The Headache Doctor Podcast

Welcome to another episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast ! In this episode, Dr. Taves generously shares the insights gained from his training at the Mayo Clinic, delving into the intricacies of manual therapy for headache relief. We also explore the inception of Novera (New Era) Headache Center, a testament to Dr. Taves' commitment to providing comprehensive and personalized care for those s...

Join Dr. Taves, a leading physical therapist specializing in headaches and migraines, as he delves into the fascinating world of airway health with orthodontist Dr. Jacob Zitterkopf. In this enlightening episode, they explore how underdeveloped jaws can impact not only dental health but also overall well-being, including sleep quality, teeth grinding, and TMJ disorders. If you've been struggl...

In this illuminating episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast, Dr. Taves delves into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of head injuries – concussions. With expertise and empathy, he navigates through the intricate connection between concussions and their impact on the vestibular system, ocular system, and cervical system (neck). Dr. Taves sheds light on how head injuries disrupt the delicate bal...

Welcome to a deeply personal and insightful episode of "The Headache Doctor Podcast," where Dr. Taves engages in a heartfelt conversation with Amber Collins. In this episode, Amber generously opens up about her 20-year migraine journey, offering listeners a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs she has faced along the way. Amber's story takes center stage as she articulates the p...

In this enlightening episode of "The Headache Doctor," Dr. Taves takes us on a deep dive into the intricate world of headaches, digging into the mystery behind the various types of primary and secondary headaches. With expertise and clarity, Dr. Taves breaks down the distinct characteristics, causes, and symptoms of each headache type, offering a comprehensive understanding of the pain y...

In this enlightening episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast , Dr. Taves sheds light on the world of Rebound Headaches, also known as Medication Overuse Headaches. Listen to this full episode to gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between medication use and headache exacerbation, as Dr. Taves navigates through evidence-based approaches and practical tips to help patients navigate t...

Are you tired of battling a relentless headache that refuses to loosen its grip? Join us on this episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast as Dr. Taves delves deep into the perplexing realm of New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH), also known as Chronic Daily Headache. In this enlightening episode, Dr. Taves sheds light on the complexities of NDPH, a condition that often manifests as a strap-like pain...

In this highly practical and enlightening episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast, Dr. Taves engages in a conversation with Dr. Brandt Gutwein, shedding light on the transformative Virtual Coaching Program offered by Novera Headache Center. Together, they unravel the intricacies of everyday life, honing in on movements and positions that significantly influence the impact on the neck—a crucial aspe...

In this compelling episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast , Dr. Taves addresses the poignant and often isolating struggle faced by migraine sufferers when traditional remedies such as medications, healthcare providers, and even Botox treatments fall short. The conversation explores the emotional and physical toll of chronic migraines, shedding light on the profound sense of isolation that accompan...

In this episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast , Dr. Taves speaks with Dr. Brandt Gutwein, a Physical Therapist on the Novera Headache Center team. The discussion explores the correlation between the physical demands of overhead sports and the prevalence of headaches, offering valuable insights into potential triggers, effective management strategies and how to focus on both stability and mobility...

In this episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast , Dr. Taves interviews a patient, Brooke Williams and she shares her devastating migraine journey, but also her life changing experience with Novera Headache Center. Brooke began having headaches as a child, but the migraines really started progressing in middle school. After she was diagnosed with Chronic Migraine, she was prescribed multiple medicat...

In this episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast , Dr. Taves dives into the topic of dry needling with the newest member of the Novera Headache Center team- Dr. Sarah Zemen. Tune in as we unravel the intricacies of this innovative therapeutic technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific trigger points within muscles, aiming to alleviate pain and tension. Dr. Zemen sheds light...

In this episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast , Dr. Taves answers the fundamental question connecting the intricate relationship between  intense head pain and the neck: How can these symptoms that are so bad and so debilitating come from my neck? The interconnected nature of the nervous system means that issues in the neck can manifest as severe symptoms elsewhere in the body, making it challeng...

In this fascinating episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast , Dr. Taves dives deep into the intricate relationship between neuroplasticity, brain trauma, and headaches. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the human brain and explore how its incredible ability to rewire itself, known as neuroplasticity, plays a pivotal role in understanding and managing headaches, especially those resulting from...

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.  Nove...

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? Ho...

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...

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...

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...

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 bee...

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 severa...

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 shou...

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...

In this episode of The Headache Doctor Podcast , Dr. Taves interviews Elisabeth Post. Chronic Migraines were robbing her of life- the small things like babysitting her niece, going for a hike, being able to work without pain. Elisabeth shares her journey towards receiving treatment at Novera and how her path towards healing has looked a bit different but she provides so much encouragement for her...