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 Hello,
For past few years I will have an occurrence At least once a year where I get incredible headaches in back of my head behind my right ear. It always seems to be on the same side and it will last a few weeks than go away. I do allot of overhead work with my wallpapering and painting carrier.
Could it be muscular ? I know I have high blood pressure so I was wondering if that cause it ? It will even hurt while I am in bed. Lying down does not Help.
Thank you,
John Aufiero
The art of wallpapering
paperyourwalls.com
Answer Disclaimer: please do not take any of my advice without at least consulting with your doctor(s) first. If necessary, print this email in its entirety for your doctor(s) to read. In addition, please do not attempt to use this website or my advice as a substitute for your healthcare needs or as a substitute for the advice of your doctor. There is no way a thorough health evaluation or assessment of any medical condition can be properly made via email. Please only use the contents discussed as a guide or tool to address your health matters with your doctor(s). If any of the information I provide conflicts in anyway with the information your doctor(s) provide, it is always best to default to the information provided by your consulting doctor(s) or to seek additional opinions from qualified, licensed healthcare providers as needed.
Hello J.,
I think because your headaches are so infrequent, being only a time or two a year, you should really take a look at what you are doing differently during these times. Has your diet, sleep habits, stress levels, etc… changed? A huge number of causes can set headaches off. And it might even be a good thing that your headaches are so infrequent because that might give you greater insight as to what is causing them. Any doctor that does a thorough history on you during the time of the headache might be able to help pinpoint your trigger. And remember that your trigger could have been a buildup from something a day or two before the actual onset of the headache.
To be a little more specific for your case, headaches behind the ear can come from a variety of causes. Of course due to the proximity of the ear, ear problems can refer to that area of the head. Head pain behind the ears also commonly refers from the occipital regions of the head (base of the skull) as well. Because of this, things from the back of the head or even parts of the upper neck can refer to the area you are having pain. The best example of referred pain is when a heart attack causes left shoulder pain. Most people are familiar with this concept. The shoulder is not the problem – the heart is, but pain is still felt in the shoulder. So the previously mentioned areas can cause referred pain in the area you feel. But to confirm your suspicion, yes, muscle tension can definitely cause this type of pain. And in fact, I would highly suspect this to be a likely cause because of your work. Painters and construction workers very commonly experience arm, shoulder, neck, and head pain from doing work over their head with the heads tilted backwards for extended periods of time. The muscles that stabilize the head and neck become very fatigued and start to develop problems. And the area you are having pain with is an area that major muscles from the neck attach to the head. And just like you mentioned, your blood pressure can be a problem, too. High blood pressure (hypertension) is fairly common for causing headaches. Maybe every so often your blood pressure gets out of control and gives you headaches. Or if you're taking medication for the blood pressure, maybe you've noticed the headaches are worse when you skip your med. But I think that because you mentioned you have pain when you rest as well, your headaches are coming from muscle tension. Of course, there is no way for me to know exactly, so it’s always best to go see the doctor, especially during the attack. I would recommend seeing a chiropractor, acupuncturist, or a massage therapist. A knowledgeable chiropractic doctor, acupuncturist, or medical doctor will be able to determined if the headaches are coming from something else.
