Chiropractic Care: Migraine Headache Disorder

April 2, 2023

By Dr. Chris Weilandich, DC, LAT

Migraine headaches are a common neurological condition affecting about 1 in 7 people worldwide. They are a type of primary headache disorder, meaning they are not caused by an underlying medical condition. Migraines can occur at any age, but they often first start in adolescence or early adulthood. Migraines can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, and can greatly impact an individual’s ability to function in their daily life.

What are the Symptoms of Migraine Headaches?

The symptoms of a migraine headache can vary between individuals but typically include:

• Moderate to severe throbbing or pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head.
• Sensitivity to light, noise, and certain odors.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Visual disturbances such as flashing lights, zigzag lines, or blind spots.
• Tingling or numbness in the face or hands.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Difficulty concentrating.

What are the Triggers of Migraine Headaches?

The Triggers of a migraine headache can vary between individuals but typically include:

• Hormonal changes: Women are more likely to experience migraines during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
• Stress: Emotional and physical stress can trigger migraines.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to certain stimuli, such as bright or flashing lights, strong smells, and loud noises, can trigger migraines.
• Changes in sleep patterns: Lack of sleep or irregular sleep patterns can trigger migraines.
• Certain foods and drinks: Some foods and drinks, such as chocolate, alcohol, and caffeine, can trigger migraines.

What are the Causes of Migraine Headaches?

The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Researchers believe that migraines are caused by changes in the brainstem and its interactions with the trigeminal nerve, a major pain pathway.

What are Traditional Treatments for Migraines?

There are various treatments available to manage migraine headaches, including: 

• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen can help relieve mild to moderate migraine pain.
• Prescription medications: Medications such as triptans, ergotamines, and anti-nausea drugs can help relieve moderate to severe migraine pain.
• Lifestyle changes: Making changes to your diet, sleep habits, and stress management techniques can help prevent migraines.
• Behavioral therapies: Therapy techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and biofeedback can help manage migraines.

What are some Ways to Manage Migraines at Home?

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking water and staying hydrated can help prevent dehydration, which can trigger migraines in some people. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day, and more if you’re exercising or in a hot environment.
• Use Caffeine: Caffeine can help reduce migraine pain and improve the effectiveness of some pain medications. However, it’s important not to overdo it, as too much caffeine can actually trigger migraines. Aim for no more than 200-300 milligrams of caffeine per day, or roughly 1-2 cups of coffee.
• Apply Heat or Cold: Applying a cold or hot compress to the affected area can help reduce migraine pain. Cold compresses work best during the early stages of a migraine, while hot compresses may be more effective during the later stages.
• Practice Relaxation Techniques: Stress and tension can trigger migraines in some people, so practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help alleviate symptoms. Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit and spend a few minutes each day practicing relaxation techniques.
• Get Enough Sleep: Sleep deprivation and irregular sleep patterns can trigger migraines in some people, so it’s important to establish a regular sleep routine and get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.

For a  More Natural and Holistic Approach!

Chiropractic care has been shown to offer a promising approach to managing migraine headaches. There is ongoing research on the effectiveness of chiropractic care for migraine headaches. The neurology behind how chiropractic care may help relieve migraines is not yet fully understood, but emerging evidence suggests that chiropractic adjustments may provide significant benefits.

One exciting theory is that chiropractic care relieves migraine headaches by addressing misalignments and tension in the neck and spine that can contribute to migraine pain. By using manual manipulation techniques known as adjustments, chiropractors can improve the alignment and mobility of the vertebrae and reduce tension in the surrounding muscles and nerves. This restored motion reduces inflammation and improves blood flow, both of which can contribute to migraine pain.

Another way chiropractic care relieves migraines is through its effects on the central nervous system. Chiropractic adjustments stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the body. Endorphins can help reduce pain and improve mood, which helps alleviate migraine symptoms.

Additionally, chiropractic care may help restore proper function to the autonomic nervous system, which controls many of the body’s automatic functions such as heart rate, breathing, and digestion, which plays a key role in migraine headaches. Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system has been linked to migraine headaches, and chiropractic care can help restore proper function to this system.

While it is important to note that chiropractic care may not be effective for everyone and is not a cure for migraines, it does offer a safe and non-invasive approach to managing this condition. By discussing the potential benefits and risks with a qualified chiropractor, individuals with migraines may be able to experience significant relief and improved quality of life.

Get help Today!

If you suffer from migraines, you know just how debilitating they can be. They can interrupt your daily routine, disrupt your work schedule, and leave you feeling exhausted and in pain. But what if there was a natural, non-invasive way to manage your migraines without relying on medication? That’s where Project Chiro comes in.

At Project Chiro, we believe in taking a holistic approach to healthcare, addressing the root causes of your migraines and creating a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Our chiropractors use manual manipulation techniques to adjust the spine and neck, which can help improve the alignment of the vertebrae and reduce tension in the surrounding muscles and nerves. By improving the function of your nervous system, we can help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and alleviate your migraine symptoms.

In addition to chiropractic adjustments, we offer a range of complementary therapies to help manage your migraines, including massage therapy, acupuncture, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle coaching. Our team of healthcare professionals is dedicated to working with you to find the best combination of therapies to help manage your migraine headache disorder and improve your overall health and well-being.

Our program doesn’t just focus on short-term relief. We aim to help you achieve long-term success in managing your migraines. By addressing the underlying causes of your migraines, we can help you experience fewer migraines over time and improve your overall quality of life.

At Project Chiro, we understand the impact that migraines can have on your life, and we are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care to help you achieve optimal health. We know that every individual is different, and that’s why we take a personalized approach to your care. We listen to your concerns and work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your specific needs. We’ll take into account your medical history, lifestyle, and goals for treatment, ensuring that you get the care you need to finally find relief from your migraines. We also provide education and resources to help you make healthy choices that can reduce the frequency and intensity of your migraines.

Don’t let migraines control your life any longer. Take control of your health with Project Chiro. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you manage your migraines naturally and effectively.