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
Expert: J.R. Strecker, B.S., D.C. Date: 3/5/2008 Subject: constant migraines persisting the past 7 months
Question I have had persistent migraine headaches mainly on the left side of my head for the past 7 months or so I have tried Excedrin migraine, extra strength Tylenol, my doctor has prescribed me ibuprofen and still nothing has helped, she has recently scheduled me to have an MRI and I am now taking Topamax what can i expect to find out from the MRI?
Answer Hello C.,
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.
To start, I would say that’s the million dollar question you’ve asked. Your doctor has order the MRI not necessarily because he/she thinks he/she is going to see a particular condition on the MRI. It is important to understand there are a variety of reasons why any special imaging, such as an MRI, is ordered. It is impossible for a doctor to know exactly what is causing your headaches, unless your doctor has “x-ray” vision. So basically, special imaging can be ordered to confirm a diagnosis or a speculation for a diagnosis, or special imaging can be ordered to rule out more serious conditions or alternative causes for your symptoms. This is likely why your doctor has ordered the MRI. He/she is just following standard protocol, which is a good thing. If you have tried a variety of pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medications and nothing has helped, then it is time to order the MRI. This is just a standard protocol, assuming a proper history and evaluation was performed. So don’t stress yourself out about what could show up on the image. This is only going to adversely affect your mental health. The doctors just want to check every nook and cranny and make sure their bases are covered. If something shows up abnormal on the MRI, then they will likely be able to pinpoint your cause for your migraines. If your MRI comes back as normal (which is very possible) then it means you and your doctors have to keep searching for possible causes for your migraines and how to best treat them.
Here’s what I would suggest: wait and see what your MRI shows. It is impossible for even the greatest doctor in the world to know what it will show, hence, the reason why they are taking one. If they find something abnormal, then they will tailor their treatment to fix whatever is causing your problem, rather than blindly giving you medications. If your MRI comes back normal, follow up with me with any additional questions about your migraines and I can further suggest a variety of options for you to manage your migraines. In the mean time, stick with your appointment to get your MRI, and follow up with me at that point if you have further questions. And also in the mean time, don’t scare yourself about the possibilities for what it could be. For example, your MRI might be normal with your migraines stemming from a simple allergy to gluten, found in certain whole-grain products, like wheat bread. Let me know what the MRI says if you’d like further assistance or advice in the future.
