How I Learned to Manage My Headaches — And How I Help My Patients Find Relief

My first headache started when I was just 16 years old. I was sitting in class, reading an assignment, when suddenly an aura came on. At first, I didn’t know what was happening — the room began to blur, and a pounding sensation started in my head. Soon after, nausea and dizziness overwhelmed me. I went to the nurse, who gave me an Ibuprofen, but the relief never came, no matter if I sat or lay down, the dizziness wouldn’t ease As I lay in the nurse’s office, scared and confused, I wondered what I had done to deserve this.

That personal experience is one of the reasons I’m so passionate about helping my patients who suffer from headaches. I understand firsthand the fear, the discomfort, and the frustration. What makes me especially happy is when I can help bring relief — sometimes even during a treatment session.

That heaviness — that indescribable feeling right before a headache begins — lets you know a migraine is coming, even if you can’t explain why or how. But what if, the moment you felt it starting, you knew exactly what steps to take to reduce its intensity — or even stop it from developing altogether?

How I Manage My Headaches

Over the years, I’ve learned to manage my headaches through a combination of diet, chiropractic care, and soft tissue therapy. These approaches have helped me reduce the frequency and intensity of my headaches, and I use them to help my patients as well.

• Diet: Certain foods and dehydration can trigger headaches. Staying hydrated and avoiding common triggers can make a big difference.

• Chiropractic Care: Misalignments and tension in the neck and upper back can contribute to cervicogenic (neck-related) headaches. Gentle adjustments help relieve this tension and improve function.

• Soft Tissue Therapy: Muscle tension is a major cause of headaches. Massage and targeted soft tissue work help relax tight muscles and improve circulation.

What was my trigger? Nitrates.

Nitrates are commonly found in processed meats like bacon, sausages, and deli meats. While some vegetables naturally contain nitrates, there’s a big difference between these and the added nitrates used in processed foods.

The added nitrates convert into nitric oxide in the body, which causes blood vessels to dilate (expand). This vasodilation can trigger migraines and headaches in sensitive individuals.

By identifying and avoiding processed meats with added nitrates, I was able to reduce the frequency of my headaches and better manage my symptoms.

How I Can Help You

If you experience frequent headaches or migraines, you don’t have to suffer silently. Together, we can develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at reducing your pain and improving your quality of life.

Whether your headaches are caused by muscle tension, poor posture, stress, or other factors, chiropractic care combined with lifestyle changes can be an effective, drug-free option.