Finding the best chiropractor in Cedar Park, TX, is a tough challenge. But we at Symmetry Health Chiropractic Center are capable enough to provide adequate relief options for migraines.
Before we dive into the care process, let’s first take a more in-depth look at migraines. In layman’s knowledge, migraine attacks are unbearable headaches that may last for a few hours and up to a couple of days. Many people are surprised to find out that migraines are neurological conditions that may or may not include a headache.
There are also different phases of migraines, which we will discuss in this article. Hopefully, after reading this, you will be more capable of handling these attacks should they arise in the future. At the same time, you should be able to help those struggling with this condition, whether it’s a friend or a loved one.
Primary Symptoms of Migraines
A throbbing or pulsating headache on one side is one primary indicator of a migraine attack. But other symptoms accompany it, including nausea and vomiting and sensitivity to light, sound, and certain smells.
Migraine pain lasts for as short as two hours and as long as 72 hours. Doing physical activities can worsen the pain.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, about one-third of migraine sufferers also experience an aura. Migraines with aura are disorders that come with visual disturbances in addition to the headaches.
More Migraine Facts
Here are some migraine facts you probably haven’t come across yet:
- Women are more susceptible to migraines than men and suffer more episodes. Most of these attacks are pregnancy-related. For some, the condition improves after menopause. – Migraine Research Foundation
- Migraines aren’t just headaches. They are neurological problems linked to nerves and blood vessels of the brain. – The Results of One Study
- Hormones have a role in migraine attacks for adolescents. It usually happens before puberty for males and after puberty for females. – Migraine Research Foundation
- Globally, 30% of adults between 18–65 years of age have migraines. They usually develop during the teenage years and increase during middle age. – World Health Organization
- As early as 1500 B.C.E, migraine cases were already in existence. The condition continues to exist centuries later but with likely more effective methods for relief. – Walsh & Hoyt’s Clinical Neuro-Ophthalmology, 6th Edition
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
The Four Phases of Migraines
A migraine attack has four phases, but not all happen phases have to occur in a single attack.
The Prodrome Phase
60% of migraine sufferers experience prodromal symptoms. While this phase does not include an aura, symptoms are moodiness, stiff neck muscles, and cravings for particular food. It also comes with sensitivity to smells or noise and diarrhea.
Migraine sufferers can also experience depression and extreme happiness, similar to bipolar syndrome.
The Aura Phase
Migraines with aura happen gradually over a few minutes. It usually lasts as around an hour before the actual headache hits. Symptoms are either sensory, motor, or visual.
And among these three, visual symptoms are the most common. They begin near the center of vision and eventually spread out. A skewing in part of the visual field also disrupts the ability to drive or read.
The aura phase has the person affected seeing zigzagging to the side of vision that looks like walls of a castle. These visual disturbances are usually black and white, but some see colors.
If you’re going through the aura phase, part of your field of vision may disappear. Other times, you may experience blurry vision.
Sensory auras are the second most common type of aura. It involves a pins and needles sensation stemming from the hands. It then spreads to the nose or mouth on the same side.
People going through the aura phase may experience vertigo-like symptoms, as if the world around them is spinning. Some of them also go through speech or language problems, as well as motor problems and weakness. Sometimes, auditory hallucinations and delusions occur.
The Pain Phase
The pain phase usually happens on one side of the head, with moderate to severe levels of discomfort. Physical activity tends to worsen the condition.
In 40% of these cases, pain happens on both sides, including the neck. Some people don’t experience an aura, but endure bilateral pain.
During the pain phase, the patient may experience fatigue and irritability, along with nausea and vomiting. They may also have episodes of hypersensitivity to light and sound.
The Postdrome Phase
After the pain phase comes the postdrome phase. People liken the experience to a post-drinking hangover. But other symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and mood changes.
For worse cases, the afflicted individual may experience gastrointestinal and cognitive issues.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for Migraine Relief
Over the years, experts have found a connection between migraines and a possible misalignment on the top two bones in the neck. These bones are referred to as the C1 and C2 vertebrae.
Accidents, sports injuries, or a bad fall may cause misalignment. Once this happens, the brainstem endures unnecessary pressure.
But most misalignments are corrected with the help of upper cervical chiropractic care. And here in our clinic, Symmetry Health Chiropractic Center, we use gentle and precise methods to encourage the two bones back into alignment. We stay away from any popping and cracking techniques as we prefer a gentler approach.
We pride ourselves as some of the best chiropractors in Cedar Park. If you’re interested in finding out more about our services, call us at 512-572-3976. We’ll do our best to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
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