Explore every episode of the podcast This Headache Journey

For those of us who have had chronic headaches and migraines for years, we’ve likely tried a number of different medications in hopes of reducing the frequency and intensity of our pain. And when multiple medications don’t seem to work, it can be incredibly discouraging. In this episode of This Headache Journey, host Adam Flaherty welcomes Dr. Fred Cohen, a headache specialist, to educate us on the various types of medications available, how recommendations are made, and the future of headache medicine.

Here’s what you’ll learn about in this episode:

·       The difference between “legacy” treatments and newer options.

·       Why medications designed for other conditions can actually help with headaches and migraines.

·       The risk of side effects of headache medications

·       How insurance policies and individual health profiles influence which meds might get recommended first.

·       The risks and benefits of long-term medication use.

·       How a headache specialist decides which medications to recommend to patients.

·       An explanation of what CGRP is, how these new treatments work, and why they’re such a breakthrough for many people.

·       Promising future treatments that are currently in clinical trials.

·       And more

Who else do you know who suffers from chronic headaches or migraine? Do them a favor by sharing this episode with them. It could literally change their life!

Learn more about Dr. Fred Cohen at http://headache123.com and on TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@fredcohenmd

Season 1 of This Headache Journey in sponsored by gammaCore™ Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator

The content of this episode does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it.

#headache #migraine #chronicheadaches #chronicmigraine #tensionheadaches #clusterheadaches #headacherelief #headachemedication #cgrp #migrainemeds #painrelief

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Ever wondered if your headaches could have something to do with how well (or poorly) you sleep? In this episode, host Adam Flaherty shares his experience being diagnosed with moderate obstructive sleep apnea, being prescribed a CPAP, and how it's impacted his life. He's then joined by Dr. Alison Kole, (also known as the Sleep MD), a physician specializing in sleep medicine. Dr. Kole breaks down the fascinating link between sleep quality and chronic headaches and migraines.

Here’s what you’ll learn about in this episode:

• Dr. Kole’s top three pillars for optimal sleep health—consistency, duration, and quality
• Surprising ways poor sleep quality (not just how many hours you get) can impact headaches and overall wellbeing
• Common but often undiagnosed sleep disorders and why they matter for headache sufferers
• The modern world of sleep studies and testing
• What’s actually happening when your airway closes while you're asleep
• Alternative options to CPAP and the rapidly evolving landscape of sleep treatment technology
• Why getting your sleep checked is easier, less invasive, and more beneficial than most people think

Who else do you know who suffers from chronic headaches or migraine? Do them a favor by sharing this episode with them. It could literally change their life!

Learn more about Dr. Kole at AskTheSleepMD.com and listen to her podcast Sleep Is My Waking Passion

Season 1 of This Headache Journey in sponsored by gammaCore™ Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator

The content of this episode does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it.

#headache #migraine #chronicheadaches #chronicmigraine #tensionheadaches #clusterheadaches #headacherelief #sleepapnea #sleepdisorders #sleepheadaches #cpap

#headache #migraine #chronicheadaches #chronicmigraine #tensionheadaches #clusterheadaches #headacherelief

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of This Headache Journey, host Adam Flaherty shares candidly about his experiences trying the Standard Process 21 Day Purification program in an attempt to reduce the frequency and intensity of his chronic daily headaches. His review of the detoxification diet includes recorded "check ins," documenting his journey over the three week program.

Adam welcomes Nicole Flaherty, NTP, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and founder of Natural Nutrition and Wellness based in North Andover, Massachusetts. Nicole brings her expertise in holistic nutrition and nutrition response testing to explore the critical link between what we eat and chronic headaches or migraines. They take a compassionate dive into how dietary changes can reduce inflammation, support the body, and possibly lead to fewer headaches and a better quality of life.

Here’s what you’ll hear about in this episode:

• Adam’s personal journey with a 21-day purification program—why he tried it, what it felt like, and whether it helped his headaches

• Nicole’s take on “silent inflammation,” what foods most often cause it, and her simple rule for label reading

• How poor blood sugar regulation can trigger headaches and which foods stabilize those “Hawaiian wave” blood sugar levels

• Common dietary headache triggers: gluten, dairy, sugar, grains, caffeine, and inflammatory oils, plus swaps Nicole recommends

• Why hydration and minerals matter—and an easy way to upgrade your water

• Tips for meal planning and staying accountable to realistic, nourishing changes

• Cutting back on caffeine and the power of community support during an elimination diet

• Real success stories from Nicole’s own life and her clients—plus the first steps she suggests for anyone starting this journey

Who else do you know who suffers from chronic headaches or migraine? Do them a favor by sharing this episode with them. It could literally change their life!

Learn more about Nicole Flaherty and Natural Nutrition and Wellness at https://naturalnutritionwellness.com/

Learn more about the Standard Process 21 Day Purification Program at: https://naturalnutritionwell.standardprocess.com/products/purification-kit-sp-complete-choc-vanilla-wff

Standard Process has a web portal called Patient Direct which allows you to purchase highest quality supplements & have them shipped directly to your home. You can use the link below to register for your free account.

You'll need to use the following code to create your account: XX2ZUY
https://my.standardprocess.com/Patient-Direct/patient-registration

Season 1 of This Headache Journey in sponsored by gammaCore™ Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator

The content of this episode does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it.

#headache #migraine #chronicheadaches #chronicmigraine #tensionheadaches #clusterheadaches #headacherelief #inflammation #nutrition #bloodsugar #purificationprogram #detoxificationdiet

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of This Headache Journey, host Adam Flaherty sits down with the insightful Elizabeth Bardwell, LCPC, NCC, MS, a Clinical Professional Counselor from Tide Meadow Counseling in York, Maine. Elizabeth specializes in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy and shares her expertise on how this modality can help people not just with emotional pain, but with physical complaints like chronic headaches and other types of pain. Here’s what you’ll hear about in this episode:

• What is EMDR and how does it work?

• How mental health and physical pain are connected

• What is an EMDR session like?

• What issues or symptoms can EMDR treat?

• EMDR vs. hypnosis and other therapies

• Real-world EMDR success stories

• Could EMDR be a fit for you?
  

Who else do you know who suffers from chronic headaches or migraine? Do them a favor by sharing this episode with them. It could literally change their life!

Learn more about Elizabeth Bardwell and Tide Meadow Counseling at https://elizabeth-bardwell.clientsecure.me

Season 1 of This Headache Journey in sponsored by gammaCore™ Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator

The content of this episode does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it.

#headache #migraine #chronicheadaches #chronicmigraine #tensionheadaches #clusterheadaches #headacherelief #emdr #emdrtherapy

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Anyone up for a "needle nap?" In episode 7 of This Headache Journey, we explore acupuncture for headache and migraine relief.

Adam Flaherty shares his personal experiences with acupuncture which span many years. He describes the sensation and the results he's gotten from committing to recurring acupuncture sessions.

Additionally, he sits down with Emily Pendergast, a licensed acupuncturist at Wild Roots Acupuncture and Wellness in Dover, New Hampshire, to demystify what acupuncture really is, and how it can help to reduce the frequency and intensity of chronic headaches and migraines.

Topics include:

• What acupuncture is—through both the lens of traditional Chinese medicine and modern Western science

• What a typical acupuncture session looks like

• What the needle injections really feel like

• How treatments are individualized for each person, especially when it comes to headaches and migraine

• How acupuncture works differently from (and sometimes overlaps with) dry needling and trigger point injections

• Treatment schedules, and why consistency matters

• Who benefits most from acupuncture

• Other conditions acupuncture can help with, from sleep and emotional wellness to allergies, hormonal balance, and preventive health

Who else do you know who suffers from chronic headaches or migraine? Do them a favor by sharing this episode with them. It could literally change their life!

Learn more about Emily Pendergast and Wild Roots at http://www.wildrootsnh.org/

Season 1 of This Headache Journey in sponsored by gammaCore™ Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator

The content of this episode does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it.

#headache #migraine #chronicheadaches #chronicmigraine #painrelief #headacherelief #headachetreatment #clusterheadaches #acupuncture #dryneedling

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Are your headaches or migraines so frequent and so intense that you'd consider being injected in the head and neck more than two dozen times in the course of just a few minutes?

In this episode of This Headache Journey, Adam Flaherty shares his personal experience trying Botox injections as a treatment for his for chronic headaches. Adam sits down with nurse practitioner Brooke Phenicie to dig into how and why Botox can be so effective for many people who struggle with headaches and migraine.

Brooke brings her unique perspective as both a headache patient and an expert provider—she’s the founder of Renew Migraine and Wellness Center in Glenview, Illinois, and has helped countless patients reclaim their lives from debilitating head pain.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How Adam's own Botox experiences went (the needles, the recovery, and the results)

• The history of Botox: from cosmetics to pain relief

• What makes a headache or migraine patient a candidate for Botox

• What Botox costs and how insurance typically handles coverage

• A step-by-step walkthrough of what it’s actually like to get Botox for headaches—including how many injections, where they go, and what to expect for discomfort and side effects

• Why the treatment locations matter

• The success rates Brooke has seen in her clinic

• Answers to common questions about long-term safety
  

Learn more about Renew Migraine & Wellness Center at www.renewmigraine.com

Season 1 of This Headache Journey is sponsored by gammaCore™ Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator.Who else do you know who suffers from chronic headaches or migraine? Do them a favor by sharing this episode with them. It could literally change their life!

The content of this episode does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it.

#headache #migraine #chronicheadaches #chronicmigraine #headacherelief #botoxinjections #botoxformigraines

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In episode 5 of This Headache Journey, we dive into the world of vagus nerve stimulation for headache and migraine relief. Host Adam Flaherty sits down with Dr. Peter Staats, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of electroCore—the innovative company behind gammaCore, a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation device.

During the interview, Adam shares his experience using the gammaCore device so that listeners have a clear understanding of what it feels like, and Dr. Staats brings both clinical expertise and personal passion to the table.

Topics include:

• What the vagus nerve is, and how it's connected to headaches and migraine

• The science of vagus nerve stimulation

• Which headache types gammaCore is approved for, and why clinical studies drive those distinctions

• How you use gammaCore, and how it works

• How to try gammaCore for yourself (with the endorsement of your doctor)

• Success stories and the global impact of this product

• Risks & caveats: Dr. Staats shares the main situations where caution is needed (like for patients with pacemakers), and emphasizes the device’s overall safety profile.

Who else do you know who suffers from chronic headaches or migraine? Do them a favor by sharing this episode with them. It could literally change their life!

Learn more about gammaCore at http://gammacore.com

Season 1 of This Headache Journey in sponsored by gammaCore™ Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator

The content of this episode does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it.

#headache #migraine #chronicheadaches #chronicmigraine #painrelief #headacherelief #headachetreatment #clusterheadaches #vagusnervestimulation #gammacore

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In Episode 4 of This Headache Journey, host Adam Flaherty shares his personal experience navigating chronic headaches, sharing a story about how a routine eye exam discovered that his eyes work harder than most peoples' eyes to refocus between objects at various distances. This discovery landed him at Victory Visual Training in the care of Dr. Amy Pruszensky.

Adam shares his experience with visual training, and welcomes Dr. Amy onto the podcast to explain the relationship between the eyes and chronic headaches.

Dr. Amy Pruszenski is known as the "eyeball coach" and has a passion for helping people optimize their visual system. She explains how vision therapy—a kind of physical therapy for your eyes—can truly make a difference, especially for those of us who feel like we've tried everything to relieve our headache pain.

Inside this episode, we break down:

• Adam's surprising diagnosis about his “weird” eyes and how that relates to chronic headaches

• Introducing vision therapy: what it is, how it works, and why Dr. Amy Pruszenski does what she does

• The role of computer vision syndrome, screen time, and blue light in headaches

• What happens during a vision therapy exam

• Common visual dysfunctions that might trigger headaches—and the connection to migraines

• Visual training techniques, including glasses, prisms, and exercises, plus why “practice” matters a LOT

• The role of sleep, nutrition, and other “team members” in dealing with chronic headache

• Dr. Amy's thoughts on new treatments like compression boots, red light therapy, and vagus nerve stimulation
  

Who else do you know who suffers from chronic headaches or migraine? Do them a favor by sharing this episode with them. It could literally change their life!

Learn more about Victory Visual Training at http://visualvictorytraining.com

Season 1 of This Headache Journey is sponsored by gammaCore™ Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator.

The content of this episode does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it.

#headache #migraine #chronicheadaches #chronicmigraine #painrelief #headacherelief #headachetreatment #tensionheadaches #visualtraining #eyestrain

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In Episode 3 of This Headache Journey, host Adam Flaherty explores sphenocath, a targeted procedure aimed at reducing chronic headache and migraine pain. Joining him is Dr. Demetrio Aguila, a peripheral nerve surgeon and pain specialist from Total Pain Solutions by Healing Hands of Nebraska. Dr. Aguila is known for his expertise in treating tough headaches and nerve pain with innovative approaches.

Adam candidly recounts his personal experience trying sphenocath (twice!), and Dr. Aguila offers insightful explanations about how and why this procedure works for so many patients, even when other treatments have failed.

Topics include:

• What is the sphenopalatine ganglion, and why is it so important in headache pain?

• The science behind “resetting” pain pathways in the brain and how numbing this nerve cluster can break the cycle

• A step-by-step walkthrough of what patients can expect during a sphenocath procedure

• Success rates for sphenocath and how many sessions are typically recommended

• What it feels like—and honest talk about possible side effects and who might not benefit

• How long results usually last and guidance on when to try again (or move on)

• Why technique matters, and what to consider if it doesn’t work for you the first time

• Cost/insurance considerations and what makes Dr. Aguila’s approach unique

Who else do you know who suffers from chronic headaches or migraine? Do them a favor by sharing this episode with them. It could literally change their life!

Learn more about Dr. Demetrio Aguila’s practice at totalpainsolutions.net, and check out his free educational videos on YouTube.

Season 1 of This Headache Journey is sponsored by gammaCore™ Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator.

The content of this episode does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it.

#headache #migraine #chronicheadaches #chronicmigraine #painrelief #headacherelief #headachetreatment #tensionheadaches #clusterheadaches #sphenocath #sinusheadache

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In episode 2 of This Headache Journey, Adam Flaherty dives into his experiences trying neurofeedback to help manage years of chronic daily headaches. Joining him is Pam Blodgett, founder and clinical director of Brain Training of New England, who brings decades of expertise in working with neurological conditions, head injuries, and brain training.

Adam shares candidly about his experience across multiple neurofeedback sessions with Pam, and Pam provides some fascinating education about the brain and its relationship to chronic pain.

Topics include:

·       What exactly is neurofeedback and how does it differ from biofeedback?

·       The important role of brain mapping

·       A description of a typical neurofeedback session

·       Why traditional medical scans sometimes miss the root causes of chronic headaches and migraine

·       The science-backed improvements seen with neurofeedback

·       Neurofeedback myths and misconceptions vs reality

Who else do you know who suffers from chronic headaches or migraine? Do them a favor by sharing this episode with them. It could literally change their life!

Learn more about Brain Training of New England at braintrainingofnewengland.org

Season 1 of This Headache Journey in sponsored by gammaCore™ Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator

The content of this episode does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it.

#headache #migraine #chronicheadaches #chronicmigraine #tensionheadaches #clusterheadaches #headacherelief #neurofeedback

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this inaugural episode of This Headache Journey, host Adam Flaherty kicks things off by sharing his own long, complex journey with chronic daily headaches—and then dives into a candid conversation with Dr. Brett Racine, chiropractor and owner of Bonfire Chiropractic and Wellness in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

If you’ve wondered whether chiropractic care could help with your headaches (or if you’re just curious about what really happens in the chiropractor’s office), you'll find great value in this episode and conversation.

Topics include:

• Dr. Brett Racine explains his philosophy on chiropractic: it’s not just for back or neck pain. Instead, he views it as a holistic “lifestyle success strategy” that can help our bodies and brains better cope with the stress of modern life

• Discussion around common misconceptions about chiropractic care, including what it can (and can’t) do for patients

• Dr. Brett breaks down what makes his practice unique, focusing on a “brain-based” approach and a heavy emphasis on patient education in four domains: nutrition, movement, mindset, and sleep

• Insights into cervicogenic headaches—headaches that originate in the neck—and why upper spine alignment is important for some headache sufferers

• Dr. Brett performs an adjustment on Adam, and Adam describes what it actually feels like, both with a handheld instrument and by hand, demystifying the process for newcomers

• Expectations and realities of a chiropractic care plan: how long you might need to commit, how much it might cost, and the importance of giving healing enough time

• Tips for finding a reputable chiropractor, navigating red flags, and the value of listening to your “gut feeling” when choosing a practitioner
  

Who else do you know who suffers from chronic headaches or migraine? Do them a favor by sharing this episode with them. It could literally change their life!

Season 1 of This Headache Journey in sponsored by gammaCore™ Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator

The content of this episode does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it.

#headache #migraine #chronicheadaches #chronicmigraine #painrelief #headacherelief #headachetreatment #tensionheadaches #clusterheadaches

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

This Headache Journey is a podcast for those who suffer from chronic headache and migraine, and who’ve reached their limit of bouncing from provider to provider, investing ample time and money in each new intervention suggested to them, hoping the next one will finally be the one that works. 

Hosted by chronic headache patient Adam Flaherty, the podcast takes a refreshingly honest look at many of the treatments and modalities used to treat chronic headaches and migraine. In each episode, Adam breaks down a different intervention, candidly sharing his firsthand experience with it, and bringing in top experts to unpack why that intervention works for some, who it's best suited for, and how it fits into the bigger picture of managing chronic headaches and migraine.

No hype. No miracle cures. Just real experiences, real science, and practical insight to help you advocate for your own wellbeing. 

If chronic headaches or migraine have been controlling your life for far too long, This Headache Journey is about taking your power back—one informed step at a time.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.