraines shows up differently depending on your life and work. Explore the care built for your situation.
Office workers
Relief from desk-related back, neck, and shoulder strain. Help with posture, headaches, RSI, and the wear of a sedentary work day.
Pregnancy
Gentle, pregnancy-safe osteopathic care for every trimester. Ease back, pelvic, hip, and rib pain so you can move and rest comfortably.
Children & teens
Osteopathic care for growing bodies. Support for posture, sport injuries, growing pains, screen-related strain, and active kids.
Further reading
- Guide 6 min
Choosing the Right Pillow for Neck Pain Relief
How pillow height, firmness, and sleeping position affect neck pain and morning stiffness. Practical pillow-buying guide plus our pillow-fitting service.
- First aid 6 min
Slept Funny on Your Neck? Here's What to Do
A clear plan for waking up with a stiff or twisted neck. What helps, what to avoid, when to book in, and how to stop it happening again.
- Guide 7 min
Whiplash Recovery: How Osteopathy Helps After a Crash
Whiplash symptoms, the ACC pathway, and what osteopathic treatment looks like in the first 6 weeks after a motor-vehicle accident.










