Beating Headaches and Neck Pain

In this episode I'm discussing tight shoulders and chronic headaches that hurt focus and productivity with Dr. Jono Taves, a Mayo Clinic-trained doctor of physical therapy and headache specialist who runs Novera Headache Center. Dr. Taves explains many migraine and headache diagnoses are symptom-based “primary headaches” without objective drivers, so care often becomes medication-focused after scans rule out dangerous conditions. He emphasizes evaluating movement and sensitivity in the neck (plus jaw and shoulders) because upper-neck issues can refer pain to the head via the brain stem. He outlines a three-part framework: the pain source (often neck/jaw/shoulders), developmental barriers (hypermobility/EDS and airway or sleep apnea-related jaw and head positioning), and systemic factors affecting pain threshold (diet, inflammation, stress, hormones, especially estrogen dips). He share practical strategies including more daily movement, desk and screen setup, sleep positioning, nasal breathing aids, whole-food nutrition, and appropriate strengthening.⏱️⩇⩇:⩇⩇ Time Markers00:00 Welcome and Topic02:14 Meet the Headache Doctor03:35 His Origin Story07:12 Why Headaches Misdiagnosed10:41 Testing and Primary vs Secondary13:50 Neck Movement Pain Pathway16:42 Three Legged Framework20:31 Desk Posture and Text Neck25:14 Hypermobility and Stability27:08 Airway Jaw and Sleep32:03 Hormones and Migraine Threshold35:15 Food Triggers and Inflammation39:06 Practical Steps Beyond Meds43:15 Where to Find Dr Taves44:41 Final Thanks and Goodbye---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🎙️🎙️🎙️About Our GuestDr. Jono Taves is a Mayo Clinic–trained Doctor of Physical Therapy and headache specialist who focuses on chronic and complex headache disorders. Throughout his career, he noticed a troubling pattern: many people suffering from persistent migraines and daily headaches were cycling through medications without ever addressing the underlying drivers of their pain. You can learn more about him at:https://www.noveraheadachecenter.com/🔬🧪👩‍🔬Research Studies ReferencedHeadache Disorders: Primary Vs. SecondaryHeadacheNeck Pain And Migraine📚📖Books on the TopicThe Headache: The Science of a Most Confounding Affliction—and a Search for ReliefThe End of Migraines: 150 Ways to Stop Your PainSend us Fan Mail🌟 🌟 🌟 If you liked this episode and would like to learn more about wellness training and workshops offered by 9 to 5 Wellness, email us at [email protected]. You can learn more about our programs at:  https://toneandstrengthen.com/workshops-trainings/. 🌟 🌟 🌟My passion is helping organizations create a culture of wellness, and I do this by setting up health programs that prioritize the most important asset they've got – their employees. Cheers to a healthier and happier journey ahead!🌟 🌟 🌟 You can learn more about ME- the host at https://www.aeshatahir.com  Follow me on IG and LI to learn morehttps://www.instagram.com/tone_and_strengthen/https://www.linkedin.com/in/aeshatahir/