AboutJ.R. Strecker, B.S., D.C. Expertise I can answer questions related to the signs, symptoms, causes, types, management, treatment, and prevention of headaches and migraines. It is critical to accurately identify the type and cause of the headache to maximally reduce the frequency, duration, and intensity of the headache.
Experience I have extensive experience as a chiropractor in an integrated system. My background is mostly experienced with routine patient management of musculoskeletal disorders and pain management. I work closely with highly-trained anesthesiologists for pain management protocols, and I am also the chief chiropractor of an integrated clinic incorporating chiropractic, massage therapy, allopathic medicine, acupuncture, herbology, homeopathy, and naturopathic medicine. I typically integrate a combination of these aspects for both the wellness and pain management of my patients. I have treated patients at Venice Family Clinic, the nation’s largest free clinic and a teaching clinic for the UCLA medical system, in a heavily researched pilot program incorporating chiropractic and acupuncture with allopathic medicine. In my private practice, I also work alongside the chief medical director for student health at California State University – Los Angeles. Next to back and neck pain, headaches and migraines are the most common conditions I treat in my practice.
Organizations American Chiropractic Association.
California Chiropractic Association.
Publications Dr. J.R. Strecker’s Practice -- featured story (Front Page of Business Section), The Palisadian Post. Oct. 25th, 2007. (Dr. Strecker not the original author).
Education/Credentials Bachelor’s of Science, Human Biology (Cleveland Chiropractic College).
Doctor of Chiropractic, Cum Laude Honors (Cleveland Chiropractic College).
Awards and Honors Youngest chiropractor in professional history to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree
Past/Present Clients Consulting Chiropractor for Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy – Pacific Palisades, CA
Question Hi.... I just have a question. I have 2 compressed discs in my neck. I generally have to watch how I move throughout the day as it is, but when I get to bed too late or move to much I suffer with headaches/neckache SO bad! I have had a major migraine the last two days and evcen pain pills haven't helped. I have friends who get headaches like this and they never went away! I guess I am just scared that this headache will last forever- any coping ideas or tricks besides what I have used ibuprofen, heat/cold.... the pain is across my forehead really bad and my neck is sore. Thanks
Answer Hello M.,
First off, thank you for trusting me with your health. However, as a disclaimer, please do not take any of my advice without at least consulting with your doctor first. I always suggest printing this letter and taking it to your doctor for him or her to read.
I admire your desire to discontinue the ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is only going to mask the pain, and it’s not going to fix the problem. Though it’s not for certain, it sounds like you might be suffering from a cervicogenic headache. And the biggest reason why I suspect so is because of the neck pain and compressed discs. There is a possibility your headaches are independent of your neck, such as if you skip dinner and have low blood sugar, causing a hypoglycemic headache when you go to bed. But we’ll talk about your neck problem, because if you get this fixed, it sounds like your headaches might go away.
The first recommendation I would make is to go see a chiropractor. Your neck sounds like it is predisposed to early degeneration, which chiropractic has great results for the pain management of arthritic necks. The downfall is that every chiropractor is different from the next, so you may have to go visit 2-3 different chiropractors before you find one that you work well with. Since you have compressed discs in your neck, a traction protocol is typically indicated for this condition. Chiropractors and physical therapists are the practitioners that most commonly do this. Think of it like this, if your discs are compressed as you say they are, then traction helps to decompress the disc. It’s usually a very comfortable treatment.
Also, because it sounds like you are predisposed to a degenerative neck, it would be highly recommended for you to consider taking a glucosamine chondroitin product. Beware, however, because not all products are created equally. You have a tendency to get what you pay for. And it can take a few months before you start to notice the improvement, so you have to be faithful and patient. Research suggests that it works for about 1 in 2, so after about 6 months, if you don’t notice any improvements, perhaps it’s not the best for you.
And lastly, review this list of triggers to see if any of these triggering factors might be causing your headaches. If you notice these triggers irritating your headaches, then your headache might be independent of your neck. If that’s the case, you know to avoid the trigger. Some of these triggering culprits and causes for headaches are:
• Tyramine, found especially in aged cheeses and red wines
• Food preservatives and additives, such as Nitrites and MSG (Monosodium Glutamate), with nitrites found in hot dogs, salami, and other packaged meats and MSG in certain soups and packaged foods.
• Sulfites, found in alcohol and processed, sugary drinks
• Wheat (containing gluten), eggs, milk, tree nuts, and seafood (especially shellfish).
• Noxious stimuli, such as loud noises, bright lights, and certain smells
• Mechanical causes, such as arthritis from the neck, Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ Syndrome), grinding your teeth (Bruxism), and other joint dysfunctions
• Referred causes (causes originating elsewhere), such as pressure from inflamed sinus cavities, muscular trigger points, eye strain (from reading glasses, contact lenses, prolonged computer use, etc.), and other structures from the mouth, neck, and ears
• Traumatic causes, which can lead to brain swelling and bleeding that can build and put pressure on the brain
• Drug withdrawal, including from alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes
• Infectious causes, which are usually accompanied with a fever, such as Meningitis or the Flu
• Miscellaneous causes, like sleep deprivation, dehydration, and of course, stress.
I hope this helps a bit. But you should definitely get under the care of a doctor to see if you can’t get your discs some help.
