If you’ve struggled with chronic headaches or migraines, you’ve probably found yourself bouncing from one provider to another, searching for relief. Maybe you’ve tried physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, neurology visits, or even alternative therapies like acupuncture or massage. And if you’re like many others, you may have wondered: Why is it so hard to find lasting, natural relief near me?
At Novera: Headache Center, we hear this question all the time. People ask, “Can you just refer me to someone in my area?” It’s a reasonable request, but unfortunately, it’s not as easy as looking up a local provider and sending you their way. There are a few key reasons why the right kind of treatment is so difficult to find—and why so many headache and migraine sufferers feel stuck in a cycle of trial and error.
The Role of Neurologists: A Medication-First Approach
When dealing with headaches and migraines, most people start with their primary care doctor, who then refers them to a neurologist. Neurologists play a critical role in our healthcare system and have extensive training in brain-related conditions. However, when it comes to migraines, the standard medical approach focuses almost entirely on symptom management rather than addressing the root cause.
Most migraine sufferers are prescribed a progression of medications:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Prescription migraine medications
- Monthly injections or Botox
- Anti-seizure, antidepressant, or anti-anxiety medications
While these treatments can provide temporary relief, they don’t address the underlying issue. They work by muting pain signals, calming an overactive nervous system, or reducing inflammation—but they don’t fix the root dysfunction that’s causing the migraines in the first place.
The Unfortunate Norm in Physical Therapy
If neurologists aren’t addressing the source of the problem, what about physical therapists? While physical therapy can be highly effective for headaches and migraines, the way the healthcare system is structured makes it difficult for most PTs to provide the right kind of care.
The insurance model forces many physical therapy clinics to see multiple patients at once, often spending just a few minutes with each person. This means that migraine sufferers often get a generic set of exercises or short-term pain relief techniques like electrical stimulation, ice, or heat. These might help for a little while, but they don’t create the lasting changes needed for true relief.
Another problem is specialization. Unlike other healthcare fields where specialization is the norm, physical therapy has been slower to adopt this model. Many PTs receive little to no training in treating headaches and migraines, and those who do often focus on general approaches rather than truly understanding the mechanics of the neck.
A Different Approach at Novera: Hope for Lasting Relief
At Novera: Headache Center, we take a different approach—one based on treating the actual source of pain. Through our framework, we focus on three key areas:
- Restoring Mobility – Many migraines and headaches stem from dysfunction in the neck, jaw, and upper back. By improving mobility in these areas, we address the root cause of pain rather than just masking symptoms.
- Addressing Developmental Barriers – Issues like poor sleep quality, airway restrictions, and posture can contribute to headaches. These factors need to be considered and addressed for full relief.
- Understanding Systemic Health – Inflammation, gut health, and hormone imbalances can play a role in migraines. While we don’t specialize in these areas, we work with trusted providers to ensure a comprehensive approach.
Because of our unique approach, we often hear from people who have exhausted all their local options without success. While it can be frustrating to realize that the right care might not be available nearby, we want you to know that there is hope. Through our in-person treatment, virtual coaching, and tools like the SAM device, we’re helping people find real, lasting relief—without relying on medication alone.
If you’ve been searching for answers and feel stuck in the cycle of provider-hopping, we encourage you to take the next step. Whether it’s exploring virtual coaching, investing in tools like the SAM device, or coming to see us in person, know that real relief is possible.
For more information, visit Novera: Headache Center and take the first step toward lasting migraine relief.
