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.
Please note: Due to the limitations of email communication, I cannot answer questions seeking a potential diagnosis or a second opinion. Without exception, any answers given may be used for educational purposes only. If a question is asked, you, the questioner, inherently agree to not use the answer for any type of evidence against another individual or to outweigh the advice or opinion of another healthcare professional. You, the questioner, also inherently agree to remove Allexperts.com and its affiliates and the author of the answer, Dr. JR Strecker, DC, from any harm or liability.
Experience I have extensive experience with chiropractic in an integrated system. 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. I am currently focused on private 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
I wonder if I might get your opinion on my headaches. For many years I wake up usually between 3 and 4 AM with a pounding headache, for many years now. I can usually get relief from an excedrin type product. I have also got migraines for 30 years that happened at the same time. My migraines are very rare these days, probably due to be postmenopausal.
My question is why would I only getting headaches at this time? I've always blames on a post-nasal drip, or what I call my morning nose. Could congestion be the cause? Thank you.
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, as a substitute for the advice of your doctor, or as a substitute for any legal advice. 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.,
Based on the specificity of your question alone (the odd timing) my first gut instinct would be cluster headaches. Cluster headaches are very unique, interesting, and special headaches. We don’t quite understand cluster headaches quite as well as we understand other forms (e.g., migraines, tension-type, hypoglycemic, etc…) but early morning or late night timing tends to be a strange association with cluster headaches. Classically, cluster headaches are famous for occurring in the middle of the night at strange times (2 AM – 4 AM), often waking up the patient from sleep with incredibly intense pain. Although these headaches often occur more frequently in men, they still occur in women as well.
Another factor you may want to consider is if the headache is coming from your neck. Due to the timing of your headache, it’s possible the headache is coming from your pillow, your bed, or the way you are sleeping. These are other factors you may want to evaluate.
Keep in mind, this answer is not a diagnosis to your condition. You need to see a doctor to get a diagnosis. This question is only in response to a very specific scenario – the odd timing of your headaches, a factor that cluster headaches are famous for – and there are many factors besides timing to take into consideration when diagnosing a patient’s type of headache. Please go see a doctor for a checkup and try to get a diagnosis. Without a diagnosis, it’s very difficult to avoid the headache’s triggering factors. However, after you know the type of headache, it becomes easier to manage the headache with clear direction.
