Migraine headaches are categorized by severe, throbbing pain of the head, often accompanied by a pulsating sensation. During a migraine, individuals commonly suffer nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can last hours or sometimes days, with the pain being debilitating enough for some that it interferes with day-to-day activities.
Migraine Symptoms and Causes
Individuals may also experience the following during a migraine episode:
- Fatigue or low energy
- Neck stiffness
- Irritability
- Nasal congestion
- Scalp tenderness
- Food cravings
Though many different stimuli may contribute to a migraine headache, common causes and triggers can include:
- Hormonal changes
- Stress
- Weather changes (such as a change in barometric pressure)
- Genetics, sex, and age
- Medications
- Foods and food additives
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Pinched nerves
Treatments for Migraine Sufferers
While migraines are frequently treated with pain relievers, anti-seizure medication, or Botox injections, these methods are often accompanied by unwanted side effects. Our clinic strives to alleviate your migraine headaches with simple treatments and without the use of unnecessary medication. We can do so in a safe, effective, and natural way.
Chiropractic Adjustments
After careful examination, one of our doctors may recommend gentle but effective manual adjustments to correct misaligned vertebrae. The main goal in chiropractic care is to improve spinal motion and return the spine to its proper alignment. This can relieve uncomfortable muscle tension and stiffness, which are common culprits in migraine headaches.
Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression works by gently stretching the spine, thereby taking pressure off of the spinal discs (which act as little cushions between the vertebrae). As a result, bulging or herniated discs may retract, relieving pressure within the spinal structure and its surrounding nerves. Because this is a common trigger for migraine headaches, it can effectively ease your migraine symptoms as well. Elongating your spine additionally encourages the movement of necessary fluids and oxygen, which promote renewal and healing.
Massage Therapy
Research has also found massage therapy to be particularly effective in treating persistent or chronic migraine headaches. Massage therapy directed toward the neck and shoulder muscles, in particular, can relieve tension and encourage necessary blood flow to the tissue, which promotes healing and can reduce migraine headaches.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy focuses on restoring mobility and function to the body, primarily through strengthening exercises and stretching. If an individual is experiencing stiffness or lost mobility in their and neck, back, or shoulders, it may manifest in tension and migraine headaches. Therefore, through physical therapy maneuvers, patients may find lasting relief.
If you or someone you know is seeking relief from migraine headaches, our clinic can help. Reach out to us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and create an individualized plan for your migraine headache treatment.