There is a common misconception that migraines are just bad headaches, but they are actually a specific type of headache with differing symptoms and the potential to be debilitating. For the over 37 million Americans who suffer from migraine headaches, relief is hard to come by despite trying a range of treatments. Chiropractic treatment for headaches is known to be very effective, but because of the unique conditions of a migraine, you may wonder if it can help in this area. The good news is that migraines can be effectively treated using chiropractic techniques– keep reading to learn more.
What Is a Migraine?
A migraine is a type of headache that is typically known for its intense, throbbing, or pulsing pain, usually concentrated on one side of the head. Unlike other types of headaches, migraines often come with a range of additional symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, or even smells. These accompanying symptoms can be so overwhelming that many people experiencing a migraine find themselves completely incapacitated and unable to go about their regular activities.
The pain from a migraine can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, and it can vary in intensity. For some people, a migraine episode can be debilitating enough to prevent them from working, socializing, or engaging in normal activities. In severe cases, migraines can interfere with a person’s quality of life, leading to missed days at work, school, and social events.
Unlike tension headaches, which are often linked to muscle tightness, the mechanisms behind migraines involve changes in the brain’s vascular system. During a migraine, blood vessels in the brain expand rather than constrict as they do in other headaches. This widening of blood vessels can lead to swelling in the surrounding brain tissues, which in turn triggers the intense pain associated with migraines.
Causes of Migraines
While the exact cause of migraines remains unclear, they are believed to be connected to changes in the brainstem and the trigeminal nerve, which is a key pathway involved in transmitting pain signals. These changes can lead to abnormal responses to stimuli and increased pain sensitivity. Certain triggers, such as hormonal fluctuations, stress, diet, or environmental factors, can exacerbate the condition, although every person’s migraine triggers can vary.
Despite how complex migraines can be, ongoing research continues to uncover new insights into their causes and potential treatment options, which continues to offer hope for people who suffer from this chronic and often debilitating condition.
Treating Migraines
During an episode, treatment will primarily focus on relief from pain and other symptoms. Most people find little difference from over-the-counter pain medication, though some prescription medications can help. However, medication is meant to mask or relieve symptoms but not to find the root cause of the problem, or some medications may reduce the frequency of these episodes.
Depending on the cause of the migraine, there is often no treatment that can completely eliminate the issue. Preventative medications and lifestyle changes are often the basis of a treatment plan. However, there is evidence that chiropractic care is another effective option.
Chiropractic Care for Migraines
When you seek chiropractic treatment for headaches, this can take shape in a variety of ways. Many headaches are tied to stress or tension in the upper spine, which can be directly impacted by adjustments performed by a chiropractor. With migraines, this can be less straightforward as the exact cause is not known.
However, back and neck pain are both known to be triggers for migraines in people who are prone to them. Ensuring the spine is in alignment and posture is optimized can reduce future neck and back pain, which has been shown to reduce the severity and frequency of migraines in those who suffer from them.
Additionally, the health benefits achieved through chiropractic care can reduce symptoms of migraines, including inflammation.
Visiting the Chiropractor
When you visit a chiropractor for migraine relief, your journey typically begins with a thorough assessment. During your initial consultation, your chiropractor will take time to understand your medical history and the frequency, intensity, and triggers of your migraines. This comprehensive approach helps them identify the potential underlying causes of your headaches so they can create an appropriate treatment plan.
Diagnostic Exams and Personalized Evaluation
To gain a deeper understanding of your condition, your Atlanta chiropractor may conduct a series of diagnostic tests. These can include physical exams, posture assessments, and, in some cases, diagnostic scans like X-rays. The goal of these tests is to identify any misalignments, muscle tension, or structural issues in your spine and neck that may be contributing to your migraines.
The time for diagnosing migraines will also give your chiropractor the necessary information to rule out other potential causes of your symptoms, like sinus problems, eye strain, or neurological conditions so that you get an accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment. Your chiropractor will then use this information to develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your unique needs and goals.
Spinal Adjustments
A major aspect of chiropractic care for migraines revolves around spinal adjustments. When the spine is misaligned, especially in the neck and upper back areas, it can create tension in the surrounding muscles and nerves. This misalignment can interfere with the healthy functioning of the central nervous system, which coordinates communication between the brain, spine, and your body. Disruptions in this communication pathway can lead to various health issues, including migraines.
Chiropractors use manual adjustments to realign the spine and alleviate pressure on the nerves, particularly in the cervical region. These adjustments help restore the normal function of the nervous system, which may reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine episodes over time.
Improving Joint Mobility and Flexibility
Another benefit of chiropractic care is its ability to increase joint mobility and flexibility. As your chiropractor works to correct spinal misalignments, you may also experience a gradual improvement in overall joint movement. This increase in flexibility can help reduce the muscle tension and stiffness that may contribute to your migraine pain. Plus, regular chiropractic adjustments can help your body adapt to daily stresses more efficiently. This means that, even if migraines do happen, many people find they can tolerate symptoms better, manage pain more effectively, and recover more quickly from an episode.
Long-Term Benefits and Wellness
Chiropractic care is not just about managing migraines in the short term; it focuses on improving your overall health and wellness. By addressing misalignments and optimizing spinal health, chiropractic adjustments help create a balanced and resilient body. With ongoing care, many migraine sufferers report fewer episodes, reduced severity of symptoms, and a better ability to manage stress and tension, all of which are common migraine triggers. By identifying the root causes of misalignment and utilizing spinal adjustments, chiropractors aim to reduce symptoms, restore balance, and improve the body’s ability to cope with stress and pain. With the right treatment plan in place, chiropractic adjustments can help migraine sufferers experience lasting relief and improve your quality of life for the long term.
Visit AICA Orthopedics for Migraine Relief
If you suffer from migraines and would like to talk with a chiropractor, AICA Atlanta is here to help. Our team of experts will consult with you on your medical history and current concerns and create a treatment plan customized to your goals. With access to neurologists, pain management specialists, and other experts, your care at AICA Atlanta is holistic and centered on your individual needs. Call us today to schedule your first appointment and begin experiencing relief from migraines as soon as possible.