“Apex Headache Clinic completely changed my life”

For 18-year-old student, Oliver Ryder, battling a never-ending migraine was having a devastating affect on his life. He came to Apex Headache Clinic desperate to find a cure. Here, he shares how the clinic’s unique regime of specialist physiotherapy treatment, called The Nelson Headache Approach™, cleared his migraines, meaning he could finally get his life back on track.

Oliver, when did your migraines begin?

In January 2017, I suddenly began suffering headaches, out of nowhere. I was doing quite a bit of rowing at the time and I just didn’t feel like myself. Within a couple of months, the headaches became much more frequent, until I had a full blown, never-ending migraine.

How did the headaches affect your life?

The pain was constant with no relief at all. I returned to school after the Easter break and after a couple of hours, I just had to go home. The pain was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. It was so bad that I couldn’t even walk. The only way to get even a little relief was to lie in bed, which I did for seven weeks. I missed exams and faced the possibility of not retuning to school if the pain didn’t ease.

What led you to Apex Headache Clinic?

Initially, a neurologist diagnosed my migraines as a result of intracranial hypertension, but we weren’t convinced that this was the cause. We decided to seek a second opinion, and this time, we were advised to go to Apex Headache Clinic, as the second neurologist felt there could be a neck component to my migraines. At this stage, I was willing to try anything and booked an appointment straight away.

At my initial assessment, Michelle diagnosed my headaches as stemming from my neck. I immediately felt relief from just knowing what the source was. Within just a few sessions, I began to feel relief. My headaches became less severe and I would have periods of no pain at all. With each session, the pain eased, and recently, I’m only experiencing one very mild headache, every three weeks or so, which is a massive change from being confined to bed for seven weeks.

How has Apex Headache Clinic changed your life? 

The difference that treatment has made to my life is massive. At one point I couldn’t even stand up because the pain was so bad. I was able to return to school to complete my exams and my life has returned to normal. I am even hoping to take up rowing again soon.

Finally, what advice would you offer someone suffering from headaches?

Definitely give Apex Headache Clinic a try. You have absolutely nothing to lose. The cure for your headaches and migraines might be there for you, as it was for me.

To book an appointment at Apex Headache Clinic, call 028 9048 4153. No GP referral is necessary.