Enduring sharp, excruciating pain from a migraine can be unbearable. What’s worse is that medications can only barely manage the symptoms temporarily, leaving you feeling helpless and in agony.
Migraines are a common yet disabling neurological disorder that affects over 1 billion adults worldwide. It’s important to understand who is affected by migraines, the signs, and symptoms, as well as how chiropractic can help. Here’s what you need to know about chiropractic for migraines and how it works.
Who Is Affected By Migraines?
In the US, more than 39 million Americans experience migraine attacks. While anyone can get a migraine, it’s more common in women than men. Statistics show that women are three times more likely to suffer from migraines compared to males. It is more common in patients 12 years or older, but is proven to be more debilitating for women in their thirties.
“A researcher once said that ‘the femaleness of migraine is inescapable,’ ” says Elizabeth Loder, associate professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and chief of the division of headache and pain at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
The main culprit behind this gender-based phenomenon is estrogen. Estrogen alters how nerve cells interact and influences how they transmit pain signals, making women more sensitive to it.
Therefore, once women hit menopause and their estrogen levels drop, many experiences a decrease in migraine occurrence.
Nevertheless, anyone can suffer from a migraine, as well as painful headaches.
Signs And Symptoms Of Migraines
Migraine attacks are separated into four distinct stages based on their symptoms: Prodrome, Aura, Attack, and Postdrome.
Prodrome (1-2 days before migraine)
This is the earliest stage of a migraine attack typically occurring before the actual headache begins. The most common prodromal symptoms of migraine are constipation, depression, irritability, and neck stiffness.
Aura (Immediately Before or During Migraine)
This is the most uncommon stage, affecting only 15 percent of people who experience migraines. Auras are typically visual disturbances like seeing flashing lights or zig-zag lines in your vision. Other auras include ringing in the ears or a strange smell sensation.
Attack (Actual Headache)
This is the most severe stage of a migraine attack, occurring with intense throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation on one or both sides of the head. Other common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. These attacks can last for 4 to 72 hours.
Postdrome (After Migraine)
This is the recovery stage of a migraine attack, often lasting up to 24 hours after the headache has passed. You may feel drained, confused, and exhausted during this stage. This is also why it’s referred to as “the migraine hangover”.
Can A Chiropractor Help With Migraines?
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The goal of chiropractic care is to help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches. Studies have found that spinal manipulation can be beneficial in relieving pain from migraines due to its ability to relieve tension and pressure in the neck and head. The patience in the integrative migraine pain alleviation group which included chiropractic care showed reduced migraine-related disability and improved quality of life.
Chiropractors use a variety of methods such as spinal adjustments to help reduce the intensity of migraine attacks and improve the overall functionality of the body.
How Does Chiropractic For Migraines Work?
First, chiropractors are skilled in assessing the spine to identify areas of dysfunction, tightness, and misalignment. With the Gonstead chiropractic techniques, they then use manual adjustments and manipulation to restore proper alignment of the spine.
Chiropractors use spinal manipulation to realign vertebrae and remove subluxations. This can help to reduce pressure on the nerves and improve blood circulation, both of which can lead to fewer migraine attacks. Therefore, the surrounding structures can now receive oxygenated blood, resulting in fewer headaches.
In addition, chiropractic care can help to improve the balance of hormones and neurotransmitters, as well as strengthen the muscles around the neck to reduce pain and tension.
Chiropractors may also recommend lifestyle changes such as stress management techniques or dietary adjustments for additional relief. For this, they will refer you to other specialists as needed.
However, your treatment does not end there. You must also continue with Gonstead chiropractic treatment aftercare to ensure that the spine remains in proper alignment and functioning.
Professional Certified Chiropractors in Colorado
For a safe and effective treatment of migraines, it is recommended to visit a professional, certified Gonstead chiropractor. They will assess your condition and provide appropriate care to help reduce the pain, frequency, and intensity of migraines. Chiropractic care can help you regain control over your life and finally find relief from migraine attacks.
By utilizing chiropractic for migraines, your body can now heal itself and function pain-free and at an optimal level. So don’t wait any longer, visit a chiropractor today and start the journey to healthier living!
For professional certified Gonstead chiropractors in Colorado, contact us at Concise Chiropractic today for more information or to make an appointment. We look forward to helping you find relief from your migraines!
