Patients suffering from frequent migraines know how frustrating it is to continuously suffer without any effective treatment. Headaches can truly affect everything, from one’s mental abilities to his or her emotions. Simply put, it is tough to be anything other than completely debilitated by it.
Headaches are pretty common, especially since there are 200 kinds out there. A tension-type headache is the most common, affecting almost 70% of adults. This kind of a headache brings pressure and a dull ache around the forehead, back, and the sides of the head.
Understanding Migraines
Migraines are the most severe kind of a headache, with sufferers reporting sensitivity to light, nausea and/or vomiting, and dizziness and/or blurred vision.
The causes of migraines are not very well-understood, though genes and environmental factors seem to have a role in the onset of migraine. Doctors believe that it is due to changes in the brain and how it interacts with the trigeminal nerve, which is a major pain pathway.
Another possible cause of migraines is the imbalance of chemicals in the brain, specifically serotonin. During migraine attacks, they tend to drop and cause the trigeminal nerve to release neuropeptides. This will afterward travel to the meninges or the brain’s outer covering. The end result is a migraine episode.
Migraines can be triggered by hormonal changes in women, which is why they are much more likely to have migraine problems. Stress and other stimuli can also trigger an episode, as well as changes in sleep patterns or major shifts in the weather. Lastly, some medications, like nitroglycerin, may also lead to a migraine attack.
Chiropractic Treatment For Migraines
Migraine headache relief can be elusive, especially for those who have chronic migraines. They might have tried out several different treatments and they might have worked at times or they might not have helped at all. Some have not discovered chiropractic treatment, a possible treatment for severe migraines.
Several clinical trials have proven the effectiveness of chiropractic care on patients with migraines. The spinal manipulation done once or two times a week for at least 8 weeks has led to a reduction in the symptoms patients report with migraines. Overall, this treatment has worked not only in reducing the frequency, duration, and intensity of migraines, but also improved the patient’s quality of life.
Integrating spinal manipulation and chiropractic care into migraine treatment has changed the lives of some people, but it is necessary to discuss with the primary care physician or headache specialist before making an appointment with the next chiropractic clinic. In fact, the doctor might be able to directly recommend a chiropractor he or she has partnered with before and has been successful with other patients.
Discussing with the doctor is important as chiropractic adjustment can possibly interfere with migraine medication. Worse, it is contraindicated for osteoporosis, numbness, nerve damage, tingling or weakness of an arm or a leg.
What To Expect
Chiropractic treatment will make patients feel a bit “off” after the first session. This means they might report a little headache, tiredness, or soreness of the spine. Results will not be seen immediately after the start of therapy. It is necessary for the patient to take care of him- or herself immediately after sessions by staying hydrated, taking a rest and getting enough sleep at night.
Up to 25% of patients who seek chiropractic care report an improvement in their symptoms by as high as 90%. In these sessions, the chiropractor might use various treatments like heat and ice treatment, massages, and stretching exercises. There might also be some at-home exercises recommended to patients in order to continue the work necessary to lessen the tension and discomfort in the spine and neck area.
Chiropractic treatments might also lead to some mild side effects like headaches, tiredness, and soreness where the manipulation was done. Some reports have also described some serious side effects like stroke or pinched nerves.
Considering Chiropractic Treatment For Migraines
Before going to a chiropractor and make an appointment, it is important to learn more about the center and the procedure and read the reviews of the clinic before going there. Once you have made up your mind and visit the clinic for the first time, inform the chiropractor of all medications and supplements you are taking. It is also recommended to be honest about other alternative approaches as well.
Thanks to chiropractic treatment, tons of people have said goodbye to their migraines, and it is time for you to also feel relief once and for all.
