When One Doctor Doesn’t Cut It: Building Your Migraine Care Team

I remember when going to the doctor meant seeing one person who handled everything. You had a cold, a sprained ankle, a weird rash—one doctor figured it out. But if you live with migraine, that’s not how it works. One doctor alone rarely has all the answers. One doctor just doesn’t cut it.

I felt that this past month more so than ever, when I had a severe headache that nobody could figure out. Eventually, I realized that managing migraine simply isn’t a one-person job. It takes a team and knowing who to call makes all the difference.

Here’s a look at who I’ve brought on as part of my personal migraine care team.

Starting with your primary care physician

Your PCP might be the first person you turn to, but let’s be real: most aren’t migraine experts. They can help with referrals, bloodwork, and the basics. However, if your migraine attacks are anything more than occasional, you need to consult with specialists. You need to call in the experts.

Working with a neurologist or headache specialist

If you have migraine, a neurologist or headache specialist is non-negotiable. They’ve dedicated their entire career to understanding head pain. They often have access to the latest treatments and understand the nuances of migraine care.

The downside? They’re often booked out for months, and follow-ups can be few and far between. I felt that big time this past month when I had a severe headache that was unlike any I had had before, and it took me more than a week to simply get a call back from my neurologist. It was disheartening because I needed her, and I rarely call between appointments, but I just had to be persistent…in the midst of pain.

Consulting a pain management specialist for advanced relief

If your migraine attacks aren’t responding to the usual treatments, it may be time to see a pain management doctor. That’s who I ultimately turned to last month, and he was the one who “cracked the code,” so to speak, for this specific headache.

It was my first visit to a pain management specialist, but I came to learn that they offer options like nerve blocks, Botox, and other treatments that go beyond what your headache specialist might suggest. I was grateful that this appointment became the turning point that finally brought me relief.

Utilizing physical therapy for tension and neck triggers

For those of us with tension headaches or neck-related triggers, physical therapy can be life-changing. I think that this is the provider that can easily be overlooked, but they can make a big difference, especially when you feel like you’re not getting the relief that you want from other migraine treatment options.

Did you know that there are some PTs specifically trained in headache management? That was news to me. They can help correct posture issues, release muscle tension, and improve mobility—all things that can reduce migraine frequency.

Exploring osteopathic or craniosacral therapy

Sometimes, hands-on treatments can make a difference. My go-to is an osteopathic doctor or craniosacral therapist. They use gentle techniques to ease tension and improve nervous system function. It’s not a cure, but it’s another tool in the toolbox, and for me, it works wonders.

Navigating emergency room and urgent care visits

Nobody wants to end up in the ER, but when the pain is unbearable, sometimes it’s the only option. The frustrating part is that not all ER doctors understand specialized migraine care. If you find yourself in this situation, knowing what medications work for you and advocating for yourself can help you avoid ineffective treatments.

Collaborating with your migraine care team

This is just a snapshot of who is on my migraine care team at the moment. It’s certainly subject to change, as I always want to be open to the best options. However, I know that managing migraine isn’t a cookie-cutter approach. What works for one person might not work for the next, and vice versa.

So, I want to hear from you. Please share in the comments below: Who’s on your care team? I’d also be curious to know: Who do you consider the MVP of your team? Is there one doctor who has been most helpful for you?