In this episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast, Dr. Taves explains the history of the migraine diagnosis and the methods of pain management offered by the western medicine model. He also dives into the nuts and bolts of Novera Headache Center, specifically what we do, the approach used in the clinic to treat headaches and migraines and what we believe about the neck and headache connection. 

Novera: Headache Center

In this episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast, Dr. Taves explains the condition known as Military Neck, which is an abnormal curve of the spine that is causing someone to look like they are standing at attention. Over time, stress on the neck causes the neck to lose the normal curvature (the neck is straight). What plays into this stress on the neck? What muscles are impacted and play a role? How can you move forward if given the diagnosis of Military Neck? Listen to this full episode to learn more!

Novera: Headache Center

In this episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast, Dr. Taves dives into the topic of surgery and injections. He explains various surgery and injection options and the role of physical therapy as an option to pursue instead. Physical therapy to the neck is focused on mobility, helping people move better, and restoring the movement function.  

Novera: Headache Center

Let's talk about Migraine Triggers! In this episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast, Dr. Taves jumps into answering a few key questions: what does it mean to have a migraine trigger? How do we understand these triggers and what does it mean to have a trigger that impacts our body systemically? The environment that you experience the pain in can fluctuate and migraine triggers vary as well- don't miss out on this episode to learn more! 

Novera: Headache Center

In this episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast, Dr. Taves dives into why the prevalence of migraine symptoms have almost doubled in the last 30 years. There are several shifts in our culture that are impacting the prevalence of migraines: Only 28% of Americans are meeting the physical activity guidelines, so generally we live sedentary lifestyles and spend most of our day sitting. There is also a cultural shift away from breastfeeding to bottle feeding and this developmentally impacts the airway. These are just a few examples- listen to this full episode now to learn more!

Novera: Headache Center

Dr. Taves dives into the diagnosis of Cluster Headaches in this episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast. Typically, Cluster Headaches can onset very quickly, multiple times a day and the pain is extremely intense. These types of headaches are more common in men and characterized as one-sided, intense pain behind or around the eye. Episodes generally last 30-45 minutes of intense pain and typically can last a period of weeks-months with a seasonal element involved. Physical Manifestations during Cluster Headaches include tears from the eyes, eye swelling, a droopy eyelid, or a stuffy nose. What physically could be producing these symptoms? Listen to this episode now to find out! 

Novera: Headache Center

In this episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast, Dr. Taves explains Chiari Malformation, an abnormality that causes the brainstem and cerebellum to be pressed into the spinal canal, disrupting the flow of the spinal fluid (causing an increase in pressure in the brain). Check out this podcast to learn about the 3 different types of Chiari and to discover recommendations on next steps if you have been diagnosed with Chiari.  

Novera: Headache Center

In this episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast, Dr. Taves explains the diagnosis of Scoliosis and how it relates to headaches and migraines. Scoliosis is defined as a abnormal curvature of the spine and the bones, muscle tissue and nerves are all impacted by this s-shape and curvature of the spine. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Scoliosis, you don't want to miss the several helpful tips Dr. Taves outlines in this episode!

Novera: Headache Center

Dr. Taves focuses completely on the neck in this episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast. He also explains the 5 rules of exercise that he developed for neck exercises and stretches....1. Exercise is made to be specific to the problem site in the neck (the towel stretch, using the SAM device) 2. Exercise needs to restore proper function 3. Exercise needs to address shoulder tension 4. Exercise should address stability 5. Exercise should be sustainable. We encourage you to share this episode with someone you know who suffers from headaches or migraines!

Novera: Headache Center

In this episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast, Dr. Taves dives into the explanation for shoulder pain and tension and why we often blame the upper trap. The fact is, we were not designed to be sedentary and for many of us, our job may require sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day (causing an increase in shoulder tension). We need to actually condition the upper trap in order to have a higher level of function and Dr. Taves provides a few practical tips to accomplish this. If you suffer from shoulder pain throughout the day- you don't want to miss this episode! 

Novera: Headache Center