Headaches: Treating the whole person

I believe that treating those individuals suffering with headaches is the most challenging and yet the most rewarding work I've ever done.

There are several things to take into consideration when treating a person suffering with headaches.

First, we must ask the most fundamental question of all: where is your headache? I ask you to point to the area of where the headache originates and where it may spread. This is the first clue into why you are experiencing headaches and what I need to do to help you.

Next, we must consider mechanically what is going on: do you experience clicking or popping of the jaw, does your jaw shift to one side upon opening or closing, do you experience pain upon opening or closing of the jaw?

Lastly, the most neglected part of treating headaches must be addressed. What is going on in your life to cause you stress? And, do you seek any form of treatment for your stress?

In my ten plus years of treating headaches and jaw pain I found that the emotional component of pain is usually ignored. We can treat your mechanical issues and get your pain level completely resolved. But, for that small percentage of the population who we have not been able to get total pain relief, we must consider the emotional element.

Early on in my career a gentleman came to see me for headaches and clicking of his jaw for the last 8 months. After 3 weeks of therapy we completely resolved his headaches and clicking of his jaw. The client came in for a one month re-evaluation and the headaches were back. It was at that point I heard him mention he was out of work and looking into a new career. His wife was stressed because she now was supporting both of them and felt he needed to hurry and find a new job. I proceeded to give the client the name of a career coach who he began to work with the following week.

What a great lesson for me! From that point on I began to ask each client at his/ her initial visit about what causes them stress. This gave me a complete picture of what I was dealing with and how to help you, the client, heal completely.

A team approach is always how I look at your pain therapy regimen. Not only must we work with physical therapists, chiropractors, and medical physicians, we must include pain psychologists as part of our complete team.

I believe it is part of our job to empower you to become healthy and maintain that healing.