If you suffer from migraines, you may have tried a variety of treatments to find relief. One treatment option that is gaining popularity is chiropractic care. But does it really work?
What Are Migraine Headaches?
Migraine headaches are a type of headache that can be extremely painful and debilitating.
Migraine headaches can be characterized by throbbing pain on one side of the head, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, as well as other symptoms depending on the individual. There are two main types of migraine: Classic and common. Classic migraines are typically more severe than common ones but both types cause severe pain in one area of your head that can last anywhere from four hours up to three days before subsiding completely.
What Causes Migraine Headaches?
Migraine headaches are a common neurological disorder that affects about 1 in 7 people. Migraines are characterized by recurring episodes of intense, throbbing pain on one side of the head. They can last from 4 hours to 3 days and usually have an aura (a warning sign) before they start.
The exact cause of migraines is unknown but there are several theories about what might trigger them, which can be certain foods, stress, or lack of sleep. The triggers can include:
- Foods containing tyramine (red wine and aged cheese) or monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Bright lights or loud noises
- Changes in sleep patterns
How Are Migraine Headaches Diagnosed?
Migraine headaches are diagnosed using a combination of medical history, physical examination and neurological examination. Imaging tests may also be performed to rule out other causes for your migraines.
What Are the Treatments for Migraine Headaches?
Medication is the most common treatment, but lifestyle changes and complementary and alternative treatments may also help to ease your symptoms. Chiropractic care and acupuncture are also other effective ways to relieve pain.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) can be used to treat mild migraines. Also, prescription medications can be very effective; these include: Triptans that constrict blood vessels in the brain; ergotamine derivatives that dilate them; calcium channel blockers that prevent nerve impulses from traveling through the brainstem; antihistamines that block serotonin receptors; anticonvulsants such as topiramate (Topamax); botox injections into muscles around nerves in the head and neck area; and spinal cord stimulators inserted under skin near spine (these devices send electrical impulses through nerves to block pain signals from reaching brain tissue).
Moreover, chiropractic treatments can be beneficial and help you reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. In addition to this, chiropractic care also helps patients to reduce their reliance on medication. Chiropractic treatment has been shown to improve overall health by improving circulation and reducing stress on joints, muscles and nerves.
In addition to these benefits, chiropractors are trained in finding underlying causes for your migraines so that they can be treated properly instead of just treating the symptoms alone like many other types of doctors do (e.g., neurologists).
Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment for Migraine
Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders, including those related to the spine and neck. They use manual manipulation techniques to adjust misaligned vertebrae in order to reduce pain and improve mobility. This type of therapy has been found to be effective for treating back pain, neck pain, tension headaches, and other types of chronic pain conditions.
Find Out More: How Chiropractic Helps Sciatica?
But what about migraine headaches?
Studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks by improving spinal alignment and reducing muscle tension in the head, neck, shoulders, jaw muscles; all areas where people often experience tightness or discomfort during a migraine attack. Additionally, some research suggests that regular chiropractic care may even prevent future episodes by helping maintain proper spinal alignment over time.
It is important to note that not all patients respond positively to chiropractic treatments for migraines; however, many do report significant improvements after just a few sessions with their practitioner. It is also important to remember that everyone responds differently; therefore, it is best to discuss your individual needs with your doctor before beginning any new treatment plan for migraines or any other condition.
Overall, if you suffer from frequent or severe migraine headaches then it might be worth considering trying out chiropractic care as part of your overall treatment plan; especially since there are no known side effects associated with this form of therapy! Talk with your healthcare provider today about whether this could be an option for you.
What Can I Expect During a Chiropractic Treatment for Migraine Headaches?
You can expect a chiropractic treatment for migraine headaches to include:
- A physical examination: Your chiropractor will examine your spine, neck, and head to determine if there are any areas of tension or misalignment that might be contributing to the problem.
- Spinal manipulation: If there is any tension in these areas, they may be gently adjusted with the use of gentle pressure applied by the doctor’s hands or an instrument called an Activator® tool (which looks like a small hammer). This helps reduce pain and improve mobility in joints that have become stiff from injury or overuse. It also increases blood flow through nerve pathways, which helps reduce inflammation caused by pinched nerves in muscles around them (another common cause of headaches!).
- Lifestyle advice such as ergonomic tips on how to best sit at workstations so that you do not strain yourself unnecessarily; suggestions about how often you should get up from your desk during long days at work; tips about posture when driving long distances, etc.
Chiropractic treatments may also include: Massage therapy (to relax tense muscles), nutritional advice (to help balance hormones), acupuncture (which has been shown effective at reducing nausea associated with migraines), and trigger point therapy (a type of deep tissue massage designed specifically treat trigger points located within muscles).
If you need a professional and experienced chiropractor and acupuncturist to help you treat your migraine, contact Dr. Shoar. Our expert team provides you with a variety of services you need near you in Oxnard, Oak Park, Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, Orange, and other areas in South California.
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