Migraines/headaches have become a common occurrence in today’s society, but by no means does that make them normal. A migraine is a severe, painful headache usually on one side of the head that can completely debilitate the sufferer. Often the migraine can be preceded or accompanied by sensory warning signs such as:
• Dizziness
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Blind Spots
• Flashes of light or an aura
• Tingling in the arms and legs
Gender seems to be a factor in determining who is most likely to suffer from them, with statistics showing a 15% prevalence for women compared to just 6% for men. Causes are linked to stress, sudden changes in routine, and consumption of certain foods like chocolate, cheese, and wine.
So, how can chiropractic help with migraines?
Migraines can be triggered by a number of factors, including stress, excessive light or sound, fatigue, hunger, diet, hormonal changes, weather changes, caffeine, cigarette smoke, head trauma, neck movements, and even the use of a low pillow. However, it is important to understand that these “trigger factors” do not cause migraine headaches. They are often a symptom of a deeper problem. The misalignment of the bones in the neck that hold your head up is often the starting point. When your head is not on straight (because of trauma, poor sleeping habits, etc…), the nerves and blood vessels become hypersensitive and even cause the muscles in the neck and at the base of your skull to tighten. Chiropractic approaches migraines from a mechanical model, looking for motion or lack of motion in the upper neck and analyzing the joints one by one to find what specifically isn’t moving as it should. Then, gently move the locked-up segment to restore motion. This frees up the trapped nerves and blood vessels and decreases stress in the system.
“We treat patients every day in our office for migraines, and it is amazing to see their lives change. Our knowledge and training in body mechanics allow us to adjust the neck in just the right way to reduce and eliminate the pain. Nobody should have to live life as a migraine sufferer!” Dr. Steven Carlson
Results of chiropractic care include reductions in severity, frequency, duration, disability, the use of pain medications and improvement in the quality of life. To inquire about how the skilled doctors at Carlson Chiropractic can assist with your tortuous migraines, please feel free to contact us. Suffering from migraines does not have to be a way of life.
Ready to break free from the pain of an overdue adjustment?