The Headache Doctor Podcast

Dr. Jonathan Taves
  • 4.7 (85)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

Even after trying medication, lifestyle changes, and other “research-backed treatments” for migraine symptoms, does nothing feel like it’s really solving the issue? The Headache Doctor Podcast is on a mission to provide education and empower everyone with headaches and migraines to break FREE from a life of fear and dependence so that they can THRIVE in everything they do. Dr. Taves, founder of the podcast and owner of Novera: Headache Center believes you deserve to feel in control of your health again — with more symptom-free days and less worry over when the next migraine will hit. Physical therapy for the neck at his clinic has decreased headache and migraine symptoms for hundreds of people. Each week he dives into a topic related to headaches and migraines, or interviews experts to help you be informed as you manage your headaches and migraines. Hit “subscribe” to be the first to know about new episodes! P.S. – Outside of this podcast, Dr. Taves has provided superb education in the form of a detailed masterclass with videos which can be found on his website (www.noveraheadachecenter.com). His clinic also provides health coaching for patients out of state, and of course - in person care if you’re in Colorado! *Disclaimer: This advice is not meant to be a substitute for advice from a medical professional regarding diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from your physician, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with questions you may have regarding a healthcare condition. Reliance on the information provided within this podcast is done solely at your own risk.

  1. 19h ago

    What Is a Chiari Malformation? (And Is It Really Causing Your Headaches?)

    You got an MRI. It showed a Chiari malformation. Now what? In this episode of the Headache Doctor Podcast, Dr. Taves breaks down what a Chiari malformation is, why it shows up on MRI, and whether it’s actually the cause of your headaches, migraines, dizziness, or neck pain. You’ll learn why imaging findings don’t always tell the full story, when surgery may be worth considering, and why neck tension, mobility, and function still matter. If you’ve been diagnosed with Chiari and feel unsure about your next step, this episode will help you think through your options more clearly. 👉 Get your questions about Chiari malformations, headaches, dizziness, neck pain, and root-cause healing answered inside our Virtual Headache & Migraine Community: https://www.skool.com/headache-freedom/about 👉 Novera: Headache Center

    22 min

  2. Jun 15

    What Is an Ocular Migraine? (And Why It Affects Your Vision)

    Seeing flashing lights, zigzags, blind spots, or visual disturbances before a migraine? In this episode of the Headache Doctor Podcast, Dr. Taves is joined by Novera headache specialist Dr. Kristen Bellasaro to break down ocular migraines, retinal migraines, and migraine with aura. They explain the differences between these diagnoses, why visual symptoms can be so alarming, and how the traditional medical model often focuses on symptom management rather than identifying the root cause. You’ll learn: What an ocular migraine actually isThe difference between retinal migraine and migraine with auraWhy some migraines cause visual disturbances without head painWhat cortical spreading depression means—and why it may not explain the root causeHow neck dysfunction can contribute to visual symptoms and migraine presentationsWhy these symptoms are often treatable, even when imaging is normalIf visual symptoms, flashing lights, blind spots, or aura have left you feeling confused or worried, this episode will help you better understand what may actually be happening. 👉 Get your questions about ocular migraines, migraine aura, visual disturbances, and root-cause healing answered inside our Free Virtual Headache & Migraine Community: https://www.skool.com/headache-freedom/about 👉 Novera: Headache Center

    14 min

  3. Jun 8

    What Is a Cervicogenic Headache? (And Why It’s Often Misdiagnosed)

    What if your headaches are actually coming from your neck? In this episode of the Headache Doctor Podcast, Dr. Taves breaks down one of the most overlooked—and most important—headache diagnoses: cervicogenic headache. A cervicogenic headache simply means a headache that originates from the neck. Yet despite being incredibly common, it’s often missed, misdiagnosed, or mistaken for migraines, occipital neuralgia, vestibular disorders, and other headache conditions. Dr. Taves explains why traditional imaging often misses the problem, how the upper neck can refer pain into the head and face, and why understanding the source of your symptoms is critical for finding lasting relief. We cover: What a cervicogenic headache actually isWhy neck problems are frequently overlookedHow neck dysfunction can create migraine-like symptomsWhy X-rays and MRIs often miss the root issueThe connection between cervicogenic headaches and dizzinessHow the three-spoke framework helps uncover the real cause of symptomsIf you’ve been told your scans are normal but you still have headaches, migraines, dizziness, or pain behind the eye, this episode may change the way you think about your symptoms. 👉 Get your questions about neck-related headaches, cervicogenic headaches, dizziness, and root-cause healing answered inside our FREE Virtual Headache & Migraine Community: https://www.skool.com/headache-freedom/about 👉 Novera: Headache Center

    23 min

  4. Jun 1

    Celebrities Who Struggle With Migraines (And What We Can Learn From Them)

    Migraines can feel isolating—but you’re not alone. In this episode of the Headache Doctor Podcast, Dr. Taves and Dr. Sarah Thomas break down the stories of celebrities, athletes, musicians, and performers who have publicly struggled with headaches and migraines. From Lady Gaga and Serena Williams to Hugh Jackman and Terrell Davis, this episode highlights how migraines impact people at every level—including some of the most successful individuals in the world. But this episode isn’t about celebrity gossip. It’s about hope. We cover:  The different ways migraines affect high performers  Why stress, sleep, hormones, exercise, and neck tension matter  What vestibular migraines, hormonal migraines, and exercise-triggered migraines can look like  Common coping strategies celebrities have used  Why migraines don’t have to define your future If headaches or migraines have made you feel isolated, discouraged, or stuck, this episode is a reminder that your symptoms do not define your potential. 👉 Get your questions about migraines, vestibular symptoms, hormones, neck tension, and root-cause healing answered inside our Virtual Headache & Migraine Community: https://www.skool.com/headache-freedom/about 👉 Podcast Sources Novera: Headache Center

    27 min

  5. May 25

    What Medication Can—and Can’t—Do for Migraines

    If you take medication for headaches or migraines, it’s important to understand what it can help with—and what it was never designed to fix. In this episode of the Headache Doctor Podcast, Dr. Taves breaks down the role of medication in headache and migraine management, including how medications can reduce symptoms, why they don’t address the root cause, and how to think about medication as one tool—not the whole solution. We cover: What medication can do for migraine symptomsWhat medication can’t fix when it comes to root causesWhy symptom relief is different from healingHow medications affect pain signals, transmission, and perceptionWhy many people feel stuck in a cycle of symptom managementNatural ways to support your body through sleep, movement, sunlight, nutrition, and stress regulationIf you’ve ever wondered whether your medication is helping, masking the problem, or keeping you stuck in a cycle, this episode will help you think about migraine relief more clearly. 👉 Get your questions about migraine medication, symptom relief, and root-cause healing answered inside our Virtual Headache & Migraine Community: https://www.skool.com/headache-freedom/about  Novera: Headache Center

    24 min

  6. May 18

    Waking Up With Headaches? It Might Be Your Pillow

    Waking up with headaches? Your pillow—and your sleep—might be the problem. In this episode of the Headache Doctor Podcast, we break down one of the most overlooked drivers of headaches and migraines: sleep. From pillow support and sleep position to nighttime routines and breathing patterns, this episode gives you a practical checklist to identify what could be disrupting your sleep—and contributing to your headaches. We cover:  Why your pillow might be causing neck strain and morning headaches  The best sleep positions to reduce headache risk  When your mattress actually matters (and when it doesn’t)  How your nighttime routine and screen time impact sleep quality  Why mouth breathing and airway issues can trigger headaches If you’re waking up with headaches, dealing with daily headaches, or constantly trying to fix your sleep setup—this episode will help you figure out what’s actually going on. 🛏️ Check out the pillows we recommend here: https://www.noveraheadachecenter.com/recommended-products/ 👉 Get your questions about sleep, pillows, and headache-related symptoms answered inside our Virtual Headache & Migraine Community: https://www.skool.com/headache-freedom/about Novera: Headache Center

    19 min

  7. May 11

    Tension Headaches Explained: Why They Build All Day (And How to Stop Them)

    Do your headaches feel like a tight band around your head that gets worse as the day goes on? In this episode of the Headache Doctor Podcast, we break down tension-type headaches—one of the most common (and frustrating) types of headaches people experience. You’ll learn why these headaches build throughout the day, what’s actually causing that pressure and tightness, and what you can start doing to reduce or prevent them—without relying on medication. We cover: What tension headaches feel like and how to identify themWhy posture, desk work, and daily habits play a major roleThe connection between neck, shoulders, and head painWhy rest alone doesn’t fix the problemPractical strategies to reduce tension and build resilienceIf you’re dealing with daily headaches, afternoon crashes, or constant tightness in your head and neck, this episode will give you a clearer path forward. 👉 Get your questions about tension headaches answered in our Virtual Headache & Migraine Community: https://www.skool.com/headache-freedom/about Novera: Headache Center

    20 min

  8. May 4

    Can Mold Be Causing Your Headaches? What the Research Actually Says

    Could mold in your home be the reason behind your headaches or migraines? In this episode of the Headache Doctor Podcast, Dr. Jono Taves and Dr. Sarah Thomas break down one of the most commonly blamed—but often misunderstood—triggers: mold. While mold is frequently linked to headaches online, the real answer is more nuanced. This episode explores what the research actually says, when mold might matter, and why it’s rarely the root cause on its own. You’ll learn: Whether mold truly causes headaches and migrainesHow mold affects your immune system and pain sensitivityWhy some people react to mold while others don’tWhen mold exposure is worth investigatingHow this fits into a root-cause approach to headache treatmentIf you’ve wondered whether your environment could be contributing to your symptoms—or you’ve been told mold is the problem—this episode will help you think about it clearly and make smarter decisions. Get your questions about mold answered in our virtual Headache & Migraine Community: https://www.skool.com/headache-freedom/about Sources: Mold and Your Health – Illinois Department of Public HealthMold Allergy: Symptoms & Causes – Mayo ClinicAn Overview of the Innate Immune SystemFungal Exposure and Health Effects (PMC Article) – National Library of MedicineEnvironmental & Physical Factors (Headaches) – National Headache FoundationMold and Neurological Symptoms – HealthlineToxic Mold & Health Effects – American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)Lyme Disease: Symptoms & Causes – Mayo ClinicBlack Mold: Symptoms & Health Effects – Cleveland Clinic  Novera: Headache Center

    19 min
See All (298)

4.7
out of 5
85 Ratings

About

Even after trying medication, lifestyle changes, and other “research-backed treatments” for migraine symptoms, does nothing feel like it’s really solving the issue? The Headache Doctor Podcast is on a mission to provide education and empower everyone with headaches and migraines to break FREE from a life of fear and dependence so that they can THRIVE in everything they do. Dr. Taves, founder of the podcast and owner of Novera: Headache Center believes you deserve to feel in control of your health again — with more symptom-free days and less worry over when the next migraine will hit. Physical therapy for the neck at his clinic has decreased headache and migraine symptoms for hundreds of people. Each week he dives into a topic related to headaches and migraines, or interviews experts to help you be informed as you manage your headaches and migraines. Hit “subscribe” to be the first to know about new episodes! P.S. – Outside of this podcast, Dr. Taves has provided superb education in the form of a detailed masterclass with videos which can be found on his website (www.noveraheadachecenter.com). His clinic also provides health coaching for patients out of state, and of course - in person care if you’re in Colorado! *Disclaimer: This advice is not meant to be a substitute for advice from a medical professional regarding diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from your physician, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider with questions you may have regarding a healthcare condition. Reliance on the information provided within this podcast is done solely at your own risk.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Jonathan Taves
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    298
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Headache Doctor Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Headache Doctor Podcast

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