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 ok so after a big weekend, i thought this headache was part of my hangover. However it has progressed from a "hangover head" to having to leave work early today because i couldn't see properly out of my right eye. the pain started as throbbing all over and is now behind both eyes, i feel nausea and just generally unwell I've tried everything to sooth the throbbing but now its just horrible and unbearable. i get sharp bursts of pain above my right eye almost the middle of my hairline and my eye. i have never suffered a "real" headache before now.
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 L.,
I'm not sure what the question is, but I'll try to help clear things up as best as I can.
Alcohol is a very strong headache "trigger" for many people. You can experience the headache for awhile after the drinking stopped. The alcohol has set off a cascade of inflammatory events leading to the headache. The fact that its affecting your vision indicates a couple things.
Traditionally, migraines are known for having these effects. But they usually occur on one side of the face, not both. However, it is still possible to have a migraine that affects both sides. And migraines are very commonly triggered by alcohol.
Another possibility is alcohol poisoning. I don't know how much you drank or how alcohol affects you, but just because it is "over-the-counter" does not necessarily mean everyone will be fine if they drink. Perhaps a certain type or amount just pushed you over the edge. As always, stay well-hydrated. Keep drinking the water. You can add some Gatorade into the mix to help with your electrolytes.
Understand there is no way for me to know for sure what is causing your headache from an email. Patient management is far too involved for this to be the case. However, there are more serious headaches that can affect vision and require medical attention and management. One of the most common headaches to affect vision is Temporal Arteritis. Again, I'm not saying you have this. But I'm mentioning this because if your symptoms continue or worsen, always follow up with a doctor.
To help with any inflammation, you can try wrapping your head in a cool damp towel. However, for some people, this sensation actually triggers headaches. If you feel your headache gets worse from this, try a warm towel. Try the cool towel first to reduce the inflammation.
For the nausea, you can try some ginger chews, ginger supplements, or ginger tea. Ginger is a natural supplement commonly recommended for nausea and tummy upset.
Next time, avoid any types of alcohol that put you over the edge. Everyone seems to have that one type, such as vodka, that really affects them much more than other types of similar proof.
