Apex Headache Clinic cleared my headaches, allowing me to enjoy life again
For 19-year-old student Aoife Rafferty from Belfast, life was a struggle. For 2 years she lived with constant headaches, which was devastating, so much so that she had to repeat a year at school. After trying everything to cure them with no relief, Aoife visited Apex Headache Clinic, in a final attempt to get to the source of the problem. Here, she shares how the clinic’s unique regime of specialist manual headache physiotherapy treatment, called The Nelson Headache Approach™, cleared her headaches, meaning that she could finally get her life back on track.
Aoife, when did your headaches begin?
From my early teens, I had the odd headache, maybe once every week or so. Then, when I turned 17, they became worse. All of a sudden, I felt like I’d been hit on the back of the head. I had a constant headache and it felt impossible to do anything. I actually ended up in A & E a couple of times, because the pain was so severe. I was fast tracked to see a Neurology Consultant, but my scans came back clear. I tried every medication possible, none of which helped at all, so I stopped taking them. I also tried acupuncture and craniopathy. It was so devastating to try everything with no relief.
How did the pain effect your life?
It was awful. I was missing so much school that I had to repeat a year. I would always go in for certain classes but the pain was so bad that I couldn’t concentrate. I was missing out on a social life too. I knew that if I went to a concert with my friends, I would have to deal with an even worse headache afterwards. I also had to give up singing in a choir. I just spent the whole time worrying about my headaches.
What led you to Apex Headache Clinic?
I’m lucky that my school were so supportive. In fact, it was one of my teachers and my Principal who recommended Apex Headache Clinic, as they both had received treatment for their headaches there. When Nicole diagnosed my headaches as stemming from my neck I felt relieved to finally know what was causing them. For the first few months, I gradually began to notice my headaches easing. After two to three months, I was going longer without getting a headache until finally, they stopped completely. It is now 3 months since my last headache and I still can’t believe it.
How has Apex Headache Clinic changed your life?
My life has changed so much. I was able to go to university headache-free and I’m enjoying a normal student life. I no longer sit in the house all day as I can go out and socialise with my friends, without worrying that a headache is going to ruin it.
What advice would you offer someone suffering from headaches or migraines?
If you are suffering with headaches, even if you have gone through all the channels, definitely go to Apex Headache Clinic. It worked for me and it could work for you too.
To book an appointment at Apex Headache Clinic, call 028 9048 4153. No GP referral is necessary.