Migraines are debilitating headaches that are triggered by stress or other triggers.
The number of people searching for migraines has increased dramatically over the years.
Migraines can occur with some frequency and can cause severe pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound during a flare up. About 40 percent of the population experiences migraines, and one in five individuals may get them in their lifetime.
Migraines are a common problem. Most people don’t think of chiropractors when seeking treatment for this painful condition. The truth is that chiropractic care can be very helpful in managing these kinds of intense headaches. Read on to learn more about chiropractic care for migraines and how a chiropractor can help.
What is Chiropractic Care for Migraine?
Migraines are neurological disorders that affect the nerves in your head. This can cause pain and other neurological symptoms. Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine used to treat symptoms of migraine, such as headaches, back pain, neck pain, and joint pain.
Chiropractic care is based on the theory that the body is naturally aligned in a healthy way, and that misalignments in the spine and other body parts can cause pain, headaches, and other health problems.
Chiropractic care can be done for back pain, neck pain, and joint pain as well, but can be very effective for migraine issues. One study shows that chiropractic care significantly reduced migraine headaches over pharmaceutical interventions.
How Does Chiropractic Care for Migraine?
Chiropractors manipulate your spine to realign your nervous system. This is achieved by using spinal adjustment techniques and performing other manual therapy procedures (such as manipulation of the joints of the spine) to improve nerve flow and bring the body into alignment. The theory is that, once your nervous system is aligned and properly functioning, the body will be able to heal itself.
Migraine headaches can also be treated with chiropractic adjustments or manipulation, as well as soft tissue therapies. Treatment may include massage techniques to reduce stress and relieve pain. Migraine treatment also offers lifestyle management advice, such as: making dietary changes and taking B complex vitamins, avoiding heavy exercise and encouraging walking/low impact aerobics; advising on posture like sitting correctly at work (ideal for all).
How Effective is Chiropractic Care for Migraine?
Many people find relief from migraines through chiropractic care. Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence that this is a cause or cure for migraines; however, chiropractic care may help reduce the frequency of your migraines.
Migraine is a neurological disorder and is difficult to cure. However, many people find relief from the headaches through chiropractic care.
Do Chiropractors Treat Other Types Of Headaches?
We see people for all different types of headache, not just migraine. Headache is a common complaint among those who see us – and it’s one we can help with!
Cervicogenic headaches
Cervicogenic headaches are a type of headache that has its origins in the neck or base of the skull. It is not caused by issues with blood vessels but rather inflammation and muscle tightness near these areas. A 2017 study found those who received spinal manipulation therapy for cervicogenic headache reported improvements, when compared to subjects receiving a placebo treatment (a sham procedure). More research is needed on this topic to figure out what happens if someone receives chiropractic care instead of just spinal manipulative therapy- it would be unethical to do so without prior evidence as only one trial was done on people who had been given chiropractic treatments while they were being given either cervical manipulative therapies or placebos over an 8-week period.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and occur about once or twice a month for many people. A normal approach to managing these types of headaches is through chiropractic care, including trigger advice and spinal manipulation. Soft tissue therapy also helps relieve tension in muscles that may have been affected by stress management guidance from your chiropractor.
Should You Try Chiropractic Care for Migraine?
Some people find relief from their migraines through chiropractic care. However, there is no scientific evidence that chiropractic care can completely cure your migraine.
Studies have shown that spinal manipulation and adjustments may be useful in treating migraine with aura, but more research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness.
Bottom line
It is important to note that Chiropractor in Edmonton South at Aspire Physiotherapy have experience in managing migraines and other types of severe headaches, but it is always a good idea to visit a doctor before trying any therapies. If you would like to learn more about how we can help with your migraines, call us today to book an appointment.
