Many patients come to our Cedar Park chiropractic clinic for their migraines. Most of them have tried different methods, but none seem to succeed in stopping their migraines from reoccurring. If you are one of those people who suffer from migraines, we understand your predicament. Migraines can be debilitating to the extent that it can affect all areas of your life.
Although medical doctors are still unsure of the exact cause of migraines, chiropractic researchers have known for a long time that the alignment of the spine can be an important factor in patients with head pain. Later in this article, we will explain how a science-backed method has been providing relief for thousands of migraine sufferers. First, let’s talk more about migraines and the hallmark symptoms of this neurological condition.
Staggering Facts About Migraines
- Migraines are the 3rd most common disorder around the world.
- One billion people worldwide have migraines.
- Women are three times more likely to have migraines than men are.
- Migraines occur most often in adults between the ages of 25 and 55.
- Around 90 percent of people with migraines have close family members with the condition.
- About 10 percent of school-aged children suffer from migraines.
- As many as 25 percent of migraine sufferers experience an aura, a neurological symptom that warns of the impending headache.
- Migraine attacks can persist for 72 hours.
- Medication overuse headaches are the leading reason for episodic migraines to become chronic.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Migraines
Migraines bring about primary headaches (rather than secondary) as they do not occur due to another illness or condition such as a brain tumor. You may experience the headache on either side of your head. Some people experience head pain on both sides. The intensity of pain ranges from moderate to severe and can get in the way of your normal daily activities. Most of the time, it helps to lie down in a cold, dark room for a rest. Some of the characteristics of migraines are as follows:
- Pulsating or throbbing head pain
- Aura
- Sound sensitivity
- Light sensitivity
- Sensitivity to certain odors
- Visual changes and blurry vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Stiff neck
- Weakness
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and migraines download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
Scientists Discovered a Migraine “Generator” in the Brain
Years ago, scientists conducted a study on nine migraine patients. They used brain scans to monitor brain activity within six hours of the onset of a migraine episode. The scans revealed there was likely a migraine “generator” in the region where the brainstem meets the midbrain. It is possible that head pain occur because the generator loses control over the area of the brainstem regulating the pain perception and the contraction of blood vessels. Overactivity of these parts may result in migraines. They found that the generator continues to strike even after a migraine has subsided. This is possibly the cause of tiredness among patients who feel as if they are still suffering from an attack even after a migraine episode.
Furthermore, patients took sumatriptan, an anti-migraine medication. After taking the pill, their symptoms were relieved, but the brainstem overactivity continued. Doctors see this as the possible reason why, in some people, headaches come back after 4 to 6 hours of taking sumatriptan. This is the case for about 20 to 30 percent of migraine patients. Why is this so? Sumatriptan does not affect the activity of the brainstem, and it can only alleviate pain outside the brain.
Another Fascinating Research Study About Migraines
Other research has exposed more vital information on the contributors to migraine pain.
Activation of the Trigeminal Nerve
The trigeminal nerve, the main sensory nerve of the head and face and a main channel of pain, is activated during a migraine. The nerve endings then release neuropeptides, inflammatory chemicals, leading to irritation of nerves and dilation of blood vessels, resulting in pain.
Changes in the Electrical Activity of the Brain
This causes dizziness, extreme tiredness, and inability to concentrate. Some people have a flu-like feeling since the brain is in an uproar during a migraine attack.
Changes in Blood Flow
Blood flow also changes concerning the brain’s cortex and brainstem during migraines. The brain’s activity remains high throughout this time. An area of the brainstem regulates serotonin, which can contribute to migraines.
Decreased Blood Flow to the Occipital Area of the Brain
This is most likely the reason for the presence of visual symptoms during a migraine. Reduction of blood flow may last for a few hours, along with the changes in the electrical activity of the brain.
A Natural, Science-Backed Solution to Migraines
Changes are happening in the brain and brainstem during a migraine, and these should be considered when looking for migraine relief. One thing that plays a role in these changes is a misalignment in the bones of the upper cervical spine, particularly the C1 and C2.
How a Neck Misalignment Brings Migraines
When a misalignment occurs in this area of the neck, it can affect the body in different ways. For one thing, it blocks the blood and cerebrospinal fluid from leaving or entering the brain in the proper amounts. This can lead to intracranial pressure that irritates nerves or reduces adequate blood flow to some regions of the brain. Either of these can cause migraines.
The brainstem also receives undue pressure when the top neck bones are misaligned. These bones are supposed to protect the brainstem, but injury makes them do the opposite. If the brainstem is under stress, it may relay improper signals to the brain. This is another contributing factor to migraine pain.
Research Shows Effectiveness of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
Another study involved 101 migraine patients. These patients had a subluxation (misalignment) in the bones of the upper cervical spine. For eight months, each of these patients received upper cervical chiropractic care as needed to ensure the alignment of the bones of their upper neck. About 85 of them saw the complete resolution of their head pain. The rest reported a huge improvement in the severity and frequency of their migraines.
Here at Symmetry Health Chiropractic Center in Cedar Park, Texas, we use a similar method as the one used in the study mentioned above. We employ a gentle and effective technique to help realign the bones of the neck naturally. Once the misalignment is corrected, patients can see their migraines improve significantly or go away entirely.
To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Cedar Park, TX office at 512-572-3976 You can also click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.