Frequency, duration and severity are three things every migraine sufferer knows about all too well. Chiropractic care has been shown to help reduce the frequency of migraines, while decreasing the duration and severity.
A study that was published in 2000 showed that participants who had chiropractic adjustments to treat their migraines saw significant improvement in their condition. A separate study resulted in migraine sufferers seeing the number of migraines they experienced cut in half.
When spinal misalignments irritate or compress nerves that control blood flow to the neck and head, the result can be a migraine. Chiropractic treatment can relieve this irritation and restore the normal blood flow, reducing the symptoms. This type of treatment addresses the underlying cause of the pain rather than just attempting to dull the pain after the migraine has already begun.
Along with restoring proper blood flow, chiropractic care can:
- Strengthen the muscles that support your spine
- Reduce muscle tension
- Restore nervous system communication
- Unlock the healing potential of the body
When the intense pain of a migraine strikes, all you want is a solution that alleviates your pain so you can function normally again.
Common Migraine Symptoms
In order to address migraine pain, it is important to first address the symptoms. There are four stages that a migraine can progress through from start to finish. These are prodrome, aura, attack and post-drome.
Not everyone that suffers from migraines will go through every step, but here are some of the symptoms that are common with each one:
Prodrome – May start a couple of days before a migraine and include constipation, food cravings, frequent yawning, mood changes, neck stiffness or increased thirst.
Aura – This can occur before or during a migraine and usually include visual disturbances. Symptoms include seeing shapes, flashes or bright spots, vision loss, hearing noises, weakness in the face, pins and needles in the arms or legs or problems speaking.
Attack – During the migraine, you may experience throbbing or pulsating pain on one or both sides of the head, nausea and vomiting and sensory sensitivities.
Post-drome – Afterward, it’s not uncommon to feel drained and confused for a while, sometimes up to a full day.
What Causes Migraines?
The causes or triggers of migraines are varied, and can include:
- Hormonal changes (mainly in women)
- Bright lights and other sensory stimuli
- Alcohol or caffeine
- Excess stress
- Certain medications
- Changes in the weather or barometric pressure
- Certain foods and food additives
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Physical exertion
If you are looking for chiropractic care to reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of your painful migraines call us today for a free consultation (518) 380-2432. Our medical professionals are here to answer any questions you may have, and help you get the relief you deserve.