Headaches present a unique challenge to both patients and health care providers. However, when diagnosed correctly, headaches can often be resolved in only a few treatments.
- Physical therapy can help headaches that begin with problems in the neck. Our patients suffering with headaches as a result of neck problems frequently experience dramatic and immediate relief with techniques targeting the upper neck region.
- Headaches have a wide variety of causes and sources that can make it difficult to establish the correct diagnosis. Headaches may be migraine, tension-type, or cervicogenic to name a few.
- Cervicogenic headaches are caused by problems with the joints or muscles of your neck. Medical research is finding that most patients do not suffer from one type of headache exclusively; instead people tend to have a combination of headache sources existing at the same time.
- The temporomandibular joint or TMJ is a common source of pain frequently treated by physical therapy. Patients with TMJ dysfunction often experience pain in the neck, face, head, and ear as a result. These symptoms can be quite severe and may significantly reduce quality of life.
- As is the case with headaches, we are often able to drastically reduce symptoms of TMJ in only a few treatment sessions.
Cervicogenice Headaches:
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ):
Our Therapists Who Specialize in the Treatment of TMJ
Megan McKenzie Miller
Physical Therapist
Megan Miller, a native of Huntsville, joined Johnson and Hayes Physical Therapists in 2012 because of the compassionate and friendly staff she met, and the "small town" feel when patients entered the clinic. Through school and internships, she found that patient-focused care rendered the best outcomes and desired to work in a PT-owned clinic that allowed PTs to treat their patients through their full recovery. Growing up, Megan enjoyed helping others and found Human Anatomy and Physiology to be her favorite High school class. A career in Physical therapy has allowed her to pair these two together, with each patient presenting unique problems that keep her on her toes.
Megan graduated from UA Huntsville with a Bachelors in Biological Sciences with an Exercise Physiology Minor. She earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of St. Augustine after graduating with High honors. Since 2012, Megan has completed continuing education towards earning a Manual Therapy certification. Beginning in 2015, Megan began her training through the University of St Augustine in Craniofacial Physical Therapy after finding that there was a lack of care in North Alabama for patients suffering from jaw and facial dysfunction. In her spare time, Megan enjoys traveling, cheering on her Vols/Packers/Predators/Trash Pandas, and spending time with her husband Larry, and kids- Callie and Landon.
Nathaniel Lang
Physical Therapist
Nathaniel Lang, from Snead Alabama joined Johnson and Hayes in June 2020. He developed his interest in physical therapy after multiple injuries in high school. Nathaniel received his Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training from Troy University and his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Nathaniel is also a board-certified Athletic Trainer and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Nathaniel recently completed his Orthopedic Manual Therapy certification through the Institute of Advanced Musculoskeletal Treatments. Throughout his career, Nathaniel has worked with various patient populations from general orthopedic, sports medicine, vestibular, neurological and sport performance. Nathaniel is married to Tiaya Lang and recently welcomed a new daughter Harper Reed. In his spare time Nathaniel enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing golf, and working in the yard.
