If you are thinking of seeing a chiropractor for migraines to find some relief without medication and with minimal side effects, then you have found the right source for the information to help you make your decision. Migraines are a chronic source of pain and many other neurological symptoms. About 39 million Americans are migraineurs.
To get to the root of this condition, we are going to look at circumstances in the central nervous system that can lead to the onset of migraines. Then we will examine the role of the upper cervical spine when it comes to these factors.
It may surprise you to find that the real root of your migraines may be in your neck. We will also consider the special technique that every chiropractor for migraines employs to improve the quality of life of patients.
What Are the Causes of Migraines?
The causes of migraines are a medical mystery, and there are likely a number of different factors involved. That said, there are several factors that may cause the onset of migraines. Every chiropractor for migraines consider some of the following.
Head or Neck Trauma
Many people experience their first migraine weeks, months, or even a few years after a head or neck trauma. These injuries can occur in a car accident, while playing sports, or even during a slip and fall or an assault. While researchers know that migraines often start after head or neck trauma, the reason injury leads to migraines is rarely suggested. We would like to posit that it has to do with misalignments of the top two bones in the neck. As we look at three more factors in migraine occurrence, notice how they all connect to the neck.
Cerebral Blood Flow
At one time, changes in blood flow to the brain was the leading theory on how migraines began. Now researchers believe it is a combination of factors and that changes in cerebral blood flow is one contributing element. The neck is related to this proper flow of blood in that the vertebrae of the neck allow for the free passage of the arteries by means of loops of bone called the vertebral foramen. It makes sense that misalignments could cause issues with this free flow of blood and oxygen to the head.
Brainstem Function
The brainstem is another element of the central nervous system with a recognized link to migraines. Changes in brainstem activity can lead to many of the symptoms of this neurological condition. The C1 vertebra (also called the atlas) surrounds and provides protection for this key component of the CNS. Unfortunately, that also means that even minor atlas misalignments can contribute to changes in brainstem function and the accompanying symptoms.
Intracranial Pressure
When the upper cervical spine is misaligned, it can inhibit the proper drainage of cerebrospinal fluid. This, in turn, can lead to increased intracranial pressure. This increased pressure can cause many of the symptoms of migraine, such as a severe headache, vision problems, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, or other neurological symptoms.
The Role of the Nervous System in Migraines
While the preceding isn’t a definitive list of the causes of migraines, it does make one thing clear. Migraines are a neurological condition that is caused by issues in the central nervous system, whether that be with brainstem function, intracranial pressure, blood flow, or something else. Therefore, you want your CNS to be functioning optimally if you are experiencing migraines with regularity.
How can you get the help you need for a healthy central nervous system? This is why more and more people are turning to a chiropractor for migraines. The alignment of the neck is of particular interest when it comes to all of the possible causes we mentioned above. It’s also why we want to recommend a specific type of chiropractic adjustment for people living with migraines – upper cervical chiropractic.
How Does a Chiropractor for Migraines Can Help?
Upper cervical specific chiropractic care involves precise and gentle adjustments of just the top two bones in the neck. The process begins with a patient history to detect possible causes of an upper cervical misalignment. Then, diagnostic imaging is used to precisely pinpoint misalignments down to hundredths of a degree. Finally, you are ready for your own customized and gentle corrections that are calculated based on the measurements taken during your initial examination.
Get Help from an Upper Cervical Chiropractor for Migraines
If you are suffering from migraines, we encourage you to seek the assistance of an upper cervical chiropractor in your area. Misalignments of the C1 and C2 can cause many if not all of the symptoms that go along with a migraine, and it is no wonder that one of the most common of those symptoms is neck pain.
If you have been living with migraines and are looking for some natural relief, especially if you have a history of head or neck trauma, upper cervical chiropractic may be the solution for you. Contact a practitioner in your area by using the search feature on this site to find a preferred doctor. Scheduling a consultation may be your first step on the path to better health and well-being. You may even find that you are able to break away from migraines for good, all because you had the idea to seek out a chiropractor for migraines.
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