The Headache Doctor Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Taves goes over our virtual evaluations - the types of patients that are a good fit for them, how they work, and what they entail. Here at Novera: Headache Center we want migraine and headache sufferers to know that no matter where they are in the world, we are here to help them and provide direction towards a healthier life.  Novera: Headache Center

Have you been diagnosed with Trigeminal or Occipital Neuralgia? We discuss these 2 diagnoses and provide you with a better understanding of what they truly mean. We also discuss from a physical therapy perspective why we feel like it's most appropriate to go down the avenue of looking at the neck and how we as PTs can reduce stress to the nerve - versus the traditional route and what patients...

Dr. Taves shares a personal story about a past interaction with the current healthcare system, and he and Dr. Stoerzbach discuss some of the problems in healthcare and what Novera is doing to change that. We help people with headaches and migraines find relief and get back to what life has to offer, but we are also in the business of changing our healthcare system in a way that truly drives value...

Is stress a trigger for your migraines? We address that by talking about the Vagus Nerve (the 10th cranial nerve) and the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system and how these impact you - the person suffering with headaches and migraines.  Novera: Headache Center

Dr. Taves jumps back into talking about the neck with passion and gusto after reading a podcast review.  He talks about seeing people with debilitating migraines that neurologists couldn't figure out who continued to trial different medications -  then improved not from medication, but from treatment on their neck. As a society, the healthcare system we have is so narrowly focused on the phar...

Listen to this discussion on dry needling, a technique that both Dr. Taves and Dr. Stoerzbach use in the clinic. Dry needling focuses on restoring mobility, reducing tension, and reducing pain levels. Learn how it can help with headaches and migraines.  Novera: Headache Center

Where do light sensitivities, or photophobias come from? You have photophobia if you are more sensitive to light coming in, and have an increase in migraine symptoms with light. Research shows 80% of migraine sufferers have this, it's a very common problem. We will discuss colors, colorblindness, and blue light blocking eye glasses. Novera: Headache Center

In this two part series we talk about how there are different aspects of the visual system that can play into headaches and migraines. This episode focuses on eye strain - we will talk about the common problem of convergence insufficiency. This is a common, overlooked problem that can play a role in headaches.  We will talk about all aspects of it: What is it? Who gets it? How do they get it? What...

Have you tried to come off your long term migraine medication, but then had terrible headaches or migraines? Did this make you feel like you needed to go back on the meds?  In this episode we talk about what rebound headaches are and how certain medications need to be tapered slowly so withdrawal symptoms don't occur. Certain medications can  build up a tolerance in your body, or make you mor...

We are excited to have a new full time physical therapist on staff with us. Dr. Stoerzbach shares her personal story about her headaches and migraines which started from a young age. Hear about what she tried as she went through the healthcare system seeking answers, and hear her excitement about moving forward at Novera: Headache Center to help others. Novera: Headache Center

Episode 40 is out!  In this episode we discuss the ten different classifications of medications. We want you to understand the most commonly used medications/injections so you feel empowered to know how they work and what the side effects are.  This will allow you to make an informed decision if you are offered one of these by your provider. Or maybe you are already on one of these drugs and this...

Have you tried botox as an intervention or perhaps considered it? In this episode we discuss botox and surgery as options for headache and migraines. What do these interventions look like for patients and what happens during them? Learn why some patients choose these interventions, and my thoughts on the pros and cons of these options. Novera: Headache Center

What happens when we ignore a neck problem? Today we will talk about what symptoms pop up when we ignore a neck problem. Do you experience numbness, tingling, an aura, or maybe many other symptoms? Your diagnosis of headache or migraine is usually based upon the symptoms you have. At Novera we have seen hundreds of patients with a variety of symptoms and will shed some light on some examples of th...

Here it is -  This information is so important that I decided to make a second episode. Understanding the connection between the neck and any form of head or facial pain is the first step to breaking free from headache and migraines.  Novera: Headache Center

People often think that their headaches or migraines are hereditary. They think that because their mom and grandma have migraines, that means it's a genetic issue. But is that true? Today I'm going to walk you through what role genetics play with headaches and migraines, and where that concept may be a little misconstrued.  Novera: Headache Center

Have you felt like people just don't understand what you're going through when you tell them you have a migraine? Whether it be a co-worker, a friend or family member, or maybe even your doctor. So many people quit talking about their migraines because people just don't get it. I'm going to help you be able to explain what's happening. Let's change the conversation ab...

Have you heard me talk about the neck or mention that the neck is the most likely source of your headaches and migraines, and thought that didn't apply to you because you've never injured your neck? I want you to listen through this episode where I explain the different reasons why your neck is still the most likely source of pain, even without a neck injury. Novera: Headache Center

Today I'm going to talk about four different providers that can really bring value to your treatment of headaches and migraines that aren't necessarily obvious. I'll share some details about each of them, and how they apply to you as the patient with headaches or migraines. Let's check them out! Novera: Headache Center

I'm going to differentiate headaches and migraines, and explain how the diagnosis that you receive can often steer your treatment in the wrong direction. We're going to look at some common treatments that patients are given, why they are given, but why those probably won't be the solution to the actual headaches or migraines.  Novera: Headache Center

Today we're looking into the science of pain and your brain. I know how debilitating and painful these headaches and migraines can be for people, and that pain is very real. Jump into this episode with me and we'll go down the path of explaining what roll your brain is playing in this.  Novera: Headache Center

All too often, headache and migraine sufferers get swept into what seems like an endless cycle of trial and error with different doctors and specialists. A lot of the time simple things are missed because patients are thrown into the deep end of worst case scenarios, that they feel there's no way it could be something fairly simple that can be fixed. I'm going to walk you through the imp...

As people are getting back to traveling and taking those long awaited trips, I'm going to give you some tips for how to reduce your chance of getting a headache or migraine while flying. In the airport and on the airplane, there are multiple potential triggers. But don't worry, there are easy fixes for these problems! Novera: Headache Center

Often times when people hear me say that the neck is most likely the source of their headaches and migraines, they exclude themselves and create a barrier for pursuing treatment. I'm going to list the seven most common reasons that I hear from people for why they think that this doesn't pertain to them, and why those should not be barriers for you to seek treatment.  Novera: Headache Cen...

You probably know the frustration associated with working with insurance companies, and feeling limited with your options based on your insurance. Or maybe you didn't associate your insurance to the quality of care that you're actually receiving. I'm going to start at the beginning and tell you how insurance was created in the first place and the idea behind it, and explain why and...

This episode we're going to dive into our current healthcare system, the way it's set up, and how that's creating a major disservice to you, the headache or migraine sufferer. I'm going to tell you about some eye opening experiences that I had while attending the Mayo Clinic, and explain why a different order of processes could greatly benefit those searching for relief.  Nover...