This Headache Journey

Adam Flaherty

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. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Episodes

  1. Trying Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Headaches

    13 HRS AGO

    Trying Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Headaches

    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.

    31 min
  2. Trying Visual Training for Chronic Headaches

    FEB 27

    Trying Visual Training for Chronic Headaches

    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.

    30 min
  3. Trying Sphenocath for Chronic Headaches

    FEB 13

    Trying Sphenocath for Chronic Headaches

    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.

    25 min
  4. Trying Neurofeedback for Chronic Headaches

    JAN 30

    Trying Neurofeedback for Chronic Headaches

    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.

    45 min
  5. Trying Chiropractic Care for Chronic Headaches

    JAN 16

    Trying Chiropractic Care for Chronic Headaches

    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.

    38 min

About

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. The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and should be discussed with your own healthcare provider before acting on it. Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.