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 have been experiencing a headache at the back right side of my head. The pain is greatly increased with exertion, sneezing, coughing-but sometimes w/o a trigger. In addition to this, I also get sharp lightning bolt type pains just randomly in my head. These are strong enough to bring tears to my eyes (I have an extremely high pain tolerance level). And sometimes it feels like my brain is tingling-sounds weird, but the only way I know to describe it. I also have experienced double vision in my right eye only. I have numbness and tingling in my hands, fingers, sometimes feet and down the side of my left leg. I seem to have lost some of the strength in my left arm-blow drying my hair is bothersome. (I have other symptoms that could be MS related) I have visited my doctor and raised these concerns on several occaisions and am being sent for tests-CT brain and referral to a neurologist. But these things take time,(unfortunately I am NOT a good complainer) and I just want to know if I should be concerned. Thank you for your time.
Shelly
Answer Hello S.,
First off, thank you for trusting me with your health. However, as a disclaimer, please do not take any recommendations or advice I give without first consulting with your doctor, and please do not use this website as a substitute for your healthcare needs or the healthcare advice of your doctors since there is no way a doctor can thoroughly evaluate you without seeing you in person.
To get to your question, that is a tough question to answer. The problem is that I don't know you. If I tell you, yes, you should be concerned, what would that accomplish? At the same time, because of the symptoms you've listed, I do not think it would be wise for me to tell you to not become concerned. If telling you to be concerned only worries you and nothing is accomplished from it, then that is going to be poor for your mental health and well-being. The symptoms you have listed are serious enough, that in my opinion, they do warrant immediate special imaging. It is critical that you tell your doctor everything you have told me in your email. I am not going to attempt to give you a list of possibilities for a diagnosis, because that would not be wise, and it would be very unfair to you. If your CT is not scheduled soon, such as this week, I would call your doctor and tell your doctor your symptoms exactly as you have told me, and ask if it would be possible to bump the CT up to a sooner date if your doctor feels it is reasonable to do so. I can't really tell you what your condition is, which is the reason why you are being referred for special imaging in the first place. But, yes, your symptoms warrant further investigation as soon as your doctors can schedule the earliest opening.
In the mean time, it's never good to worry about what the possibilities are or could be, or to be too concerned until a diagnosis is made. If anything, worrying will only make your matters worse. I hope you understand my reasoned response to your question, and again, call your doctor when you can.
