One Family's Story: A Young Patient's Headaches
Updated: Sep 23
NST does not diagnose or treat migraines or other headache conditions. This is one family's personal experience, shared with their permission — always talk with your child's pediatrician or a neurologist about recurring or severe headaches.
We’d love to share with you some of our success stories with our youngest patients.
An 11-year-old girl came to our clinic at the beginning of the year with severe migraine headaches. She had been suffering with headaches up to 5 days a week for over 6 months, and within the last 2 months she was having daily headaches. Her headaches were so severe that she was unable to concentrate in class or complete her assignments. Even fun activities such as watching movies or playing on the playground were also triggering her headaches.
Upon assessment, it was noted that she had C1 and C2 distortions; additionally, she had a very straight cervical spine. Therapist Randy was able to balance out the C1 and C2 distortions, and he also gave her stretches to do at home and suggested that she lay down with a rolled towel under her neck to help restore a normal cervical curve.
She continued NST sessions every two weeks. Over the following months, her mother told us she was reporting more headache-free days, and the headaches she did have felt milder. By around seven months into care, her family reported an extended stretch without a headache. We can't say what role NST played in that change, and every child's situation is different — we're sharing this as her family's own account, not as a guarantee or typical result.
One of the major changes that our patient had to make outside of her treatments, was to be more aware of her posture while reading. It is common for us to look down when reading, but this creates a straightened cervical spine. While reading, the head should remain in a neutral position, with the book (tablet, phone, etc.) held more at eye level.
Headaches in children are increasingly common, and many families look for a range of supportive options alongside their pediatrician's care. If you'd like to learn more about NST, feel free to reach out to our clinic.
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